The NHL off-season has been bustling with notable trades and contract signings that might impact fantasy rosters for the upcoming season. The Toronto Maple Leafs secured star forward John Tavares with a four-year, $17.5 million contract extension, solidifying their attacking core. Meanwhile, the Buffalo Sabres traded J.J. Peterka to Utah Mammoth, signaling a shift in their strategy.

In one of the more surprising moves, the Edmonton Oilers shipped Evander Kane to the Vancouver Canucks in exchange for a 2025 fourth-round draft pick, a trade that will certainly affect both teams' fantasy landscapes. The Chicago Blackhawks' Jonathan Toews also agreed to a one-year deal with the Winnipeg Jets, adding depth to the Jets' forward lineup.

Additionally, Stanley Cup champion Sam Bennett hinted at a return to the Florida Panthers as he approaches free agency, although contract negotiations remain ongoing. As the season approaches, oddsmakers are already favoring the Oilers over the Panthers for the next Stanley Cup, which could impact player valuations across the board.

The NHL and NHL Players’ Association have officially extended their collective bargaining agreement through the 2029-30 season, ensuring five more years of labor peace. Following constructive negotiations, both sides agreed on various issues, which now await ratification. Key changes include an increase in the regular season to 84 games, a shortening of maximum contract lengths, and a playoff salary cap aimed at preventing roster manipulation by teams using long-term injured reserve.

Commissioner Gary Bettman and NHLPA Executive Director Marty Walsh expressed satisfaction with the collaborative negotiation process, marking a significant shift from past labor disputes. Notably, players will now be limited to re-signing for eight years with their current teams or seven years with new teams, a change expected to encourage dynamic player movement. The upcoming NHL draft will see the first fruits of this agreement, promising a transformative era for both players and teams.

The Winnipeg Jets are bracing for the possibility of losing winger Nikolaj Ehlers to free agency. After enduring a challenging tenure with the team, Ehlers is likely to explore his options, potentially leading to a trade before his departure. To potentially mitigate this loss, the Jets have brought in veteran Jonathan Toews to provide experience and leadership. However, Ehlers' desire to remain with the Jets seems uncertain, prompting speculation about possible trade targets such as Brock Boeser and Mikael Granlund.

Meanwhile, the Chicago Blackhawks are eyeing the third overall pick in the upcoming draft, with hopes of securing a top prospect like Michael Misa. With young stars Connor Bedard and Frank Nazar expected to sign extensions, the Blackhawks are focused on building around their emerging talent. Trade talks surrounding players like J.J. Peterka and Trevor Zegras have not materialized, indicating a cautious approach as they continue their rebuild.

The Dallas Stars are in search of a new assistant coach following the departure of Steve Spott to the Boston Bruins. Spott, who was instrumental in the Stars’ power play strategy during three consecutive Western Conference Final appearances, expressed excitement about joining an Original Six franchise with a storied history. This comes in the wake of the Stars' recent coaching changes, including the firing of head coach Pete DeBoer earlier this month.

General Manager Jim Nill had initially planned to retain Spott and other assistants, but this unexpected vacancy now requires the organization to reassess its coaching staff. Nill acknowledged Spott’s contributions over the past three seasons, highlighting the hard work and dedication he displayed while with the Stars.

The Edmonton Oilers kicked off the Stanley Cup Final with a thrilling 4-3 overtime victory over the Florida Panthers, taking a 1-0 series lead. Leon Draisaitl scored the decisive goal in overtime, but the game's pivotal moment came when Connor McDavid executed Wayne Gretzky's predicted play to tie the game in the third period. This marked the Oilers' first lead in a Stanley Cup Final series in 35 years. Draisaitl's performance drew high praise from McDavid, who called him invaluable. The teams are set to meet again for Game 2 in Edmonton.