This installment of the Japanese Edge offseason sequence tackles its last 4 Japanese Convention groups: the Toronto Maple Leafs and Washington Capitals, each lately ousted within the second spherical, alongside the Carolina Hurricanes and Florida Panthers, two powerhouses nonetheless vying for Stanley Cup competition within the Japanese Convention Closing.
Carolina Hurricanes – New GM, New Blue Line, Similar Playoff Query?
Carolina’s 2024-25 season noticed acquainted regular-season power (99 pts) result in one other deep playoff run, but they face one other fast Japanese Convention Closing exit, extending a irritating ECF streak relationship again practically 20 years. High gamers like Sebastian Aho and Andrei Svechnikov struggled offensively when it mattered most, once more, elevating questions on Coach Rod Brind’Amour’s demanding system and if it results in playoff burnout or predictability. The highest-ranked penalty kill was a shiny spot, however a bottom-tier common season energy play highlights an imbalance GM Eric Tulsky should deal with after taking the reins from Don Waddell.
Tulsky’s instant problem this offseason is a major defensive overhaul. Veteran stalwarts Brent Burns ($8 million AAV) and Dmitry Orlov ($7.75 million AAV) are pending UFAs, their departures would release substantial cap house however depart main vacancies on the blue line. Jaccob Slavin stays a cornerstone, whereas prime prospects like Alexander Nikishin and Scott Morrow may get the prospect to step into bigger roles.
Offensively, with Teuvo Teravainen and Martin Necas gone, extra is required from Aho, Seth Jarvis (32 objectives, 67 pts), and up to date acquisitions Logan Stankoven and Taylor Corridor. In purpose, the tandem of Frederik Andersen (re-signed to a one-year, $2.75 million deal) and Pyotr Kochetkov (27 regular-season wins) will return in 2025-26, Kochetkov being groomed for the beginning position, Andersen’s age and damage historical past constantly shifting the timeline nearer and nearer.
The crew must discover a approach to translate regular-season success into playoff victory. The ‘Canes simply do not look like they’ve the fuel within the Convention Closing – Carolina’s system is so demanding for 82 video games, there would not appear to be loads left within the tank.
From a fantasy perspective, Aho is a strong, borderline elite, top-line middle. Jarvis is a quickly ascending winger with vital upside that he continues to showcase. Svechnikov gives multi-category protection however must rediscover his earlier scoring consistency. Stankoven and Corridor are sleepers in the event that they land top-six roles. Nikishin is a high-risk, high-reward defensive prospect getting some appears to be like this postseason. The Andersen/Kochetkov tandem might restrict begins for each, however Kochetkov possesses the upper long-term fantasy ceiling, particularly if he secures the No. 1 job outright.
Toronto Maple Leafs – One other Recreation 7 Ghost: Is This the Finish of the Core 4 Period?
The Toronto Maple Leafs’ 2024-25 season was a painful replay of previous failures, Groundhog Day but once more. Regardless of an Atlantic Division title (108 factors) and a uncommon first-round sequence win in opposition to Ottawa, their aspirations crumbled in a 6-1 Recreation 7 second-round loss to Florida on house ice. This marked their seventh straight Recreation 7 defeat since 2004. The ‘Core 4’ continues to face scrutiny as Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner had been offensively muted when stakes had been highest, fueling debate about whether or not this jam-packed roster of superstars is constructed for sustained playoff strain.
The offseason is dominated by the UFA standing of Mitch Marner and John Tavares. Marner (102 regular-season factors) is reportedly in search of a $13-million to $14-million AAV, however his playoff output feels prefer it constantly lags – even at a point-per-game this low season, it nonetheless feels quick. Pile on the actual fact he has a non-committal stance on his future and a reported refusal to waive his no-trade clause earlier, suggests he may check the market this Summer time.
Tavares (34) needs to return however faces a possible pay reduce from his $11-million AAV. GM Brad Treliving, with full autonomy from MLSE President Keith Pelley, has roughly $25.7-million in cap house but additionally must signal RFA Matthew Knies (29 objectives) to a hefty elevate (probably greater than $7-million AAV). Coach Craig Berube needs each UFAs again, however retaining all three at their asking costs is a tall order, forcing Treliving to think about if breaking apart the core is important. Brendan Shanahan’s latest launch additionally indicators that prime brass is able to begin making large modifications.
The goaltending combo of Joseph Woll and Anthony Stolarz each being below contract is a steady level, however the crew lacks a 2025 first-round choose, a bargaining chip they may use for reasonable expertise acquisition this offseason.
From a fantasy perspective, Matthews and William Nylander stay elite. Marner’s worth is extremely depending on his crew subsequent season; leaving Toronto might see a dip for his total manufacturing. Tavares, if he returns, will possible see decreased manufacturing as age catches up. Take into account additionally that if Marner walks, Berube may entrance load the lineup leaving Tavares with out Nylander. If Marner leaves, Berube might prime load the lineup to insulate Matthews, probably leaving Tavares with out Nylander as a line mate. Knies might enhance on his wonderful season if he’s given a bigger position. The Woll/Stolarz tandem affords dependable goaltending, although a timeshare might cap particular person ceilings. Any vital commerce of a core member would drastically shift fantasy landscapes.
