This installment of the Eastern Edge offseason series tackles its final four Eastern Conference teams: the Toronto Maple Leafs and Washington Capitals, both recently ousted in the second round, alongside the Carolina Hurricanes and Florida Panthers, two powerhouses still vying for Stanley Cup contention in the Eastern Conference Final.

Carolina Hurricanes – New GM, New Blue Line, Same Playoff Question? 

Carolina’s 2024-25 season saw familiar regular-season strength (99 pts) lead to another deep playoff run, yet they face another quick Eastern Conference Final exit, extending a frustrating ECF streak dating back nearly 20 years. Top players like Sebastian Aho and Andrei Svechnikov struggled offensively when it mattered most, again, raising questions about Coach Rod Brind'Amour's demanding system and if it leads to playoff burnout or predictability. The top-ranked penalty kill was a bright spot, but a bottom-tier regular season power play highlights an imbalance GM Eric Tulsky must address after taking the reins from Don Waddell. 

Tulsky’s immediate challenge this offseason is a significant defensive overhaul. Veteran stalwarts Brent Burns ($8 million AAV) and Dmitry Orlov ($7.75 million AAV) are pending UFAs, their departures would free up substantial cap space but leave major vacancies on the blue line. Jaccob Slavin remains a cornerstone, while top prospects like Alexander Nikishin and Scott Morrow might get the chance to step into larger roles.

Offensively, with Teuvo Teravainen and Martin Necas gone, more is needed from Aho, Seth Jarvis (32 goals, 67 pts), and recent acquisitions Logan Stankoven and Taylor Hall. In goal, 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 starting role, Andersen’s age and injury history consistently moving the timeline closer and closer. 

The team needs to find a way to translate regular-season success into playoff victory. The 'Canes just don't seem like they have the gas in the Conference Final – Carolina's system is so demanding for 82 games, there doesn't seem to be a lot left in the tank.

From a fantasy perspective, Aho is a solid, borderline elite, top-line center. Jarvis is a rapidly ascending winger with significant upside that he continues to showcase. Svechnikov provides multi-category coverage but needs to rediscover his previous scoring consistency. Stankoven and Hall are sleepers if they land top-six roles. Nikishin is a high-risk, high-reward defensive prospect getting some looks this postseason. The Andersen/Kochetkov tandem could limit starts for both, but Kochetkov possesses the higher long-term fantasy ceiling, especially if he secures the No. 1 job outright. 

Toronto Maple Leafs – Another Game 7 Ghost: Is This the End of the Core Four Era? 

The Toronto Maple Leafs' 2024-25 season was a painful replay of past failures, Groundhog Day yet again. Despite an Atlantic Division title (108 points) and a rare first-round series win against Ottawa, their aspirations crumbled in a 6-1 Game 7 second-round loss to Florida on home ice. This marked their seventh straight Game 7 defeat since 2004. The ‘Core Four’ continues to face scrutiny as Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner were offensively muted when stakes were highest, fueling debate about whether this jam-packed roster of superstars is built for sustained playoff pressure. 

The offseason is dominated by the UFA status of Mitch Marner and John Tavares. Marner (102 regular-season points) is reportedly seeking a $13-million to $14-million AAV, but his playoff output feels like it consistently lags – even at a point-per-game this off-season, it still feels short. Pile on the fact he has a non-committal stance on his future and a reported refusal to waive his no-trade clause earlier, suggests he might test the market this Summer.

Tavares (34) wants to return but faces a likely pay cut from his $11-million AAV. GM Brad Treliving, with full autonomy from MLSE President Keith Pelley, has roughly $25.7-million in cap space but also needs to sign RFA Matthew Knies (29 goals) to a hefty raise (potentially more than $7-million AAV). Coach Craig Berube wants both UFAs back, but retaining all three at their asking prices is a tall order, forcing Treliving to consider if breaking up the core is necessary. Brendan Shanahan's recent release also signals that top brass is ready to start making big changes.

The goaltending combo of Joseph Woll and Anthony Stolarz both being under contract is a stable point, but the team lacks a 2025 first-round pick, a bargaining chip they could use for cheap talent acquisition this offseason.

From a fantasy perspective, Matthews and William Nylander remain elite. Marner's value is highly dependent on his team next season; leaving Toronto could see a dip for his overall production. Tavares, if he returns, will likely see reduced production as age catches up. Consider also that if Marner walks, Berube might front load the lineup leaving Tavares without Nylander. If Marner leaves, Berube could top load the lineup to insulate Matthews, potentially leaving Tavares without Nylander as a line mate. Knies could improve on his excellent season if he’s given a larger role. The Woll/Stolarz tandem offers reliable goaltending, though a timeshare could cap individual ceilings. Any significant trade of a core member would drastically shift fantasy landscapes. 

