NHL roundtable: Rising AAVs, coaches on hot seat, and more

With the NHL season beginning Tuesday, theScore's Kyle Cushman, Sean O'Leary, and Josh Wegman share their insight on some pressing topics before the games get started.

Which 2026 UFA has the best chance to usurp Kaprizov's $17M AAV?

Kyle Connor: Kaprizov is on the short list of top left-wingers in the NHL, and Connor isn't far behind. Over the past three seasons, the Jets' speedster has 11 more points than Kaprizov and 20 more at even strength (albeit in 46 extra games). Connor has provided remarkable value for Winnipeg during his current contract, averaging 36 goals per season over the last six years while making only $7.142 million per season. It's Connor's turn to cash in as a 2026 free agent, and Kaprizov is fairly comparable based on production. Connor's also notched 33 points in his last 31 playoff games, which will only help if his goal is to rake in as much money is possible. - O'Leary

Martin Necas: Jack Eichel would realistically have the best chance to do so if he leaves Vegas, but I anticipate he'll stay with the Golden Knights on a relatively team-friendly deal. Necas is admittedly a huge long shot, but I wouldn't be totally shocked if he racks up 100 points playing alongside Nathan MacKinnon for a full season. That type of contract year could lead to some lucrative offers if he decides to test free agency, especially since he'd be just 27 years old when he hits the open market. A $17-million AAV is still probably out of reach, but with several teams lush with cap space and eager to spend, anything is possible. - Wegman

Artemi Panarin: The Russian star is just one season removed from a 49-goal, 120-point campaign. If Panarin regains that form and finishes well inside the top 10 in league scoring, a team with a bunch of cap space could offer a huge AAV to try to pry him out of New York. Is there a team - say, Utah or Detroit - that would do a massive two-year, $35-million deal to boost its immediate chances without hampering its long-term outlook? After all, Panarin's agent is Paul Theofanous, the man who just completed Kaprizov's megadeal. - Cushman

Who will be the 1st coach fired this season?

Lindy Ruff: Buffalo's head coach has to be on a short leash this season, even if it's only his second campaign at the helm. The Sabres regressed in the standings under Ruff's guidance to extend their playoff drought to 14 years. If they have an uninspiring start or slump into a losing streak early in the schedule, general manager Kevyn Adams may have no choice but to bring in a new voice behind the bench. Adams' future in Buffalo could also hinge on a postseason berth. - O'Leary

Patrick Roy: His fiery persona makes him an inspiring coach when things are going well, but when they're not, Roy has the potential to be a bit of a loose cannon. New GM Mathieu Darche will likely want to bring in his own head coach at some point, and that could become a reality sooner than later if the Islanders falter - a very real possibility after trading away their No. 1 defenseman, Noah Dobson. - Wegman

Andrew Brunette: Last season was disastrous for Nashville after a splashy summer. GM Barry Trotz will feel pressure if the Predators start slow again, and canning Brunette would be an easy change to try to spark a turnaround. Nashville hired Luke Richardson as an associate coach in June, and AHL bench boss Karl Taylor is ready for an NHL opportunity, providing two in-house options if the Predators move on from Brunette. - Cushman

Which player are you most excited to watch with his new team?

Jonathan Toews: The three-time Cup winner is back in the NHL after two full years away from the game, and the Jets could be the perfect fit. Not only is Toews a Winnipeg native, but the Jets need him to be an effective player to remain the Central Division juggernaut they were in 2024-25. The team's center depth is a big concern, especially with captain Adam Lowry out to start the season. It will be fascinating to see if and when Toews can elevate his game like he always used to and if his playoff experience will help Winnipeg following several postseason disappointments. - O'Leary

Brent Burns: At 40 years old, Burns is no longer suited for the top-pairing duty he tackled in Carolina. He won't be asked to play such a prominent role with the Avalanche, but he could excel against third and fourth lines while anchoring a third D pairing. Burns is an intriguing fit within Colorado's high-octane offensive attack, and it would be a great story if he finally won a Stanley Cup in what might be his last NHL season, not unlike Ray Bourque in 2001. - Wegman

Nikolaj Ehlers: The Dane averaged under 16 minutes the last three seasons in Winnipeg and now moves to a Hurricanes team that will lean on him as a primary offensive creator. Watching Ehlers assume a bigger role and possibly take his game to the next level will be a treat. He's scored around a point per game previously but never over an 82-game slate. If he stays healthy, Ehlers could be in for a huge year. - Cushman