Offseason Outlook: Upcoming Developments for Anaheim Ducks, Florida Panthers, and Washington Capitals

The usually quiet NHL offseason is drawing to a close.

With training camps approaching and the 2026‑27 regular season less than five weeks away, the summer has generated many unanswered questions.

Below are the key storylines emerging from the flurry of draft‑day trades and a modest free‑agency period.

What comes next for the Anaheim Ducks?

After matching the five‑year, $18 million average‑value offer sheet that rising star forward Leo Carlsson signed with the Philadelphia Flyers, the Ducks find themselves in a difficult position.

Anaheim lacks the salary‑cap room to re‑sign forward Cutter Gauthier, who turned down a four‑year, $14 million‑per‑year contract, and also lacks the flexibility to acquire a top‑four defenseman for a young roster that hopes to build on last season’s success.

Expect trade discussions to emerge, involving forwards such as Alex Killorn, Chris Kreider, and Frank Vatrano, in order to clear cap space.

Will the Florida Panthers return to Stanley Cup contenders?

Injuries prevented the two‑time champions from qualifying for the playoffs last season, but the Panthers are poised to rebound if both Aleksander Barkov and Matthew Tkachuk remain healthy.

General manager Bill Zito boldly acquired Brady Tkachuk from the Ottawa Senators, adding another power forward and facilitating his brother’s podcast ambitions.

The uncertainty lies with veteran additions such as aging skaters Radko Gudas and Lars Eller and goaltender Jacob Markstrom. It remains to be seen whether they will genuinely restore the Panthers’ competitiveness or simply fade into retirement like many others in the region.

Are the Washington Capitals the off-season’s big winners?

Just as it seemed Alex Ovechkin’s NHL career might be winding down, the Capitals made a bold move by acquiring Alex Tuch and Jordan Kyrou to strengthen their offense, and adding veteran Boone Jenner for depth. Consequently, Ovechkin re‑signed for another season.

While the Capitals may not be elite contenders, they should remain competitive within the Metropolitan Division.

Are more stars on the move?

Around Independence Day, speculation swirled that Detroit Red Wings captain Dylan Larkin might seek a trade, with only a handful of teams on his preferred list, while Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman Zach Werenski expressed interest in moving, and Winnipeg Jets goaltender Connor Hellebuyck was rumored to be available.

Currently, Larkin remains in limbo; his target destinations—Florida, Vegas, Minnesota, and Dallas—lack the assets to satisfy Detroit, and the Red Wings are still searching for a successor to Steve Yzerman as general manager.

Meanwhile, Werenski, who has two years left on his contract, appears to have reached an understanding with the Blue Jackets, and discussions about Hellebuyck have subsided.

Nevertheless, it would not be surprising if both Larkin and Hellebuyck are traded during the season.

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