The Vancouver Canucks are poised to exercise the team option for head coach Rick Tocchet for the next season. Despite being in playoff mode, Tocchet has expressed his commitment to the team and indicated that discussions about his contract will take place at a more suitable time. Currently earning $2.75 million annually, he could see a significant raise if the Canucks pursue a contract extension.

Meanwhile, K’Andre Miller of the New York Rangers, a 25-year-old defenseman, is a pending RFA. His performance has improved recently, particularly alongside new partner Will Borgen. Miller is focused on his game and is keeping the contract situation on the back burner. The Rangers, having made some moves in the defense department, are still looking for a partner for their leading defenseman, Adam Fox, while managing salary cap constraints.

K'Andre Miller's progression as a defenseman with the New York Rangers has faced hurdles, especially in his contract year. The 25-year-old has been working to harness his skills after struggling with consistency early in the season. Despite facing criticism, he’s made strides to improve his game by focusing on mental health and finding balance outside of hockey. His recent performances have shown promise, especially after a return from injury, significantly contributing to the team's defensive metrics.

Coach Peter Laviolette praises Miller's collaboration with Will Borgen, pointing to their effective defensive pairing. However, Miller's ability to manage risk versus reward remains a topic of discussion, especially highlighted by a few critical errors in key games. As his contract situation looms large, the Rangers must decide whether to invest in him long-term, weighing his potential against the immediate need for roster upgrades on defense.

Adam Fox is on a quest to regain his form after a brief absence due to an upper-body injury, compounded by the recent trade of his longtime defensive partner, Ryan Lindgren, to the Colorado Avalanche. The Rangers' locker room has undergone significant changes recently, creating an environment where adjustments are necessary. Fox expressed his disappointment over Lindgren's departure, noting their deep connection that has developed over years of playing together.

In his return, Fox has struggled to find chemistry with new defensive partners. Recent pairings with Urho Vaakanainen and Carson Soucy have not yielded positive results, leading to a lack of offensive production and defensive mishaps. As the Rangers fight for a playoff spot, Fox's performance is crucial, and he recognizes the need for resilience amidst these challenges.

The Los Angeles Kings are optimistic about re-signing defenseman Vladislav Gavrikov, who is set to become a free agent. Following his change in representation to agent Pat Brisson, contract discussions are anticipated to continue, focusing on a long-term extension that would benefit both parties.

In other news, Taylor Hall's extension talks with the Carolina Hurricanes are moving forward, and a deal is expected to be finalized soon. On the flip side, the New York Rangers face a challenging offseason as they navigate their salary cap constraints while looking to extend key restricted free agents such as K'Andre Miller and Will Cuylle. Several players, including Jonathan Quick and Chris Kreider, may find themselves at a crossroads regarding new contracts or potential buyouts depending on the team's strategy going forward.

The Los Angeles Kings are optimistic about re-signing defenseman Vladislav Gavrikov, whose contract discussions are ongoing as he switches representation to Pat Brisson. The team is targeting a long-term deal for Gavrikov, a key player in their defensive lineup.

The Carolina Hurricanes are similarly focused on contract negotiations with Taylor Hall, also a pending UFA, with expectations that an extension will materialize. Meanwhile, the New York Rangers face challenges with multiple RFAs and limited cap space, leading to strategic decisions regarding player extensions and potential trades.

Amidst these negotiations, the Rangers have recently made significant roster changes, trading away several UFAs while acquiring new talent. The fate of K’Andre Miller and Will Cuylle's contracts also looms large as the Rangers consider their financial commitments for the upcoming season.