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 Anaheim Ducks have named Jay Woodcroft as their new assistant coach under Joel Quenneville, joining Ryan McGill and Andrew Brewer in a restructured coaching staff aimed at reversing the team's fortunes after missing the playoffs for seven straight seasons. Woodcroft brings a successful record from his tenure with the Edmonton Oilers, where he achieved a .661 winning percentage, reaching the playoffs twice and advancing to the Western Conference Finals during his three-season tenure. Meanwhile, McGill and Brewer also possess extensive experience, particularly in special teams play, which both Quenneville and General Manager Pat Verbeek hope will revitalize a struggling power play unit that ranked last in the NHL last season.

The Ducks' coaching changes come after a season marked by a modest improvement, finishing with a record of 35-37-10 under Greg Cronin. Despite the gains, it was not enough for Cronin to retain his job, signaling a clear push for a more competitive team. With a blend of fresh coaching perspectives, particularly from Woodcroft, who previously assisted in San Jose, and the ongoing contributions from returning coaches Tim Army and Peter Budaj, the Ducks are looking for substantial growth as they continue to transition into a new era.

The NHL goaltender market has thinned significantly, with few options available for teams in need. Only a handful of unrestricted free agents were left, leading to notable moves such as Detroit acquiring John Gibson from Anaheim. The New Jersey Devils retained Jake Allen for five years at $9 million, while other teams like Philadelphia brought in Dan Vladar and the Islanders signed David Rittich for depth behind Ilya Sorokin.

Edmonton, despite being a two-time Western Conference champion, could be forced to stick with Stuart Skinner and Calvin Pickard, who struggled in the playoffs. Meanwhile, the Vancouver Canucks boast a solid goaltending tandem with Thatcher Demko and Kevin Lankinen, which they believe could be the best in the league. Carolina added Amir Miftakhov for depth, while other teams like Buffalo and Seattle made strategic signings to bolster their goaltending situations.

The Los Angeles Kings have made a significant move, signing veteran defenseman Brian Dumoulin to a three-year contract worth $4 million annually through the 2027-28 NHL season. The 33-year-old Dumoulin, who played the previous season split between the New Jersey Devils and Anaheim Ducks, contributed 22 points over 80 games. Notably, he averaged 29 minutes of ice time during his playoff appearances, indicating his potential impact on the Kings' defensive strategy.

Dumoulin, a two-time Stanley Cup Champion with the Pittsburgh Penguins, brings a wealth of experience with 706 career NHL games under his belt. His best season came in 2022-23, where he notched career highs in assists and points while also demonstrating defensive prowess. This signing positions the Kings to enhance their playoff competitiveness, leveraging Dumoulin's extensive experience and ability to log heavy minutes.

With the NHL goalie market tightening, recent moves reflect the urgency for teams needing netminders. The Detroit Red Wings acquired John Gibson from the Anaheim Ducks, significantly impacting the landscape. Jake Allen remains with the New Jersey Devils, while Thatcher Demko continues his tenure in Vancouver. Key signings include Dan Vladar joining the Philadelphia Flyers and David Rittich heading to the New York Islanders as insurance for Ilya Sorokin. Edmonton Oilers face challenges, potentially sticking with Stuart Skinner and Calvin Pickard after an underwhelming playoff performance.

Vancouver's Demko, now a franchise cornerstone, boasts a solid backup in Kevin Lankinen. Meanwhile, the Carolina Hurricanes have brought in Amir Miftakhov, a cost-effective option after his KHL success. The market dynamics raise questions for teams lacking depth as they navigate the upcoming season's challenges.