The Carolina Hurricanes are on the hunt for a middle-six forward, intensifying their efforts to bolster their lineup as the season progresses. Ryan O'Reilly, recently with the Nashville Predators, has shown reluctance to return to the Toronto Maple Leafs despite their financial offers, making him a focal point for teams like the Hurricanes anxious to fill voids in their forward ranks. Meanwhile, the Edmonton Oilers appear to be leaning towards keeping Evander Kane, despite speculation about a potential move. This decision could impact the Oilers' search for additional scoring options, particularly for star Leon Draisaitl.

Additionally, the Pittsburgh Penguins may be contemplating trading defenseman Matt Grzelcyk, with reports indicating a willingness to retain salary in order to secure a higher draft pick in return. This could lead to an offseason reunion with Grzelcyk, who is well-liked by the coaching staff, thus showcasing the intricate balance teams must navigate when managing player rosters and potential trade scenarios.