Anaheim Ducks - Mason McTavish
Another team trying to get back into playoff contention is the Anaheim Ducks, and if they hope to do that, they will need to make sure they don't lose Mason McTavish. The third overall pick from the 2021 NHL Draft is set to be a restricted free agent this summer.
After two seasons with around 40 points, McTavish was able to increase that total to 52 as he had career highs in goals (22) and assists (30). It would be hard to imagine that with the improvements McTavish has made early in his career and the high draft capital that the Ducks would not at the very least get a bridge contract done.
However, if he were to leave this is a move that could have bigger impacts down the road more than this upcoming season.
Seattle Kraken - Kaapo Kakko
The Seattle Kraken traded for Kaapo Kakko last season with the New York Rangers and the former second-overall pick made some significant improvements down the stretch. In only 49 games with the Kraken, he had 30 points and that points per game average was the best of his career.
Similar to McTavish, the Kraken want to re-sign the restricted free agent not necessarily because the impact he would have this season but in the coming seasons after that. He showed enough improvement that they should view him as a key part of their rebuild to get back to playoff contention, which could make them a tougher opponent for the Los Angeles Kings.
San Jose Sharks - Alexandar Georgiev
Alexandar Georgiev was one of the top goalies a few seasons ago with the Colorado Avalanche with 78 total wins between the 2022-23 and 2023-24 seasons. He would be traded this past season to the San Jose Sharks and didn't have the same success as he went 7-19-4 with a save percentage of .875% and a goals against average of 3.88.
The Sharks reportedly are ready to move on from Georgiev, as it was reported earlier this year that GM Mike Grier told the goaltender that he would not be receiving an extension. At his best, Georgiev can be a difference maker, and it will be interesting to see where the Sharks go from here at the position.