The NHL offseason is heating up as several teams engage in contract negotiations and explore free agency options. The Ottawa Senators are in discussions with forward Adam Gaudette, who is poised to enter free agency if a deal isn't reached soon. Meanwhile, the Philadelphia Flyers are reportedly considering a move for Christian Dvorak to bolster their depth in the forward lineup.

Dallas Stars remain committed to retaining Mikael Granlund amid increasing competition for his services, while defenseman Vladislav Gavrikov has caught the attention of multiple teams as he heads towards free agency. The Buffalo Sabres are also set to sign goaltender Alex Lyon, who aims to secure a backup position after a respectable season with the Red Wings. Finally, the Vancouver Canucks are pursuing a contract extension for Thatcher Demko while also searching for a centerman, highlighting the busy nature of this offseason.

The upcoming 2025 NHL unrestricted free agent class, while featuring some notable names, is perceived as lacking depth compared to previous years. Mitch Marner leads the pack as the most coveted forward, likely to attract a top-tier salary if he enters the market. John Tavares, also from the Toronto Maple Leafs, may need to consider a pay cut from his $11 million cap hit to remain competitive.

Sam Bennett is highlighted as the premier center available, with projections suggesting his bidding could reach $10 million. Other significant forwards include Nikolaj Ehlers, Matt Duchene, and Patrick Kane, all expected to garner considerable interest for their scoring and leadership potential. The UFA defenseman class is led by Aaron Ekblad, while the goaltending market is weaker, with Jake Allen being the standout option.

The Detroit Red Wings breathed life into their playoff aspirations with a thrilling 4-3 overtime victory over the Tampa Bay Lightning, thanks to Marco Kasper's game-tying and winning goals. Goalie Alex Lyon showcased his resilience, making 18 crucial saves as the team rebounded from recent losses. The victory was fueled by a team meeting that emphasized accountability, leading to a spirited performance where players rallied around each other and their fans.

Amid the excitement, Coach Todd McLellan noted that the discussions prior to the game were vital in fostering a sense of unity and commitment. With just three games remaining in the season, including a crucial matchup against the Dallas Stars, the Red Wings are eager to capitalize on their momentum and give their fans hope for postseason play.

In a crucial move, the Detroit Red Wings have called up goaltender Sebastian Cossa due to an emergency situation. The decision comes after Petr Mrazek sustained an injury, leaving Cam Talbot unavailable for the upcoming game against the Colorado Avalanche. Talbot was initially set to start, but Alex Lyon will now take the net for a second night in a row following Mrazek's exit just 1:36 into the previous game against the Utah Hockey Club, which the Wings won 5-1.

This marks Cossa's second appearance this season with the Red Wings. The team's first-round pick from the 2021 NHL Draft had a successful debut on December 9, where he helped secure a win against the Buffalo Sabres in a shootout. This season, he has been impressive with the Grand Rapids Griffins, boasting a solid record with a goals-against average of 2.38 and a save percentage of 0.913.

As the Red Wings await further updates on Mrazek's condition, they prepare for a challenging matchup with the Ottawa Senators at Little Caesars Arena. With Cossa’s potential involvement, fantasy managers will need to keep an eye on his performance and any ripple effects this call-up may have on the Red Wings' goaltending strategy.

In a spirited atmosphere, the Detroit Red Wings managed to secure a much-needed victory against the Utah Grizzlies, with Alex Lyon stepping up as a last-minute goalie. Following the trade acquisition of Petr Mrazek, Lyon's journey has been tumultuous, but he embraced the challenge when Mrazek went down early in the game. Lyon, who has struggled to find consistent playing time, demonstrated his readiness, saying, 'When you stay ready, you don’t really have to get ready.'

His performance was not just about the game; it symbolized his resilience in a career filled with ups and downs. Coach Todd McLellan praised Lyon's adaptability in a critical moment. The win provides the Wings with crucial momentum as they pursue a playoff spot, proving that sometimes, staying ready pays off.