The Los Angeles Kings are making significant changes following four consecutive playoff exits in the first round. Highlighting their offseason efforts, they signed five free agents, including former Hart Trophy winner Corey Perry, to bolster their roster. Perry's one-year, $2.5 million deal is part of a strategy that also brought in Joel Armia, Cody Ceci, Brian Dumoulin, and Anton Forsberg. This shake-up comes with new General Manager Ken Holland at the helm, who aims to guide the Kings beyond the first round for the first time since the 2014-15 season.

Perry, at 40, had a standout season, scoring 19 goals for the Edmonton Oilers. His experience, combined with Armia's consistency, is expected to enhance the Kings' forward depth. The defense is fortified with Ceci and Dumoulin, both seasoned players who can contribute significantly. Forsberg adds goaltending depth alongside Darcy Kuemper, enhancing the Kings’ chances of a playoff resurgence.

This week’s fantasy hockey landscape is heating up with numerous implications stemming from key player performances and injury updates. The New York Rangers' Igor Shesterkin continues to be a top-tier goalie, showcasing exceptional skills with a .920 save percentage, which makes him a must-start in any fantasy lineup. Meanwhile, the Colorado Avalanche's Nathan MacKinnon is proving to be a reliable offensive force, consistently contributing points and aiding in the team's playoff push. His current production rate is pivotal, making him a high-value asset for fantasy managers.

In addition, the St. Louis Blues' Robert Thomas has emerged as a solid playmaker, recording significant assists and contributing to the team’s overall scoring. His recent form indicates that he could be a valuable pick-up for those looking to bolster their forward ranks. Not to be overlooked, the Ottawa Senators' Tim Stutzle has shown glimpses of brilliance, and with a favorable schedule ahead, he could offer great upside for fantasy rosters.

The NHL offseason is heating up as several teams engage in contract negotiations and explore free agency options. The Ottawa Senators are in discussions with forward Adam Gaudette, who is poised to enter free agency if a deal isn't reached soon. Meanwhile, the Philadelphia Flyers are reportedly considering a move for Christian Dvorak to bolster their depth in the forward lineup.

Dallas Stars remain committed to retaining Mikael Granlund amid increasing competition for his services, while defenseman Vladislav Gavrikov has caught the attention of multiple teams as he heads towards free agency. The Buffalo Sabres are also set to sign goaltender Alex Lyon, who aims to secure a backup position after a respectable season with the Red Wings. Finally, the Vancouver Canucks are pursuing a contract extension for Thatcher Demko while also searching for a centerman, highlighting the busy nature of this offseason.

The Ottawa Senators have secured their young goalie Leevi Merilainen with a one-year, $1.05 million contract extension. The 22-year-old, drafted in the third round of the 2020 NHL Draft, showcased impressive stats last season, achieving an 8-3-1 record, a 1.99 goals-against average, and a .925 save percentage across 12 regular-season games. His performance included three shutouts.

Having primarily played with the AHL's Belleville Senators, where Merilainen recorded an 18-12-4 record and a .913 save percentage, the extension signals his anticipated role as the primary backup to Linus Ullmark, especially as Anton Forsberg is set to become a free agent. The Senators also extended qualifying offers to several other players, securing their future roster.

The Vancouver Canucks are nearing an extension agreement with goaltender Thatcher Demko, with sources indicating that both parties have settled on the contract's term, and only financial details remain to be finalized. This development comes just as Demko becomes eligible to sign a new deal.

In other news, the Ottawa Senators are in discussions with two of their pending unrestricted free agents, Adam Gaudette and Nick Cousins, as they aim to solidify their roster ahead of the deadline. Meanwhile, Brad Marchand's future is uncertain, with speculation about potential interest from the Toronto Maple Leafs and a possible return to the Boston Bruins, though he is currently focused on negotiating terms with the Florida Panthers.