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.

Quinn Hughes of the Vancouver Canucks is on track to potentially repeat as the Norris Trophy winner, having been nominated alongside Cale Makar and Zach Werenski. Hughes, who is only 25, led the Canucks this season with 76 points, showcasing his all-round defensive prowess.

Makar, the previous winner in the 2021-22 season, led all defensemen in goals and points, while Werenski has made a notable impression this year, achieving career-highs in assists and points. Hughes aims to be the first to win consecutive Norris Trophies since Nicklas Lidstrom's impressive three-peat.

Cale Makar of the Colorado Avalanche has secured his place among the NHL's elite by being named a finalist for the Norris Trophy for the fifth time in just six seasons, joining legends like Bobby Orr, Brad Park, and Dennis Potvin. This season, Makar shattered franchise records for defensemen with 30 goals and 92 points, showcasing his scoring prowess with back-to-back 90-plus point seasons, a feat last accomplished by Paul Coffey and Al MacInnis. Competing against Quinn Hughes and Zach Werenski, Makar stands out as the only defenseman to score two shorthanded goals this season, solidifying his impact on both ends of the ice.