What happened: Players entering the last season of their current agreements become targets for organizations looking to acquire talent or accumulate future assets. The approaching NHL campaign will dictate the movement of expiring contracts.

Why it matters: Franchises must determine whether to re-sign or move these expiring deals to avoid losing players in the open market. Resolving these situations impacts roster construction and salary cap flexibility.

What to watch: Front offices will evaluate their rosters and potential returns as the regular season begins.