Toronto's Hockey Hall of Fame is a must-visit for hockey enthusiasts, offering a treasure trove of memorabilia spanning the sport's rich history. Visitors are greeted by the Hyundai NHL Zone, where they can explore interconnected rooms dedicated to NHL legends, including a replica Montreal Canadiens dressing room, showcasing items from historic teams.

One highlight is the St. Louis Bar & Grill Arena Zone, featuring extensive exhibits on all NHL teams and their affiliates. For goalie fans, 'The Mask' exhibit presents nearly one hundred goalie masks, each with a story behind them. Don't miss the chance to experience this immersive journey into hockey's past, right in downtown Toronto.

The NHL offseason is heating up as free agency approaches, with teams analyzing their strategies post-draft. The Boston Bruins are looking to secure depth, needing to bolster their scoring, especially with only a couple of players exceeding 20 goals last season. The Buffalo Sabres have cap space to extend key players while seeking consistency. Meanwhile, the Detroit Red Wings recently upgraded their goaltending with John Gibson and need to address defense as well. The Florida Panthers, fresh off a Stanley Cup win, face critical decisions regarding their star players like Aaron Ekblad and Brad Marchand, all while managing a tight salary cap. Other teams like the Montreal Canadiens and Ottawa Senators are focused on building their rosters for a stronger playoff push while the Central and Pacific divisions see teams like the Chicago Blackhawks and Colorado Avalanche eyeing roster improvements.

The Montreal Canadiens are evaluating their forward roster options as they aim to enhance their team for the upcoming season. GM Kent Hughes expressed uncertainty about their ability to execute trades or secure free agents, emphasizing a commitment to improvement. Meanwhile, the New York Islanders attempted to acquire the Sharks' No. 2 pick in exchange for Noah Dobson, but the Sharks declined, signaling their focus on future prospects rather than immediate trades.

Trade talks also involve Bowen Byram with the Buffalo Sabres, who seek immediate roster help. The New York Rangers are eyeing defenseman Vladislav Gavrikov and forward Jonathan Drouin, depending on salary maneuvers. Gavrikov is a highly sought UFA, with the Rangers needing to manage their cap space effectively. The NHL landscape is heating up as teams strategize for the future.

Maxon Vig, a defenseman from Bismarck, North Dakota, was the sole Central Collegiate Hockey Association player selected in the 2025 NHL Draft, picked by the Montreal Canadiens in the seventh round at 209th overall. Vig's recent performance with the Cedar Rapids RoughRiders in the USHL was impressive, tallying 10 goals and 22 assists over 65 games while serving as an alternate captain. His journey also included a season with the Oklahoma Warriors, where he added eight goals and 19 assists in 61 games.

Vig is noteworthy as the first recruit from Bemidji State to be drafted since 2023. Alongside him, other Beavers, such as Isa Parekh and Max Hildebrand, are set to participate in NHL development camps, which serve as a crucial evaluation opportunity for prospects.

Noah Dobson, a 25-year-old defenseman, was traded from the New York Islanders to the Montreal Canadiens, where he signed an eight-year, $76 million contract carrying an average annual value of $9.5 million. This move comes just prior to his eligibility to become a restricted free agent, potentially garnering interest from other teams. The Islanders received two first-round picks in the 2025 NHL Draft along with forward Emil Heineman in return.

Dobson has had a solid season, registering 39 points in 71 games. Overall, he has totaled 230 points in 388 regular-season games and contributed 10 assists during playoff appearances. The Islanders utilized their newfound draft capital effectively, selecting forward Victor Eklund and defenseman Kashawn Aitcheson with the picks acquired.