The NHL season is heating up as teams finalize their rosters for the upcoming games. The Los Angeles Kings are making headlines with their impressive lineup, featuring high-profile players like Anze Kopitar and Drew Doughty. Meanwhile, the Florida Panthers are looking to maintain their momentum after a strong postseason run, with Aleksander Barkov leading the charge. The New York Rangers, bolstered by the dynamic duo of Artemi Panarin and Mika Zibanejad, aim to secure a playoff spot with a consistent performance this year.

Fantasy managers should keep an eye on players like Connor Bedard, who is poised to make a significant impact in his rookie season with the Chicago Blackhawks. Additionally, with injuries sidelining key players in various teams, the waiver wire will be a crucial resource for fantasy owners seeking to fill gaps in their rosters. As the season progresses, strategic decisions will be vital for both fantasy leagues and sports betting enthusiasts.

The NHL's recent free agency period has seen several teams struggle to make impactful moves. The Buffalo Sabres are notably at the top of the losers' list, having questionable trades and failing to secure any significant free agent signings. With Bowen Byram rumored to be on the trade block, their future looks uncertain. Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Kings have made numerous signings, yet none are standout players, raising concerns over their roster depth and potential competitiveness.

The Anaheim Ducks brought in Mikael Granlund but only made minimal moves otherwise, raising skepticism about their playoff aspirations under new coach Joel Quenneville. The Seattle Kraken continued their trend of low-risk investments, failing to acquire any star power to elevate the team. Lastly, the Detroit Red Wings extended Patrick Kane but were criticized for bringing in John Gibson, whose performance has declined, and not adequately addressing their defensive needs.

The Winnipeg Jets have taken a strategic approach to bolster their roster by signing five players to one-year, two-way contracts, each valued at $775,000 in the NHL. The new additions include forwards Phil Di Giuseppe, Walker Duehr, and Samuel Fagemo, as well as defenseman Kale Clague and goaltender Isaac Poulter.

Among these signings, Di Giuseppe stands out with considerable NHL experience, having accumulated 81 points across 302 career games with teams like the Carolina Hurricanes and Vancouver Canucks. Last season, he contributed significantly in the AHL, helping lead the Abbotsford Canucks to a Calder Cup victory. Duehr and Fagemo bring their own NHL experience to the Jets, while Clague adds depth to the defensive lineup. Poulter, despite being a rookie, has shown promise in his previous AHL season, posting solid statistics. The Jets aim to enhance their competitiveness as they navigate the offseason.

The New York Rangers made significant moves this week, securing defenseman Vladislav Gavrikov with a seven-year, $49 million contract and extending forward Will Cuylle for two years at $7.8 million. Gavrikov, previously with the Los Angeles Kings, recorded 30 points last season while leading in blocked shots. The Rangers aim to pair him with Adam Fox, enhancing their defensive capabilities. Cuylle, coming off a breakout season with 45 points, has also made a name for himself with high hit numbers and accolades.

Additionally, the Rangers traded defenseman K’Andre Miller to the Carolina Hurricanes, acquiring future picks and Scott Morrow. Miller subsequently signed an eight-year deal, further indicating the Rangers’ strategic reshaping ahead of next season.

The Edmonton Oilers have made a notable addition to their roster by signing Andrew Mangiapane to a two-year contract averaging $3.6 million per year. Mangiapane, previously with the Washington Capitals, had a solid season, netting 14 goals and 28 points. His time in Washington was characterized by consistent play, transitioning through the top three lines of a high-scoring team. While Mangiapane's postseason performance was underwhelming, he has potential upside playing alongside the Oilers' offensive stars, hoping to replicate his previous peak of 35 goals with the Calgary Flames in 2021-22.

With Corey Perry's departure from the Oilers to the Kings, Mangiapane may fill the void left in terms of offensive depth. At 29, the veteran forward still has the opportunity to reach new heights in the offensive-minded environment of Edmonton.