A veteran forward with a history of resilience, this player has become a cornerstone for a struggling franchise after enduring the team’s turbulent final seasons. Now entering his 30s, he recently locked in a lucrative long-term deal worth $64 million, signaling both confidence in his durability and the organization’s commitment to rebuilding through proven talent. His ability to perform under pressure—despite past challenges—makes him a focal point as the team shifts toward a new era. The contract’s scale underscores his value, but questions remain about whether he can sustain elite production at this stage of his career.

Schmaltz, who signed an eight-year, $64 million contract ($8 million average annual value) on March 11, is a key piece, a player who weathered the final years of the Arizona Coyotes and who, at age 30 ...