Last week, we reviewed some of the offseason transactions from clubs in the Atlantic Division, so today we will look at the Metropolitan.

Carolina Hurricanes: Why change anything when you win the Stanley Cup? The only major difference going into the season will be the goaltending, Frederik Andersen signed with the Edmonton Oilers, so it should be a 50/50 split between Brandon Bussi and Pyotr Kochetkov. Seth Jarvis is on IR after having surgery on his shoulder and he will be out until at least November, leaving a spot open on the top power-play unit. Logan Stankoven most likely fills that void while Jarvis is on the shelf, making him a great value at his current ADP of 134.6. The former Dallas Star was on a nice 69-point pace during the playoffs while he led the 'Canes in goals.

Columbus Blue Jackets: As of this writing, Adam Fantilli has not signed a new contract, but we still have a couple of weeks until training camp starts. Things will get sorted out, but the former third overall pick was on a career best track under new head coach Rick Bowness, scoring 31 points in 37 games. If the center starts and plays the whole campaign, he could hit the 70-point mark. The Blue Jackets also brought in Valeri Nichushkin from the Colorado Avalanche. The winger was brought in as a mentor for Columbus' younger Russian players. The veteran once had sleeper appeal because of the Avalanche lineup, but he will not have that sort of potential with the Blue Jackets; I project him at 46 points for the 2026-27 campaign.

New Jersey Devils: The Devils have a boatload of forwards going into the season, so something will have to give. Even with the crowded forward room, management ponied up some good assets for Luke Evangelista; if we read the tea leaves, the Devils must be pretty high on the 24-year-old, and he should see top six minutes this season. The Canadian winger is a great playmaker and would be an ideal linemate for sniper Jack Hughes. New Jersey also brought in Anthony Mantha, who scored 33 goals last season, for two years. Given the term, I would expect Mantha to be given a top six role as well. 

New York Islanders: The Islanders did not make many moves during the offseason, only bringing in Matias Maccelli, but Kyle Palmieri should be back after playing in only 25 games last season. Calum Ritchie should also take a step forward for this organization as he finished the campaign playing on a line with Mathew Barzal and Brayden Schenn. Ritchie is pretty much free in drafts right now so make sure to have him in your queue if you are in deeper leagues.

New York Rangers: The Rangers underwent a major facelift during the offseason, sending out Vincent Trocheck and bringing in three former 20+ goal scorers in Pavol Dorofeyev (35+ in his case), Oliver Bjorkstrand, and Eeli Tolvanen. On the backend, management brought in an offensive defenseman in Sean Durzi and a defensive defenseman in Marcus Pettersson. I would temper expectations for Dorofeyev; a new team and a new contract are nice, but he may not light the lamp as much in the Big Apple. Durzi will quarterback the second power-play unit, but his real value will come if Adam Fox gets hurt. The former Mammoth defender would move up to that top spot where he has had success with his two former teams.

Philadelphia Flyers: The Flyers have a deep forward group and if they can stay healthy, watch out. Tyson Foerster only played in 29 games last season, but he already has an extension for next year locked in so the 24-year-old is part of the future and will be given plenty of ice time. Matvei Michkov was in multiple training videos over the summer and will need a new contract next offseason, but the big concern last season was his relationship with his head coach. If the young winger will be on a tight leash, but if he gets an opportunity, he has point-per-game potential.

Pittsburgh Penguins: Pittsburgh lost 33 goals from their lineup in Anthony Mantha, but they have a deep forward group. We know Sidney Crosby won't take anything more than $8.7 million on his contract, but Evgeni Malkin is in the last year of his contract, and it isn't crazy to think he hits 65 points again to try and secure another year in the NHL. Ville Koivunen was handed an eight-year contract over the summer, so keep an eye on his role throughout training camp. Also, keep an eye on goaltender Sergei Murashov. Great candidate for a zero-goalie strategy as he could be the starter out of the gate.

Washington Capitals: The big question was "Is Alex Ovechkin coming back?" and management loaded up over the summer to entice him back and it worked. The Caps added Jordan Kyrou, Alex Tuch, Boone Jenner, and expect their young players to take a step forward. Ovechkin is obviously not a first-round selection anymore, but he will still provide goals, shots, power play points, and hits. Where all the new additions fit into the lineup will be a mystery until training camp, but you can bet the Caps staff did all their analytics, and they will be used to the best of their abilities.

If you have any drafts/keeper deadlines coming up and need someone to bounce some ideas off, hit me up on Twitter @LAM1926. Have a great week!