Rasmus Andersson will start the season with Calgary, a move the Flames hope stabilizes the back end while allowing younger players to grow. If Calgary remains competitive, they may resist midseason moves, prioritizing contention over price. Kadri’s presence strengthens the playoff bid, and Calgary reportedly considers keeping Andersson long enough to explore extensions or advantageous returns. The chatter also entertains a Vegas landing scenario, but the current plan centers on contending and revisiting assets as the season unfolds.

Jack Roslovic remains unsigned as the NHL free-agent market dwindles, and Vancouver Canucks interest has become a focal point of late-season chatter. Roslovic posted 22 goals and 17 assists for Carolina last year, a profile that makes him a versatile, high‑upside center option for a team aiming to deepen its middle and lift its scoring to playoff contention. The Canucks’ bid to add Roslovic comes as they weigh how to maximize Brock Boeser’s return while also addressing depth up the middle and on the wings. Toronto is another hotspot in the Roslovic sweepstakes, underscoring the positional value he provides to a team starved for scoring punch and two-way reliability. The offseason storylines pivot on whether Vancouver can close the deal with Roslovic and how that would alter Boeser’s usage and line combinations, potentially reshaping Vancouver’s lineup as rosters finalize.

The Canucks are believed to be prioritizing a significant upgrade in depth and scoring to push back into postseason contention, and Roslovic’s playmaking ability could complement Boeser’s scoring and the club’s growth trajectory. If Vancouver lands Roslovic, he could slot into a high-leverage center role, possibly anchoring a new top-six alongside Boeser or providing a reliable pivot for a revamped power play. That hypothetical pairing would likely shift Boeser’s usage and could boost several Vancouver wings, while Roslovic’s two-way game would help the Canucks contend with more complete, matchup-aware lines. The Hurricanes veteran status of Roslovic also hints at an adaptable player who could quickly acclimate to Vancouver’s system and culture, giving fantasy managers a reason to monitor his signing closely as rosters take shape.

In the broader context, the Leafs have been a frequent rumor, but the Canucks’ pursuit highlights a broader trend: teams valuing depth at center and the ability to drive secondary scoring. If Roslovic signs, Vancouver’s immediate fantasy impact would hinge on line placement and PP usage, but the baseline is clear—a 20+ goal center who can contribute 0.50+ points per game and add value on special teams could be a meaningful boost for a team aiming to return to the postseason and challenge for the top half of its division.

The Vancouver Canucks face a pivotal season after missing the playoffs for the ninth time in twelve years. The retention of Brock Boeser as a key free agent is a positive step, yet uncertainty looms over star defenseman Quinn Hughes, who may be eyeing a trade to play alongside his brothers on the New Jersey Devils. Speculation suggests that if the Canucks falter again, Hughes could request a trade, potentially yielding a significant return that could aid in rebuilding efforts. With two seasons left on Hughes' contract, the Canucks maintain leverage but must balance performance with future aspirations.

The Toronto Maple Leafs made a strong bid to recruit Brock Boeser from the Vancouver Canucks during the free agency period, offering him a more lucrative annual salary than the $7.25 million he ultimately settled for with Vancouver. However, Boeser opted for a seven-year contract with the Canucks, valuing long-term security and familiarity over the opportunity to play alongside star players like Auston Matthews in Toronto.

Insider Nick Kypreos revealed that the Leafs shifted their focus to Boeser after missing out on other targets, including Brad Marchand of the Florida Panthers. Despite interest from Toronto, Boeser ultimately chose to remain with the Canucks, citing unexpected offers and a late contract extension as pivotal in his decision-making process.

The NHL free agency frenzy is underway, with teams vying to strengthen their lineups for the 2025-26 season. One of the major moves saw Nikolaj Ehlers, formerly of the Winnipeg Jets, signing a seven-year, $51 million contract with the Carolina Hurricanes. Ehlers aims to elevate the Hurricanes past the conference finals hurdle.

Meanwhile, the Vancouver Canucks surprised many by extending Brock Boeser with a seven-year deal worth $7.25 million annually, while also looking to secure 2024 Norris Trophy winner Quinn Hughes. The Vegas Golden Knights made headlines with a blockbuster sign-and-trade for Mitch Marner, who agreed to an eight-year, $96 million contract, with Nicolas Roy heading to Toronto.

The Florida Panthers have been strategically locking key players, including Brad Marchand, Sam Bennett, and Aaron Ekblad, to lengthy contracts at discounted rates. The Maple Leafs retained John Tavares and Matthew Knies, while other teams like the St. Louis Blues and New Jersey Devils fortified their rosters through smart acquisitions.