The NHL's rookie class of 2024-2025 showcased remarkable talent with contenders for the Calder Trophy, notably Lane Hutson, Dustin Wolf, and Macklin Celebrini. Hutson, a 5'9" defenseman, excelled with 66 points and is poised to be a top fantasy draft pick next season. Wolf, now the Flames' starting goalie after the trade of Jacob Markstrom, delivered a solid performance with a .910 save percentage. Celebrini's potential as a point-per-game player shines despite playing for a struggling Sharks team. Emerging talents like Will Smith, Matvei Michkov, and Cutter Gauthier also promise to make significant impacts in their fantasy value.

The Anaheim Ducks have decided to part ways with head coach Greg Cronin following two seasons, as confirmed by general manager Pat Verbeek. Despite some improvements seen among the young roster, Verbeek indicated that a change in direction was needed after assessing the team's performance. The Ducks finished with a record of 35-37-10, missing the playoffs for the seventh consecutive season, although they did show a 21-point improvement over the previous year.

Under Cronin, the Ducks managed a total of 62 wins in 164 games. The next head coach will inherit a promising young core, featuring standout performances from players like Mason McTavish, who led the team with 22 goals and 52 points, and Leo Carlsson, the second overall pick in the 2023 NHL Draft. The Ducks' future looks bright as they continue to develop their young talents.

Calgary Flames secured a thrilling 3-2 victory over the San Jose Sharks, fueled by a potent third-period surge where Adam Klapka and Morgan Frost both found the net within a span of just under three minutes. Dustin Wolf stood tall with 29 saves, helping Calgary clinch their seventh win in eleven games, while the Sharks, struggling at the bottom of the league standings, faced their sixth consecutive loss.

Will Smith opened the scoring for San Jose, netting two goals but ultimately fell short in the face of Calgary's late-game rally. Klapka's equalizer at 8:12 of the third ignited the Flames, while Frost's power-play goal and Matt Coronato's insurance tally solidified the lead. San Jose's last-minute effort wasn't enough to turn the tide.

The final week of the NHL regular season is upon us, and with only five games slated for lighter days, fantasy managers must be strategic with their lineups. Key teams to monitor include the Calgary Flames, Edmonton Oilers, San Jose Sharks, and Tampa Bay Lightning, which could yield valuable players still available on the waiver wire.

Several lesser-rostered skaters have begun to shine recently. Andrei Kuzmenko of the Los Angeles Kings has found a rhythm alongside Anze Kopitar and Adrian Kempe, generating five goals and six assists in his last ten games. Viktor Arvidsson of the Edmonton Oilers is ramping up production, contributing to the team amid injuries to Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl. Ryan McLeod from Buffalo is also on fire, averaging better than a point per game. Meanwhile, young talents like Will Smith of the San Jose Sharks and Rutger McGroarty of the Pittsburgh Penguins are stepping up as possible streamers for fantasy teams.

As playoffs approach, expect veteran players on contending teams to rest, while younger players get more ice time. This dynamic is crucial for fantasy managers who need to balance star power with active performers. Keeping an eye on these shifts will be key in maximizing your fantasy roster as the season winds down.

Roki Sasaki's debut with the Los Angeles Dodgers was less than stellar, as he struggled with control against the Detroit Tigers, leading to his early exit in the second inning. After throwing 61 pitches and issuing four walks, manager Dave Roberts opted for a quick hook to prevent further damage. Sasaki's previous outing against the Chicago Cubs also featured control issues, raising questions about his adaptation to MLB. Despite his impressive background in Japan, his splitter lacked consistency, which is critical for his success.

Catcher Will Smith remains optimistic about Sasaki's potential, emphasizing the importance of a positive mindset and the support of a strong team. While Sasaki expressed a desire to improve quickly, he acknowledged the challenges of adjusting to the major leagues. His next opportunity to bounce back will come this weekend against the Philadelphia Phillies, where the Dodgers are hopeful he will find his footing.