Calgary Flames show progress as Mikael Backlund remains open to staying in Calgary with one year left, while Connor Zary edges toward a three-year deal around 3.5 million cap hit. Toronto's goaltending depth is being reworked with Anthony Stolarz in play, and David Kampf and Calle Jarnkrok could be moved to adjust the lineup. Carter Hart draws Flyers interest from buyers, Mario Ferraro remains a rumor mill staple for Sharks, and Quinn Hughes faces noise without a firm long-term decision in Vancouver. Carey Price’s contract remains a sticking point for the Canadiens. Fantasy implications center on Calgary’s balance of veteran presence with youth, Toronto’s depth shifts, and goaltending volatility across the league.

Expect Zary to push for increased ice time behind Backlund, with Calgary leveraging leadership and a competitive middle six. Hart’s market could reshape Philadelphia’s goaltending picture, while the chatter around Ferraro and Hughes hints at defensive depth and opportunity for breakout seasons regardless of movement. Price’s cap situation in Montreal keeps fantasy rosters cautious, while Leafs’ and Sharks’ rumblings underscore how roster maintenance can swing short- and mid-term value across fantasy lineups.

Luke Hughes’ contract stalemate with the New Jersey Devils heads toward training camp as GM Tom Fitzgerald seeks a deal that fits both today’s roster needs and future cap realities. The piece notes rising caps shaping a buyer’s market and internal limits, while Dawson Mercer and Jeremy Swayman’s training camp absence adds leverage dynamics. Calgary’s Zary, Backlund, and Andersson; plus Canucks' Quinn Hughes, Rangers, Canadiens and Leafs are cited as comp benchmarks in a broader NHL cap landscape.

Calgary Flames and Connor Zary remain at an unsigned RFA standstill, with dispute over term vs. price keeping him in limbo as business picks up. Mikael Backlund, in the final year of his deal and open to Canada-only terms, weighs his future with the team while Rasmus Andersson’ s status looms on a potential trade. The piece also flags Anaheim Ducks and Los Angeles Kings as broader league players in the rumor mill, underscoring Calgary’s tightrope between asset value and roster continuity.

The Calgary Flames are actively seeking to bolster their center depth as they prepare for the upcoming season. With Nazem Kadri and Mikael Backlund firmly positioned in their 30s, the organizational strategy may involve promoting Connor Zary, a young talent who has been playing on the wing but could transition to center. Recent discussions mentioned Morgan Frost, a pending RFA who underperformed after his acquisition from the Philadelphia Flyers. The Flames might offer him a deal based on his potential, especially considering their need for centers. Additionally, the Flames have set their sights on drafting prospects like Jack Nesbitt and Cole Reschny to enhance their center options.

In other news, the Ottawa Senators are working on retaining Claude Giroux, who is keen to stay with the team. Informal discussions have taken place regarding a potential short-term deal, possibly in the $3 to $4 million range, drawing comparisons to Joe Pavelski's contract. The Senators' focus is also on signing RFAs like Fabian Zetterlund while considering high-impact forwards via trade or free agency.

The Calgary Flames ended their NHL regular season on a high note, defeating the Los Angeles Kings 5-1, with Nazem Kadri netting two goals. Sam Morton, Zayne Parekh, and Mikael Backlund also contributed to the scoreline. This victory brought pride to the Flames, who missed the playoffs for the third consecutive year.

The Kings, despite the loss, matched their franchise record with 48 wins and 105 points. Taylor Ward, in his NHL debut, scored the only goal for the Kings in the dying minutes of the game. With their first playoff series against the Edmonton Oilers set for Monday, the Kings enter as one of the hottest teams, having won eight of their last ten games.