Mason McTavish is at the center of Anaheim's looming cap decisions, with Verbeek signaling a preference for long-term deals over bridge contracts. The Ducks’ core—Leo Carlsson, Pavel Mintyukov, and the emerging Dostal–LaCombe nucleus—will require big extensions in the coming years, compressing cap space as those RFAs hit new deals.

For fantasy managers, McTavish's contract timeline matters: a long-term pact could anchor his scoring floor, while the rest of Anaheim's youth could push for more top-six minutes and power-play looks if cap room remains tight. The math around Carlsson and Mintyukov will shape both individual upside and Ducks' overall fantasy outlook for 2025-27.

The Los Angeles Kings have emerged as a formidable contender in the NHL's Pacific Division, banking on a fresh approach to player development. Under the guidance of former player Jarret Stoll, who mentors young forwards like Jaret Anderson-Dolan, the Kings are focusing on essential skills like faceoff wins and defensive play. With a promising crop of prospects including Alex Turcotte and Quinton Byfield, the Kings have transitioned from previous struggles to a brighter future.

General Manager Rob Blake's commitment to a structured rebuild has positioned the Kings as a team to watch. Their organizational strategy leans heavily on development, drawing insights from past successes and failures. With the team’s AHL affiliate, the Ontario Reign, training in proximity, the Kings are fostering a seamless transition for young players to adapt to the NHL's pace.

In a thrilling overtime showdown, Jonathan Huberdeau netted a power-play goal just over two minutes into the extra frame, securing a 3-2 victory for the Calgary Flames against the Anaheim Ducks. This win ended a two-game losing streak for the Flames, highlighted by MacKenzie Weegar's impressive performance, contributing one goal and one assist. Nazem Kadri also found the net, while goaltender Dustin Wolf made 25 saves, ensuring a solid defensive effort.

The Ducks fought valiantly, with Mason McTavish tying the game late in the third period and Alex Killorn scoring his eighth goal. Despite this effort, Anaheim's hopes of winning five out of six games were dashed. The game saw a pivotal moment when a questionable interference call allowed Calgary to capitalize in overtime, leading to the decisive goal. Connor Zary's injury during the second period marred the Flames' victory, complicating their strategy moving forward.

The NHL's sophomore season can be a challenging time for young players, often leading to what's known as the 'sophomore slump.' However, some players are rising to the occasion and proving their worth.

Zach Benson of the Buffalo Sabres has made a strong case for himself, showcasing his skills with a solid rookie season and aiming for even more in his second year. Pavel Mintyukov of the Anaheim Ducks has also stepped up, becoming a vital part of the team's defense. Meanwhile, Marco Rossi of the Minnesota Wild is thriving in a top-line role, contributing significantly to his team's success.

As these players continue to develop, fans are eager to see if they can maintain their momentum and avoid the pitfalls that often accompany the transition from rookie to seasoned player.