The NHL offseason lingers as teams wait on key restricted free agents, with Mason McTavish at the center of the swirl. Luke Hughes and Marco Rossi remain unsigned, keeping their clubs wary of optics and cap implications. Anaheim’s patience is tested as McTavish’s role under Pat Verbeek’s system remains in flux, fueling trade chatter despite the Ducks’ stated playoff goals. A cluster of destinations—Detroit, Carolina, Vancouver, Calgary, Montreal, Philadelphia, and even Pittsburgh—are floated as viable fits, each with its own price tag and strategic upside. The conversation centers on McTavish as a potential 2C and whether Anaheim should cash in now or hold for the right return.

Across the league, teams weigh how to navigate center depth behind McTavish, while rivals eye the Ducks’ leverage with a premium. The piece also threads in related unsigned RFAs and notable roster moves, highlighting how one marquee trade could realign conferences and fantasy values alike. Until signings land and training camps open, the market circling McTavish will shape both real-world outcomes and fantasy projections for the coming season.

Detroit will retire Sergei Fedorov’s No. 91 on January 12, 2026, in a ceremony preceding the Wings’ showdown with the Carolina Hurricanes at Little Caesars Arena. Fedorov’s name becomes the ninth in team history to be enshrined on the rafters, joining storied legends who shaped Hockeytown’s legacy. The moment caps a career in Detroit that spanned 13 seasons and left him among the franchise’s all-time leaders in goals, assists, and points, while underscoring Detroit’s long-running tradition of honoring its greats.

Fedorov tallied 954 points (400 goals, 554 assists) in 908 games with Detroit from 1990–2003, ranking fourth in goals, sixth in points, and seventh in assists for the franchise. He also owns the Wings’ overtime and short-handed marks, and sits among top names in game-winning and power-play goals. His 1993–94 season featured 56 goals and 120 points, a year that earned him the Hart and Ted Lindsay Awards. The center lifted Detroit to three Stanley Cups and left a playoff résumé that includes 163 points in 163 playoff games with the team. His regular-season totals across his career, including stints with three other teams, reach 1,179 points in 1,248 games, with playoff totals at 176 points in 183 games. The ceremony will acknowledge a career defined by elite offense, stifling defense, and a rare two-way impact that defined an era for Detroit and the sport.

Jack Roslovic remains unsigned as the NHL free-agent market dwindles, and Vancouver Canucks interest has become a focal point of late-season chatter. Roslovic posted 22 goals and 17 assists for Carolina last year, a profile that makes him a versatile, high‑upside center option for a team aiming to deepen its middle and lift its scoring to playoff contention. The Canucks’ bid to add Roslovic comes as they weigh how to maximize Brock Boeser’s return while also addressing depth up the middle and on the wings. Toronto is another hotspot in the Roslovic sweepstakes, underscoring the positional value he provides to a team starved for scoring punch and two-way reliability. The offseason storylines pivot on whether Vancouver can close the deal with Roslovic and how that would alter Boeser’s usage and line combinations, potentially reshaping Vancouver’s lineup as rosters finalize.

The Canucks are believed to be prioritizing a significant upgrade in depth and scoring to push back into postseason contention, and Roslovic’s playmaking ability could complement Boeser’s scoring and the club’s growth trajectory. If Vancouver lands Roslovic, he could slot into a high-leverage center role, possibly anchoring a new top-six alongside Boeser or providing a reliable pivot for a revamped power play. That hypothetical pairing would likely shift Boeser’s usage and could boost several Vancouver wings, while Roslovic’s two-way game would help the Canucks contend with more complete, matchup-aware lines. The Hurricanes veteran status of Roslovic also hints at an adaptable player who could quickly acclimate to Vancouver’s system and culture, giving fantasy managers a reason to monitor his signing closely as rosters take shape.

In the broader context, the Leafs have been a frequent rumor, but the Canucks’ pursuit highlights a broader trend: teams valuing depth at center and the ability to drive secondary scoring. If Roslovic signs, Vancouver’s immediate fantasy impact would hinge on line placement and PP usage, but the baseline is clear—a 20+ goal center who can contribute 0.50+ points per game and add value on special teams could be a meaningful boost for a team aiming to return to the postseason and challenge for the top half of its division.

Carolina Hurricanes go all-in this offseason, adding K'Andre Miller from New York and Nikolaj Ehlers to bolster the blueline and add firepower. They reportedly remain in on a Rakell pursuit, leveraging cap space for a Cup-or-bust push. Miller’s and Ehlers’ arrivals raise the Hurricanes’ floor on both ends, while Rakell would push their ceiling even higher, potentially reshaping lineups and power-play units across the East.

Fantasy implications bend toward opportunity. Ehlers likely slots into a prominent forward role, Miller shores up a top-four that should see more favorable starts and PP time, and Rakell—if acquired—could anchor a high-scoring top line. Carolina’s flexibility, aided by team-friendly deals, signals continued aggressive moves and a roaster reshaping that could redefine fantasy values in drafts and daily leagues this season.

Overall, Carolina’s aggressive build could shift East power dynamics, with multiple players seeing upside from the new talent around them. The mix of speed, scoring, and defense raises the Hurricanes’ playoff probability while giving fantasy managers several new high-upside targets.

Florida Panthers dominate the NHL with back-to-back Stanley Cup titles in 2024 and 2025, led by Paul Maurice and Sergei Bobrovsky’s late-season brilliance. They loom as the legitimate favorite in 2026 markets, but the trophy chase remains wide open as multiple teams eye a reset in the Sunshine State’s wake.

Edmonton, Carolina, Vegas and a handful of challengers are framed as the primary threats. Edmonton’s talent and near-misses in finals keep them in the conversation, while Carolina’s regular-season dominance clashes with playoff heartbreak. Vegas, the 2023 champion, is positioned to disrupt again, and the sport’s history-laden Islanders provide a reminder of how hard it is to win three straight. Fantasy managers should lean into Panthers’ core, with Bobrovsky as a potential anchor, while staying alert to league-wide value across contenders.