Rising cap pressure reshapes NHL contracts as teams like Minnesota and Los Angeles navigate new money. Kaprizov’s looming deal amid inflated cap could unlock bigger totals later, while Kopitar’s two-year, $7M blueprint sparks Panarin discussions. Panarin remains unsigned as talks with the Rangers echo Kopitar’s structure. Canucks forward Kiefer Sherwood is in extension talks after a 19-goal, 462-hit season. Injuries across several teams add volatility to roster decisions and fantasy values as Avalanche and Calgary chatter looms.