Toronto’s pursuit of a top-six winger faded as Brad Treliving pushed hard but scarce options limited the haul; Brandon Carlo even tried to recruit Brad Marchand, who ultimately re-signed with Florida. Toronto now gears up to face Marchand and regroup. The New York Rangers, meanwhile, loom with cap space next off-season, eyeing aggressive moves after Panarin’s $11.643M comes off the books, plus a potentially busy 2026 class and reshuffles around a centering corps aging at the top.

In the long view, the cap window could reshape rosters and fantasy lines: the Rangers could clear space via trades like Lafrenière, consider depth pieces, and plan around a high-end 2026 group that includes McDavid, Kaprizov, and Eichel, while other stars like Robertson, Kempe, and Nečas linger on the radar. The season’s financial chess moves promise intrigue for fantasy managers and bettors alike.

Sullivan plans to start Mika Zibanejad on J.T. Miller’s right wing, leveraging summer relationship-building to unlock top-line chemistry. The move tests center depth but aims to jump‑start the roster with a cohesive, veteran-led group as camp opens and the Rangers chase a strong start after last season’s misstep.

Beyond Miller and Zibanejad, New York leans on Vincent Trocheck at center, Adam Fox and Vladislav Gavrikov on the back end, and Igor Shesterkin between the pipes. The Oct. 7 opener vs the Penguins will light the first real test of these early roster decisions.

Post-Mitch Marner trade, the Toronto Maple Leafs need to bolster their offensive lineup. Former player Jay Rosehill advocated for pursuing Nazem Kadri from the Calgary Flames, highlighting his experience and past performance, including a notable 35-goal season. Kadri’s competitive edge and Stanley Cup experience make him an ideal fit for the Leafs' revamped forward group. Another recommendation is Vincent Trocheck of the New York Rangers, who brings a solid scoring record and would fill a crucial gap in the middle-six of the lineup.

With Kadri locked into a $7 million cap hit for four more years, and Trocheck at $5.625 million until 2029, the Leafs need to weigh the financial implications against the potential on-ice benefits. Both players are proven scorers and could greatly enhance the depth and competitiveness of the forward lines.

The New York Rangers are in need of significant roster changes heading into the offseason. After a tumultuous season, GM Chris Drury, who recently received a contract extension, is looking to restructure the team. Key players like Mika Zibanejad and Chris Kreider are rumored to be on the trading block, especially as the team failed to make a deep playoff run. The management has expressed interest in finding the right mix to ensure postseason success. The previous coaching change from Peter Laviolette to Mike Sullivan adds another layer of uncertainty to the team's direction.

Among the players potentially on the move, Zibanejad’s full no-movement clause raises questions about his future with the Rangers. Despite stating his desire to remain in New York, precedents exist where players with similar clauses have been traded. Vincent Trocheck has also been mentioned; however, insiders believe he is an integral part of the Rangers' future. As the cap space dwindles, securing contracts for upcoming free agents adds to the complexity of Drury's task this summer.