The Vancouver Canucks enter camp with a clear question at center after J.T. Miller’s offseason exit: who will anchor the second line? Filip Chytil is the top internal bet, projected to work with Pettersson and Kane, while Vancouver pursues internal options like Raty, Sasson, and Mueller. Management admires patience but won’t ignore outside options if results lag, with playoff odds at +115 to make the postseason and a high cost for a quick fix.

Evander Kane's recent trade to the Vancouver Canucks marks a significant milestone in his career, allowing him to play for his hometown team after a successful stint with the Edmonton Oilers where he reached the Stanley Cup Final twice. Kane, who missed the last season due to injuries, is eager to don the Canucks jersey and reconnect with his childhood passion for the team he grew up idolizing. He aims to achieve the 1,000-game milestone next season, a testament to his resilience and dedication.

Having accumulated 617 points over 930 regular-season games, Kane's experience will be invaluable for the Canucks. He expressed his excitement about playing in front of friends and family, emphasizing the importance of hockey in Vancouver. With one year left on his contract, Kane is focused on returning to full health and making a substantial impact as he embarks on this new chapter.

The NHL offseason is heating up as teams make significant roster changes. The Nashville Predators have secured defenseman Nicolas Hague from the Vegas Golden Knights, enhancing their defensive lineup. Meanwhile, the Toronto Maple Leafs extended star forward John Tavares with a four-year, $17.5 million deal, solidifying their core. The Buffalo Sabres traded forward J.J. Peterka to the Utah Mammoth in a surprising move, while the Edmonton Oilers dealt Evander Kane to the Vancouver Canucks for a fourth-round draft pick in 2025. Jonathan Toews, a longtime veteran, has signed a one-year contract with the Winnipeg Jets, marking a new chapter in his career.

In a dramatic conclusion to the 2025 season, the Florida Panthers secured their second consecutive Stanley Cup, led by Sam Reinhart's dominant performance. Oddsmakers have already pegged the Edmonton Oilers as favorites over the Panthers for the upcoming 2026 Stanley Cup, indicating expectations of a fierce rivalry. Sam Bennett, who hinted at returning to the Panthers during their celebrations, is still in negotiations with his agent, adding to the intrigue surrounding the team's future.

The NHL off-season has been bustling with notable trades and contract signings that might impact fantasy rosters for the upcoming season. The Toronto Maple Leafs secured star forward John Tavares with a four-year, $17.5 million contract extension, solidifying their attacking core. Meanwhile, the Buffalo Sabres traded J.J. Peterka to Utah Mammoth, signaling a shift in their strategy.

In one of the more surprising moves, the Edmonton Oilers shipped Evander Kane to the Vancouver Canucks in exchange for a 2025 fourth-round draft pick, a trade that will certainly affect both teams' fantasy landscapes. The Chicago Blackhawks' Jonathan Toews also agreed to a one-year deal with the Winnipeg Jets, adding depth to the Jets' forward lineup.

Additionally, Stanley Cup champion Sam Bennett hinted at a return to the Florida Panthers as he approaches free agency, although contract negotiations remain ongoing. As the season approaches, oddsmakers are already favoring the Oilers over the Panthers for the next Stanley Cup, which could impact player valuations across the board.

The Edmonton Oilers are making significant roster changes following another disappointing playoff run, particularly with the departure of Evander Kane, which frees up $5.1 million in cap space. This flexibility opens the door for potential acquisitions, including Brock Boeser, a forward from the Vancouver Canucks, who is expected to enter free agency.

Boeser, who had a down year with 50 points in 75 games last season, is reportedly seeking an eight-year contract worth $8 million annually. The Canucks, however, are not willing to meet this asking price, which has led to stalled negotiations. The Oilers, who struggled with scoring depth behind stars Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, could target Boeser as a viable replacement for Kane, potentially strengthening their top six.