This summer, The Athletic’s “Cap Court” series evaluated five significant NHL contracts, including those of Elias Pettersson, Jakob Chychrun, and Mathew Barzal. Barzal, who missed most of last season due to injury, posted disappointing numbers in 2024 but had a stellar 80-point campaign the year before his best since his rookie season.
Despite his recent setbacks, the New York Islanders’ new management made it clear he remains a cornerstone player. The discussion also touched on the broader context of a rising salary cap and how the market for centers may shift, particularly in light of Pettersson’s situation.
Pulock Prepares for Fatherhood as Darche Discusses Barzal, Ritchie, and Varlamov
Beyond the contract talk, Islanders defenseman Ryan Pulock has been enjoying a productive offseason. Pulock, who was recently the subject of another contract critique, is preparing for the arrival of his first child while also committing to a summer training program. These developments, though personal, intersect with his professional readiness for the upcoming season.
Ryan Pulock (NHL)Barzal’s situation was also discussed in an in-depth interview between Jeff Marek and Tampa Bay Lightning assistant general manager Mathieu Darche, starting roughly 35 minutes into the segment. The Hockey News later broke down some of Darche’s comments into separate stories.
These included Barzal’s importance to the Islanders, Calum Ritchie’s potential to make the NHL roster straight out of training camp, and updates on goaltender Semyon Varlamov’s rehab, which is reportedly progressing but still uncertain.
Pettersson Eyes Comeback While Olympic Roster Speculation Heats Up in Offseason Buzz
The Cap Court analysis of Pettersson’s contract linked back to a prior article examining his sudden drop in performance. Analysts debated whether this decline signaled the start of a long-term issue or was simply the result of lingering injuries. Concerns center on whether knee problems have reduced his speed, but Pettersson insists he is healthy, focused on regaining his quickness, and eager for “revenge” in the upcoming season.
As is common in the summer months, hockey discourse has shifted to speculation and long-term projections. Alongside contract analyses and player health updates, fans and analysts have indulged in “rosterbating” imagining potential lineups for the Canadian Olympic team. While these conversations are far from confirmed, they add to the offseason’s mix of serious evaluations and lighthearted predictions.
