The Detroit Red Wings, holding the 13th overall pick in the 2025 NHL Draft, find themselves in a historically rich position. Notable players drafted at this spot include Josh Morrissey, Jakub Vrana, and Nick Suzuki, each achieving significant success in their careers. For instance, Morrissey finished last season with an impressive 76 points, showcasing his offensive prowess as a top defenseman.

Vrana, previously with the Wings, is a dynamic forward, although his career has faced hurdles, including off-ice issues. The Red Wings’ recent drafting history also highlights their potential to find talented forwards and defensemen who can make an immediate impact. Comparatively, the Wings have not selected at this position since the league's expansion in 1967, making this draft a pivotal moment for their future.

The Montreal Canadiens are poised to make significant changes as they seek improvement for next season. The focus will be on bolstering their second line, particularly the crucial 2C position, which has been a topic of discussion for several seasons. The Canadiens’ top line, featuring Juraj Slafkovsky, Cole Caufield, and Nick Suzuki, has shown promise, but the second line's composition remains a challenge.

Kirby Dach's repeated injury woes have left his status uncertain, making the quest for a reliable 2C even more pressing. With only 59 games played over the last two seasons, Dach must prove himself during training camp to secure his role. General Manager Kent Hughes emphasized that the upcoming summer could be pivotal for the franchise's trajectory, with potential moves hinging on the right fit and increased team competitiveness.

Lane Hutson's remarkable performance this season with the Montreal Canadiens has solidified his position as a crucial element of the team's future. Following a strong debut last season, Hutson became a leading force in pushing the Canadiens into playoff contention, achieving franchise records while showcasing his exceptional talent on the ice.

With 66 points in 82 games, he shattered the previous record for rookie defensemen, demonstrating a profound ability to create opportunities and contribute significantly to his team's success. His performance has garnered him strong recognition, including a favorite's status for the Calder Trophy, an acknowledgment of his potential as a top-tier player in the NHL.

Despite the team's playoff exit, Hutson's contributions were evident as he led the Canadiens in postseason scoring, and his drive for improvement has set high expectations for his growth into a cornerstone player. As Montreal looks to secure their young core with long-term contracts, Hutson's potential for a lucrative deal looms large.

Lane Hutson has made an impressive impact with the Montreal Canadiens in the 2024-25 NHL season, living up to expectations set by teammate Kaiden Guhle. Hutson, just 21, showcased extraordinary talent, breaking franchise records for a rookie defenseman with 66 points, including 60 assists. His performance has made him a leading candidate for the Calder Trophy.

Despite the Canadiens' early playoff exit, Hutson stood out with five assists in the postseason. His agility and vision on the ice have left fans and teammates in awe, solidifying his role as a key component in Montreal’s youth movement alongside stars like Nick Suzuki and Cole Caufield. As he looks forward to the offseason, Hutson aims to enhance his strength and speed, hoping for a lucrative contract extension as the team's roster continues to evolve.

Nick Suzuki is eyeing a place on Team Canada as he prepares for the upcoming World Championships, viewing it also as a potential audition for the 2026 Winter Olympics. The Montreal Canadiens captain is currently assessing his fitness after battling injuries during the NHL playoffs.

While Suzuki's participation is uncertain, he has made a significant impact this season, finishing with 89 points, the highest for a Canadiens player in nearly three decades. His performance has positioned him favorably for Olympic consideration, especially after missing last year's World Championships. Meanwhile, teammates like Mike Matheson will represent Canada, while others, including Patrik Laine, are nursing injuries.