The 2024-25 NHL regular season has concluded, leading to an offseason of reflection for nine eliminated teams. Each team will evaluate their performance, assessing failures and successes while strategizing for free agency, trades, and the upcoming draft.

The New Jersey Devils showed resilience despite injuries and the absence of star Jack Hughes, bolstered by strong performances from Nico Hischier and Jesper Bratt. In contrast, the Columbus Blue Jackets made strides but struggled with goaltending and injuries. The Calgary Flames improved their identity but faced offensive challenges, while the Anaheim Ducks' youth showed promise, highlighted by Luka Dostal's goaltending.

Other teams like the Boston Bruins embraced a rebuild, trading assets for future potential but suffered a disappointing season. The Buffalo Sabres are desperate to snap their long playoff drought, while the Chicago Blackhawks are rebuilding around young talent. The Detroit Red Wings are seeking consistency to end their playoff absence, while the Nashville Predators and New York Islanders need to reassess their roster dynamics in preparation for a more competitive future.

Dean Evason has been appointed as the head coach for Canada's team at the upcoming World Hockey Championship, scheduled for May 9-25 in Sweden and Denmark. He will be joined by a strong staff, including Ryan Huska of the Calgary Flames, Andrew Brunette from Nashville, and Steve McCarthy of the Blue Jackets. Evason, who just completed his first season with Columbus, aims to improve on Canada's previous fourth-place finish.

The tournament will kick off with Canada facing Slovenia on May 10. With Huska's previous experience as an assistant in junior championships and Evason's solid coaching background, expectations are high for the team to contend for the title. The staff's combined NHL experience is noted as a significant asset as Canada aims to wear the Maple Leaf with pride.

Canada's national hockey team will be led by head coach Dean Evason at the upcoming World Championship, appointed by Hockey Canada. He’ll be joined by Calgary Flames’ Ryan Huska, Nashville Predators’ Andrew Brunette, and Blue Jackets’ Steve McCarthy as assistants. The tournament is set for May 9-25 in Sweden and Denmark, with Canada opening against Slovenia on May 10.

Evason, recently completing his first season as the Blue Jackets' head coach, led the team to a six-game winning streak, narrowly missing the playoffs. Huska's Flames finished strong, with a record of 41-27-14, but also fell short of postseason play. Brunette and McCarthy will be making their international coaching debuts.

The Seattle Kraken are actively considering roster adjustments for the upcoming season, emphasizing their need for speed and strength. Forward Jason Botterill confirmed that a summer review could lead to buyouts as they seek to enhance their competitive edge.

Botterill expressed a desire for players who can effectively navigate the ice, stating, "We have to do a better job getting to the front of the net and getting to (defend) ours." Offseason speculation surrounds potential trades and acquisitions, particularly for teams like the Calgary Flames and Chicago Blackhawks, who are also searching for offensive boosts.

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.