Contract chatter swirls around Bedard’s next deal with the Chicago Blackhawks, setting the tone for long-term value as he enters restricted free agency after this season. Edmonton’s Jake Walman stands as a free agent-to-be, clouding blue-line usage. Hart’s extension remains on the radar, while Kaprizov’s and Nazar’s deal dynamics offer comparables and benchmarks. Skinner’s and Oilers’ cap decisions shade goaltending timelines and defense pairings ahead of fantasy rosters this season.