Adrian Kempe remains far from an extension with the Los Angeles Kings as contract talks drag, with both sides weighing market value and cap realities and the sense that the first domino for 2026 UFAs could shift leverage. Teams are watching the process closely as they plan the coming window with eye-catching, long-term deals unlikely to come cheap.

In Edmonton, the Oilers are juggling more than just Connor McDavid’s extension—meetings are ongoing, and progress on Jake Walman’s long-term deal signals a broader strategy to stabilize the back end ahead of the season. Podkolzin’s extension in Vancouver and Pinto’s status in Ottawa underscore a league-wide focus on locking up young talent, while whispers about Hart and potential moves to Calgary or Winnipeg add a potential multi-team wrinkle to the market.

Nashville's Luke Evangelista remains unsigned as a two-year pact sits in a tight middle: the Predators offer around $2M per season while Evangelista seeks about $3.25M. He flew back to Ontario, signaling camp readiness and a waiting game that could hinge on a slight pay gap.

Podkolzin's three-year extension at a $2.95M cap hit is cited as a market anchor that could bolster Evangelista's leverage, even as Leafs' Stolarz extension talks illustrate a broader trend of short-term deals as camps open.

Vasily Podkolzin signs a three-year, 8.85M deal with the Edmonton Oilers, starting in 2026-27 at 2.95M AAV. The move adds a two-way winger with bite to Edmonton’s depth chart, opening fantasy upside if he earns middle-six minutes and occasional power-play work.

Last season in Edmonton, he posted 24 points in 82 games, added 10 playoff points in 22 games, and led the club with 211 hits while logging a career-high 13:13 of ice time. His fantasy trajectory hinges on line placement and PP usage behind McDavid and Draisaitl.