Montreal pursues a left-handed center who can win big faceoffs and shore up the middle, especially on the penalty kill, as the Atlantic tightens into an arms race. Dach appears as a long-term fit, but injuries and fit complicate the fit alongside Suzuki, Newhook, and Evans. With Dvorak gone, Montreal needs a trusted 2C who can relieve Suzuki and lift the lineup toward consistent playoff contention.

The market is thin; Vancouver and Winnipeg are natural buyers, yet the cost will be steep. Kent Hughes will be calculated, timing moves with season-start results, so a trade could come before Montreal truly stalls but only if the price aligns with the return required to be a playoff team.

Jersey numbers aren’t just styling choices for players; they signal habit, history and a hint of future role. Flyers fans will watch 2025-26 unfold with Sean Couturier in 14, Sam Ersson in 33, and Bobby Brink in 10, each choice tied to personal lore and team tradition. New additions carry numbers that angle toward roles to watch: Travis Konecny at 11, Trevor Zegras returning to 46 with Anaheim, and Christian Dvorak shifting to 22. Dvorak’s move mirrors Pelletier’s last-season 22, a nod to Flyers context and history. On defense, Dennis Gilbert lands 48 while Noah Juulsen takes 47, with Dan Vladař holding 80. The mix foregrounds how numbers can illuminate, but fantasy value still hinges on ice time, line combos and performance rather than digits.

The San Jose Sharks are making significant moves to bolster their defensive lineup, recently claiming Nick Leddy off waivers and signing Dmitry Orlov. With at least eight defensemen under contract, the Sharks now feature Mario Ferraro, who can play both sides. Meanwhile, the Philadelphia Flyers secured Christian Dvorak on a one-year deal, despite the player having multiple offers for longer contracts. The Flyers intend to keep Dvorak unless their playoff chances dwindle at the trade deadline.

In other news, the Nashville Predators are focused on enhancing their blue line. GM Barry Trotz has added size with Nic Hague and Nick Perbix but admits the team remains light on center options, leaving pressure on wingers to produce more offense. He emphasizes the need for gradual rebuilding to compete effectively.

Brock Boeser is back with the Vancouver Canucks after a tumultuous negotiation period that saw his future with the team in question. Initially viewed as unlikely to re-sign, the Canucks shifted their focus to acquiring Christian Dvorak from Montreal but ultimately lost out to the Philadelphia Flyers. With limited options left, Vancouver pivoted back to Boeser, who accepted a seven-year contract worth $50.75 million.

Boeser expressed surprise at the outcome, reflecting on the challenging negotiations. He voiced confidence in the team's direction under head coach Adam Foote and feels optimistic about the upcoming season. The Canucks are now looking to solidify their center position, possibly through future trades.

The Philadelphia Flyers have bolstered their roster by signing center Christian Dvorak to a one-year, $5.4 million contract. Dvorak, who had a solid performance with 12 goals and 21 assists in 82 games last season with the Montreal Canadiens, brings valuable experience after previously playing five seasons with the Arizona Coyotes. At 29, he is expected to provide stability at the center position, which is a crucial area for the Flyers, especially with the addition of young talent like Trevor Zegras.

Dvorak's history with Flyers' head coach Rick Tocchet, whom he played for in Arizona, may facilitate a smoother transition. The Flyers' aim to combine experienced players with emerging talent reflects a strategic approach to shape their roster for the upcoming season.