Washington Capitals – The Last Dance for Ovi: Can Youth and Veterans Harmonize for One More Run?

The Washington Capitals surprised many in 2024-25, clinching the Metropolitan Division and Eastern Conference titles with 111 points. Alexander Ovechkin made history, surpassing Wayne Gretzky's all-time goals record (895 goals), and the team won its first playoff series since 2018 before bowing out to Carolina. 

As Ovechkin (44 regular-season goals, five playoff goals) enters the final year of his contract at age 40, potentially his final season. Ovechkin doesn't seem the type to ever stop playing, but all things must come to an end. 

GM Chris Patrick and President Brian MacLellan must balance maximizing Ovechkin’s potential final campaign with integrating younger talent and recent acquisitions like center Pierre-Luc Dubois (40 pts last year), defenseman Jakob Chychrun, and goalie Logan Thompson (31 wins). 

Nicklas Backstrom and T.J. Oshie's contracts will come off the books (both on LTIR in 2024-25) and will free up nearly $15 million in cap space. With around $9.38 million in cap space (20 players signed), addressing third-line skill is a priority. While special teams were strong, underlying metrics (high PDO, 5v5 Sh%) suggest their dominant regular-season performance might have benefited from some luck, as their possession numbers were less impressive. 

John Carlson (35) is on an expiring contract, and the team holds the 27th overall pick in the 2025 draft, which could be traded for immediate help. For fantasy managers, Ovechkin remains a top-tier goal scorer with consistently high shot volume. Strome is a reliable point-producer. Tom Wilson and Aliaksei Protas had career years but could face regression. Dubois's performance as a potential top center will be key. Thompson established himself as the starter. Prospects like Hendrix Lapierre or Ryan Leonard could be sleepers if they earn significant ice time. Washington's offseason moves will indicate their strategy for Ovechkin's final push. 

Florida Panthers – Quest for a Three-Peat: Can Zito Juggle UFAs and Keep the Dynasty Rolling?

The Florida Panthers, defending Stanley Cup champions, continued their dynasty run in 2024-25, on the verge of what would be their third consecutive Stanley Cup Final (leading Carolina three games to one in the Eastern Conference Final). GM Bill Zito, known for bold moves like acquiring Seth Jones and Brad Marchand at the 2025 deadline, now faces the challenge of sustaining this dynasty. 

With approximately $19 million in projected cap space but only 16 players signed for 2025-26, UFA decisions dominate the off-season. The most pressing contracts are those of longtime defenseman Aaron Ekblad ($7.5 million AAV), whose season was impacted by a PED suspension, and center Sam Bennett ($4.425 million AAV). Bennett, a playoff warrior (six goals), is due a raise ($7.5 million to more than $10 million AAV estimated). Zito hopes to retain both, with Seth Jones providing defensive insurance for Ekblad. 

Veteran winger Brad Marchand, a UFA after an impactful deadline stint, might take a team-friendly deal at 37 to continue chasing championships. Carter Verhaeghe is also noted as entering the final year of his current deal. Managing these contracts while maintaining depth is crucial, especially with Matthew Tkachuk‘s previous groin injury and the team’s lack of high 2025 draft picks. Goalie Sergei Bobrovsky ($10 million AAV through 2025-26) remains the rock at age 37, with Chris Driedger as his backup. Fatigue, after numerous deep playoff runs, is another factor to monitor. 

Fantasy-wise, Aleksander Barkov, Matthew Tkachuk, and Sam Reinhart are elite. Bennett, if re-signed, is a multi-category monster. Ekblad, if healthy and retained, is a solid D1/D2 but has some competition for the top power play quarterback spot. Verhaeghe is a consistent goal threat. Anton Lundell could see increased value if Bennett departs. Bobrovsky is a top fantasy goalie, with Knight a necessary handcuff given Bobrovsky’s age. Marchand could offer late-round value if he returns. Florida’s deep roster means scoring can be spread, but their stars consistently deliver. Eetu Luostarinen has also been a revelation in clutch moments this season, quietly providing depth scoring. 

With this deep dive into the Eastern Conference off-season now complete, the Eastern Edge series will shift its focus to new horizons. That's your Eastern Edge Eastern Conference update for the week. Thank you for reading, feel free to chirp me in the comments below or feel free to reach out on X – @FHFHockey. In the meantime, you can catch updates from me on the Five Hole Fantasy Hockey Podcast.