The dust has largely settled on the initial flurry of the NHL offseason. The Stanley Cup has been awarded, the future stars welcomed at the draft, and the first wave of free agency signings has concluded. Yet, for the league`s 32 teams, the work is far from over. This period, often referred to as the “quiet part” of the calendar, is a critical time for strategic maneuvering, managing assets, and laying the groundwork for success when training camps open in September.
While the blockbuster deals might grab headlines earlier in the summer, the subsequent weeks are filled with less glamorous but equally important tasks: arbitration hearings, negotiating contracts with restricted free agents (RFAs), exploring potential trades that didn`t materialize earlier, and refining the roster based on financial constraints and developmental goals. Let`s take a look at the landscape for a sample of teams and the key questions they face in this strategic summer phase.
The RFA and Cap Space Tightrope Walk
A significant portion of the summer`s remaining work revolves around player contracts, particularly RFAs and navigating the salary cap. Some teams find themselves with ample financial flexibility, while others are meticulously managing every dollar.
- The Anaheim Ducks, despite a significant leap forward last season, missed the playoffs. They still possess considerable cap space and face crucial RFA negotiations with key young players like Mason McTavish and goaltender Lukas Dostal. Their general manager, Pat Verbeek, is known for a cautious, earnings-based approach, suggesting any long-term deals will likely favor the team. Having already moved long-time fixtures like Trevor Zegras and John Gibson, the question remains if they will utilize their cap space for further roster adjustments or hold firm, trusting internal development.
- Conversely, the Edmonton Oilers are operating with minimal cap space after their recent moves. Their primary focus is on internal improvements, particularly finding the right linemate for Leon Draisaitl. While the summer has been quiet on the transaction front, the biggest story looms: Connor McDavid is now eligible to re-sign. While panic isn`t warranted yet, the longer it goes without an extension, the more anxiety will undoubtedly build among the fanbase.
- The Dallas Stars, like Edmonton, have limited cap space remaining. Their major work was reportedly completed earlier in the year. Now, the focus is on extending key players due for raises in the near future. Forward Jason Robertson and defenseman Thomas Harley, both RFAs in 2026, are critical pieces. Robertson, specifically, has been a subject of trade speculation, and his contract demands relative to the rising salary cap ceiling are a significant factor.
- Other teams like the Buffalo Sabres face RFA challenges that carry long-term implications. Defenseman Bowen Byram is heading towards team-elected arbitration, a process that could pave his way to unrestricted free agency sooner than desired if a long-term agreement isn`t reached. Meanwhile, Alex Tuch, a hometown favorite, is entering the final year of his deal and will also command a significant raise, potentially becoming a trade candidate if an extension doesn`t materialize.
- Even teams with more space, like the Columbus Blue Jackets, are navigating goaltending questions and RFA futures. While GM Don Waddell indicated they were aggressive earlier but missed out on targets, they still need to address their tandem and negotiate with promising center Adam Fantilli, though he has another year on his entry-level contract.
This phase underscores the delicate balance between immediate competitiveness and securing the long-term future of core players within the confines of the cap.
The Subtle Art of the Summer Trade
While the trade deadline and draft weekend are prime times for major swaps, the summer months still see movement, albeit often more calculated. Teams that couldn`t land their desired free agents or need to clear space look to the trade market.
- The Calgary Flames are clearly in a rebuild and had a quiet start to the summer. The biggest potential move revolves around defenseman Rasmus Andersson, who is entering the final year of his contract. Given the team`s direction, it`s widely expected he will be moved, either before training camp or closer to the trade deadline, as the team seeks to maximize its return. GM Craig Conroy has emphasized giving young players opportunities, signaling a focus on futures over immediate veteran additions.
- The Florida Panthers, fresh off a deep playoff run, are actually *over* the salary cap. The likely solution involves placing an injured player on Long-Term Injured Reserve (LTIR), but forward Evan Rodrigues` name has surfaced in trade rumors as a potential cap-clearing move. However, uncertainty around other injuries might make them hesitant to move a valuable, popular player just yet.
- The Los Angeles Kings made several veteran additions (Perry, Armia, Ceci, Dumoulin) which GM Ken Holland believes strengthens the team`s depth, particularly on the third defense pair and fourth line, areas that were exposed in last season`s playoffs. This strategic pivot involved moving defenseman Jordan Spence to make room for Brandt Clarke, highlighting the trade-offs teams make when balancing prospect development with a “win now” window.
These summer trades aren`t always flashy, but they are crucial for teams adjusting their roster composition, managing assets, and aligning with their long-term vision.
Setting the Stage for Training Camp Battles
Beyond contracts and trades, the summer is about preparation. It`s when players train, prospects prepare to push for roster spots, and coaches evaluate the talent at their disposal.
- For the Chicago Blackhawks, the entire summer hinges on the development of Connor Bedard. The team saw modest veteran additions, but GM Kyle Davidson seems content to let the young core drive progress. A major breakout season from Bedard is paramount, and his summer preparation is arguably the most important activity in the organization right now.
- The Boston Bruins, after a disappointing finish last season, added some veteran grit. GM Don Sweeney wants to “reestablish” the team`s identity and avoid being an “easy out.” With limited cap space and no major RFA hurdles, their summer work appears largely complete, leaving questions about their offensive punch beyond David Pastrnak and reliance on the health of key players like Charlie McAvoy and Jeremy Swayman.
- The Detroit Red Wings, under GM Steve Yzerman, continue their reliance on the “draft and develop” philosophy. After falling back in the standings, this approach is under increasing scrutiny. Yzerman is weighing whether to add another veteran forward or leave a roster spot open for a prospect, a decision indicative of their long-term strategy versus immediate need.
- The Carolina Hurricanes made significant additions earlier in the summer, addressing several needs. Their main remaining question is finding a suitable second-line center, a perennial challenge across the league. With their draft capital depleted for 2026, further major acquisitions might be difficult, meaning they are likely set for training camp battles to determine the final roster spots.
- The Colorado Avalanche, a Cup contender, opened up cap space through roster adjustments made during last season. While their core is set, they still have room to potentially add. The contract situation of Martin Necas, a key acquisition entering his walk year before UFA eligibility, is a major point of focus. The team must decide how to approach extending a player of his caliber without jeopardizing their cap flexibility or losing him for nothing.
The summer pause is deceptive; beneath the surface, teams are making calculated decisions that will significantly impact their performance come autumn. From the high-stakes contract talks in Dallas and Edmonton to the strategic asset management in Calgary and Anaheim, and the developmental focus in Chicago and Detroit, each team navigates this period with its own unique challenges and opportunities. Arbitration hearings loom, unexpected trade opportunities may arise, and the quiet preparation for training camp continues. The NHL`s summer slumber is less about rest and more about the quiet hum of strategic work, setting the stage for the season to come.
