Leafs goalie Anthony Stolarz remains in mid-term contract talks with Toronto, as both sides chase a sweet spot on term versus dollars before the season. The broader rumor mill flags high-leverage decisions around Pavel Zacha, Sergei Bobrovsky and Nazem Kadri, with potential deadline moves and longer-term bets shaping fantasy value. Watch Seattle’s UFAs and depth pieces (Dunn, McCann, Oleksiak) and how Kadri’s no-move clause and Bobrovsky’s price tag influence market dynamics. Kaprizov and the Wild surface in late-season chatter, while the Kraken loom as a possible deadline magnet.

Fantasy implications center on workload, goaltending splits, and how contract structures affect reliability and upside. Depth moves and no-trade hurdles can shift second-line center roles and goalie wins projections, so players like Zacha, Kadri, and the Kraken trio could swing value depending on where they land and how cap flexibility plays out through the trade window.

The Seattle Kraken are proactively reassessing their roster, particularly with Jared McCann's future in question. Despite his contributions, the team's recent focus on acquiring centers may make McCann expendable. With Matty Beniers and Shane Wright solidifying their positions at center, McCann could find it challenging to remain in that role long-term. As new GM Jason Botteril shifts gears, he might explore trade options to ensure the Kraken maintain a competitive edge while balancing roster needs.

Meanwhile, the Anaheim Ducks are facing inquiries about Mason McTavish's availability. His potential as a second-line center is in demand, especially from teams like Minnesota and Montreal. McTavish’s trade potential adds another layer of complexity to the Ducks' lineup strategy, highlighting the shifting dynamics of player positions and roles across the league.

Lane Lambert has taken the reins as head coach of the Seattle Kraken, aiming to elevate the franchise to playoff contention. Lambert, who led the Toronto Maple Leafs to a successful season as associate head coach, expressed confidence in his ability to improve the Kraken's performance after a disappointing previous season.

Lambert's strategy focuses on establishing a structured system and enhancing special teams, which ranked poorly last season. He inherits a roster featuring notable veterans like Jaden Schwartz and Jared McCann, alongside promising young talents such as Matty Beniers. With a clear vision and a strong focus on development, Lambert is determined to transform the Kraken's fortunes in the upcoming season.