Washington Capitals – The Final Dance for Ovi: Can Youth and Veterans Harmonize for One Extra Run?
The Washington Capitals stunned many in 2024-25, clinching the Metropolitan Division and Japanese Convention titles with 111 factors. Alexander Ovechkin made historical past, surpassing Wayne Gretzky’s all-time objectives report (895 objectives), and the crew gained its first playoff sequence since 2018 earlier than bowing out to Carolina.
As Ovechkin (44 regular-season objectives, 5 playoff objectives) enters the ultimate 12 months of his contract at age 40, probably his last season. Ovechkin would not appear the kind to ever cease taking part in, however all issues should come to an finish.
GM Chris Patrick and President Brian MacLellan should steadiness maximizing Ovechkin’s potential last marketing campaign with integrating youthful expertise and up to date acquisitions like middle Pierre-Luc Dubois (40 pts final 12 months), defenseman Jakob Chychrun, and goalie Logan Thompson (31 wins).
Nicklas Backstrom and T.J. Oshie‘s contracts will come off the books (each on LTIR in 2024-25) and can release practically $15 million in cap house. With round $9.38 million in cap house (20 gamers signed), addressing third-line talent is a precedence. Whereas particular groups had been sturdy, underlying metrics (excessive PDO, 5v5 Sh%) counsel their dominant regular-season efficiency may need benefited from some luck, as their possession numbers had been much less spectacular.
John Carlson (35) is on an expiring contract, and the crew holds the twenty seventh total choose within the 2025 draft, which might be traded for instant assist. For fantasy managers, Ovechkin stays a top-tier purpose scorer with constantly excessive shot quantity. Strome is a dependable point-producer. Tom Wilson and Aliaksei Protas had profession years however might face regression. Dubois’s efficiency as a possible prime middle might be key. Thompson established himself because the starter. Prospects like Hendrix Lapierre or Ryan Leonard might be sleepers in the event that they earn vital ice time. Washington’s offseason strikes will point out their technique for Ovechkin’s last push.
Florida Panthers – Quest for a Three-Peat: Can Zito Juggle UFAs and Maintain the Dynasty Rolling?
The Florida Panthers, defending Stanley Cup champions, continued their dynasty run in 2024-25, on the verge of what could be their third consecutive Stanley Cup Closing (main Carolina three video games to 1 within the Japanese Convention Closing). GM Invoice Zito, recognized for daring strikes like buying Seth Jones and Brad Marchand on the 2025 deadline, now faces the problem of sustaining this dynasty.
With roughly $19 million in projected cap house however solely 16 gamers signed for 2025-26, UFA selections dominate the low season. Essentially the most urgent contracts are these of longtime defenseman Aaron Ekblad ($7.5 million AAV), whose season was impacted by a PED suspension, and middle Sam Bennett ($4.425 million AAV). Bennett, a playoff warrior (six objectives), is due a elevate ($7.5 million to greater than $10 million AAV estimated). Zito hopes to retain each, with Seth Jones offering defensive insurance coverage for Ekblad.
Veteran winger Brad Marchand, a UFA after an impactful deadline stint, may take a team-friendly deal at 37 to proceed chasing championships. Carter Verhaeghe can be famous as getting into the ultimate 12 months of his present deal. Managing these contracts whereas sustaining depth is essential, particularly with Matthew Tkachuk‘s earlier groin damage and the crew’s lack of excessive 2025 draft picks. Goalie Sergei Bobrovsky ($10 million AAV by way of 2025-26) stays the rock at age 37, with Chris Driedger as his backup. Fatigue, after quite a few deep playoff runs, is one other issue to observe.
Fantasy-wise, Aleksander Barkov, Matthew Tkachuk, and Sam Reinhart are elite. Bennett, if re-signed, is a multi-category monster. Ekblad, if wholesome and retained, is a strong D1/D2 however has some competitors for the highest energy play quarterback spot. Verhaeghe is a constant purpose menace. Anton Lundell might see elevated worth if Bennett departs. Bobrovsky is a prime fantasy goalie, with Knight a needed handcuff given Bobrovsky’s age. Marchand might provide late-round worth if he returns. Florida’s deep roster means scoring may be unfold, however their stars constantly ship. Eetu Luostarinen has additionally been a revelation in clutch moments this season, quietly offering depth scoring.
With this deep dive into the Japanese Convention low season now full, the Japanese Edge sequence will shift its focus to new horizons. That is your Japanese Edge Japanese Convention replace for the week. Thanks for studying, be at liberty to chirp me within the feedback beneath or be at liberty to succeed in out on X – @FHFHockey. Within the meantime, you’ll be able to catch updates from me on the 5 Gap Fantasy Hockey Podcast.
