2. Edmonton Oilers
Key Moves: Andrew Mangiapane (free agent addition), Curtis Lazar (free agent addition), Isaac Howard (trade with TBL), Evan Bouchard (re-signed restricted free agent), Trent Frederic (re-signed restricted free agent)
The Edmonton Oilers only made one notable move in free agency with the signing of Andrew Mangiapane, but it was some of the other moves they made to keep their Stanley Cup roster in place that moved them up to number two. The fact that they could re-sign both Evan Bouchard and Trent Frederic were great moves that would have created a major hole if they left, especially Bouchard.
On top of that, the Oilers made one of the more underrated moves of free agency when they traded for former first-round pick Isaac Howard. The Lightning originally drafted him, but were not able to agree on an entry-level contract, so they traded his rights to the Oilers. He is expected to make the jump to the NHL this season and will fit in nicely with Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl.
1. Anaheim Ducks
Key Moves: Mikael Granlund (free agent addition), Chris Kreider (trade with NYR), Lukas Dostal (re-signed restricted free agent), Roger McQueen (first-round draft pick)
The Anaheim Ducks had the biggest gap in the Pacific Division to get into contention and while they may not have completely closed it, they certainly got closer. The Ducks would bring in Mikael Granlund as a free agent to help their forwards while trading for Chris Kreider in June.
They would also make one of the best picks in the 2025 NHL Draft in Roger McQueen and he should be part of a young, talented core that is only getting better. In addition to that, they re-signed Lukas Dostal, who was a restricted free agent, and he will be part of that core for the next few seasons. If they can somehow also re-sign Mason McTavish, it makes this offseason even better and gets them closer to being contenders.