Edmonton’s path to an elite No.1 goalie before the trade deadline is narrow; only a handful of duos in the league could realistically upgrade a starter ahead of Skinner/Pickard, making a seismic move unlikely.

The piece catalogs plausible targets: Gibson and Talbot (Detroit), Sorokin/Varlamov/Ingram (Islanders), Demko and Lankinen (Canucks), Mrazek (Ducks), Jarry and Merzlikins (stars in rumor mill). It also notes McDavid’s extension chatter could be a distraction, so fantasy managers should brace for a limited upgrade and plan around an unsettled crease.

Ilya Sorokin has firmly dismissed trade rumors circulating around him, emphasizing the importance of his no-trade clause and highlighting the noise that comes with being a high-profile athlete. With an $8.25 million cap hit and a full no-movement clause, he insists that he has never been part of any trade discussions, as confirmed by his agent. Meanwhile, the Minnesota Wild are navigating their own negotiations, particularly concerning Kirill Kaprizov's extension and Marco Rossi's contract, indicating they are prepared to match any potential offer sheets. The ongoing RFA landscape raises questions about teams' strategies in contract negotiations.

Aiden Hreschuk is on the verge of becoming a UFA as the Columbus Blue Jackets have opted not to sign the Boston College defenseman before the August 15 deadline. Meanwhile, trade discussions surrounding New York Islanders' goaltender Ilya Sorokin have surfaced, with whispers of potential moves heating up. Additionally, the Toronto Maple Leafs have shown significant interest in acquiring Erik Karlsson from the Pittsburgh Penguins, with speculation that salary retention may be necessary. Karlsson, at a $10 million cap hit, could help bolster Toronto's blue line, especially in the wake of losing Marner. The Leafs are also pursuing Dougie Hamilton from the New Jersey Devils for similar reasons, indicating a clear strategy to improve their offensive output from the defense.

The New York Islanders made headlines by winning their first No. 1 overall pick in the NHL Draft Lottery since 2009, despite entering with only a 3.5% chance. This unexpected victory signals a pivotal moment for the franchise, which ended last season with a mediocre record of 35-35-12. The organization is now tasked with significant decisions, including replacing longtime general manager Lou Lamoriello and targeting offensive reinforcements.

Analysts suggest that the Islanders' considerable cap space of around $30 million provides them flexibility in pursuing key players. However, offloading core members like Ryan Pulock or Mathew Barzal could exacerbate existing issues on the defensive front. With top draft prospects such as Matthew Schaefer and Michael Misa available, the upcoming offseason will demand strategic maneuvering from the new GM to revitalize the team.