The Vancouver Canucks enter camp with a clear question at center after J.T. Miller’s offseason exit: who will anchor the second line? Filip Chytil is the top internal bet, projected to work with Pettersson and Kane, while Vancouver pursues internal options like Raty, Sasson, and Mueller. Management admires patience but won’t ignore outside options if results lag, with playoff odds at +115 to make the postseason and a high cost for a quick fix.

Mason McTavish’s contract saga with the Anaheim Ducks remains unresolved as the team weighs how big a role the young center will play behind a roster that blends veteran presence with rising talent. Dave Pagnotta’s take paints a Ducks club comfortable with contingencies: keep McTavish in a framework that suits his development, while keeping a watchful eye on the market for a potential move that could yield a bigger impact asset. The dynamic around usage, development, and the changing bench leadership under Joel Quenneville shapes the pause, with Granlund’s veteran addition intensifying the decision while the Ducks hold strong on matching capacity and future plans.

As McTavish sits in RFA limbo, the market has glimpses of intrigue beyond Anaheim. The Rangers’ recent asset moves, including Trouba and Kreider, underscore how teams monitor and react to a marquee young talent like McTavish. Pittsburgh’s name surfaces as a potential landing spot should a package offer arise that could tilt the Ducks’ plans toward a bigger splash. Throughout, McTavish’s development arc remains the central thread for fantasy managers weighing MAC/ROS lineups and long-term value in a Ducks ecosystem with veteran aces and a budding core.

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.

The Anaheim Ducks have made a surprising move by signing veteran forward Mikael Granlund, who previously played for the Dallas Stars. Despite Granlund not being linked to the Ducks prior to the signing, the team jumped at the opportunity to enhance their roster. This addition comes after a season where the Ducks showed marked improvement, and with the hiring of experienced coach Joel Quenneville, they are clearly aiming for a more competitive edge.

Granlund expressed optimism about joining a team that he feels is ready to take the next step towards winning. In his previous season, he contributed 21 points in just 31 games for Dallas and is expected to provide a scoring boost for the Ducks alongside their younger talents. If he can maintain his performance, this move could be a significant steal for Anaheim, positioning them as contenders for a playoff spot.

Nikolaj Ehlers remains a hot topic in NHL free agency, having not signed with any team after two days. The 29-year-old winger, who previously played for the Winnipeg Jets, is considering offers from several teams, including the Carolina Hurricanes, Tampa Bay Lightning, and Washington Capitals. Ehlers’s decision is awaited by many as it could significantly impact the market, particularly with fellow forwards like Brock Boeser and Mikael Granlund recently signing lucrative contracts. The increased salary cap to $95.5 million adds further intrigue to Ehlers's potential deal, as he is expected to command a substantial contract.

As free agency unfolds, other teams are also on the move. The Edmonton Oilers have signed Curtis Lazar and Andrew Mangiapane, while the New Jersey Devils have re-signed Cody Class. Meanwhile, players like Anthony Beauvillier and Jack Roslovic are still waiting for opportunities. General managers are adapting quickly to the shifting landscape of available talent as they look to finalize their rosters for the upcoming season.