Rangers pivot hard for 2025-26: Gavrikov shores up the blue line with a seven-year, $49 million bid, while Shesterkin eyes a bounce-back season behind a more stable defense. Miller was moved to Carolina, Kreider exits, and Mike Sullivan takes the bench reins in New York. Panarin, Zibanejad and Trocheck must drive a top six that can outscore rough patches; Cuylle and Lafreniere must grow into reliable secondary scoring. A tighter 5v5 foundation shapes a playoff push with Shesterkin back in form as the fulcrum.

Carolina Hurricanes go all-in this offseason, adding K'Andre Miller from New York and Nikolaj Ehlers to bolster the blueline and add firepower. They reportedly remain in on a Rakell pursuit, leveraging cap space for a Cup-or-bust push. Miller’s and Ehlers’ arrivals raise the Hurricanes’ floor on both ends, while Rakell would push their ceiling even higher, potentially reshaping lineups and power-play units across the East.

Fantasy implications bend toward opportunity. Ehlers likely slots into a prominent forward role, Miller shores up a top-four that should see more favorable starts and PP time, and Rakell—if acquired—could anchor a high-scoring top line. Carolina’s flexibility, aided by team-friendly deals, signals continued aggressive moves and a roaster reshaping that could redefine fantasy values in drafts and daily leagues this season.

Overall, Carolina’s aggressive build could shift East power dynamics, with multiple players seeing upside from the new talent around them. The mix of speed, scoring, and defense raises the Hurricanes’ playoff probability while giving fantasy managers several new high-upside targets.

The Carolina Hurricanes are shaking things up this offseason after falling short in the Eastern Conference Final once again. The addition of star defenseman K’Andre Miller is just the beginning, as the team is eyeing further talent to solidify their roster. A key target appears to be Rasmus Andersson of the Calgary Flames. Despite failed contract extension talks, Andersson’s potential acquisition could significantly bolster Carolina’s blue line.

NHL insider Lyle Richardson speculates that the Hurricanes may pursue a trade for Andersson, particularly if the Flames are looking to move him by the March trade deadline. With his ability to log heavy minutes and contribute offensively, Andersson could complement Jaccob Slavin, forming a formidable defensive pairing that might finally help the Hurricanes break through to the Stanley Cup Finals.

The NHL offseason is buzzing with significant player movements, highlighted by the Florida Panthers' success in retaining key figures Sam Bennett, Aaron Ekblad, and Brad Marchand. Meanwhile, stars like Mitch Marner and Nikolaj Ehlers have found new homes, reshaping the league dynamics. Marner's blockbuster sign-and-trade with the Vegas Golden Knights signals their intent to contend again, while Bennett's playoff MVP performance solidifies his value for the Panthers. Ehlers joins the Carolina Hurricanes, aiming to enhance their scoring depth as they strive to compete with the Panthers in the Eastern Conference.

Other notable transactions include the Montreal Canadiens acquiring Noah Dobson, further bolstering their defense, and the New York Rangers signing Vladislav Gavrikov. Each move reflects teams' strategies to fortify their rosters and enhance their competitive standings as they look toward the upcoming season.