Carolina reshapes its forward group by adding Nikolaj Ehlers and Keandre Miller, instantly elevating top-six scoring and speed while signaling a more dynamic, pace-driven attack. With the cap space opened by exits, the Hurricanes project a more aggressive push on the top lines and a faster transition game, even as blue-line stability is tested by Burns’ departure. The move caps off a winter-to-summer retooling that fantasy players will want to watch, especially in how power-play time is allocated and who absorbs the extra minutes behind Carolina’s core.

Meanwhile, Pittsburgh’s offseason pivots under a new coaching regime heighten intrigue around fantasy upside. Dan Muse brings a fresh system, while signings like Justin Brazeau and Anthony Mantha add depth and potential deadline fodder. Goaltending remains the central question, with Tristan Jarry and the competition among backup candidates shaping up as a pivotal factor. In Winnipeg, the loss of Ehlers compounds cap-structure questions as Gustav Nyquist and Jonathan Toews arrive to fill veteran gaps, and Kyle Connor’s looming contract becomes the loudest payroll bell to monitor for roster planning and late-season moves.

Across these teams, age, depth, and line deployment will determine who benefits most from the off-season churn. Ehlers’ Carolina leap could unlock a new ceiling for the Hurricanes’ scoring power, Toews’ return anchors Jets’ middle-six depth, and Muse’s Penguins era could reframe goaltending and PK load. Fantasy managers should watch how lines crystallize in camp and which players seize enhanced roles on special teams as these storylines unfold.