The upcoming buyout window in the NHL opens 48 hours after the Stanley Cup is awarded, and several players are prime candidates for buyouts. T.J. Brodie of the Chicago Blackhawks faces a potential buyout due to overpopulation on the blueline, costing the team a manageable cap hit over the next two years. Pierre Engvall, who signed a controversial seven-year deal with the New York Islanders, might not see the end of it given his underwhelming performance. Matt Dumba from the Dallas Stars is also on the chopping block as the team looks to alleviate cap space, with the option of a buyout looming if they fail to trade him.

Chicago's Joe Veleno is another young talent who could be let go due to a favorable buyout structure that would save the Blackhawks cash flow. The St. Louis Blues' Mathieu Joseph is caught in a similar predicament, with a buyout allowing them to maximize cap space. Detroit's Justin Holl signed a contract that has not panned out, and a buyout may be a route they take. Lastly, Marc-Édouard Vlasic from the San Jose Sharks, despite being a long-tenured player, may face a buyout as the Sharks navigate their roster and salary cap situation.

Matvei Michkov has made a significant impact in his rookie season with the Philadelphia Flyers, earning a spot on the NHL All-Rookie Team alongside fellow stars like Macklin Celebrini and Cutter Gauthier. Despite finishing fourth in Calder Trophy voting, Michkov led all NHL rookies with 26 goals while also tying for the second-most points on the team with 63, showcasing remarkable talent and determination.

His performance included leading all rookies in overtime goals, tying the legendary Sidney Crosby for the most by a teenager in NHL history. General manager Danny Brière praised his preparedness and mindset, indicating that Michkov's intelligence and work ethic set him apart from others. This season has seen him become the first Flyers rookie to score more than 60 points since 1994, and he remains focused on improving for next season.

Lane Hutson, the Montreal Canadiens' promising defenseman, has clinched the Calder Memorial Trophy, awarded annually to the top rookie in the NHL. Hutson garnered an impressive 165 first-place votes, leading the competition by a significant margin. He racked up 66 points this season, with 60 assists, tying the NHL record for most assists by a rookie defenseman, a feat previously achieved by the legendary Larry Murphy.

Finishing second was Calgary Flames goalie Dustin Wolf, who posted a solid 29-16-8 record with a 2.64 GAA and .910 save percentage. San Jose Sharks center Macklin Celebrini followed with 63 points, showcasing his potential as a key player for the future. Hutson's remarkable performance this season positions him as a cornerstone for the Canadiens, and his trajectory is worth monitoring closely in fantasy leagues.

The Nashville Predators are eyeing potential goaltenders for the 2025 NHL Draft, following the trade of Yaroslav Askarov, leaving a gap in their goaltending future. With Juuse Saros signed through 2033, the Predators need a viable successor. Current prospects like Jakub Milota and Magnus Chrona show promise but require development to reach NHL readiness.

History suggests that the Predators have found their best goaltenders in later rounds, with stars like Pekka Rinne and Juuse Saros being late-round picks. However, amidst a thin goaltending pipeline, the Predators' scouting director has indicated a strong intention to select at least one goaltender early in the draft, focusing on top prospects Joshua Ravensbergen and Pyotr Andreyanov.

The 2025 NHL Draft, set for June 27, is generating excitement with a strong class of prospects. The New York Islanders have secured the first overall pick, expected to select Matthew Schaefer, a standout defenseman from the Erie Otters. The San Jose Sharks, picking second, will likely choose Michael Misa, a talented center from the Saginaw Spirit. The Nashville Predators are poised to draft James Hagens from Boston College as their third pick.

This year's draft lottery has shaken up expectations, with the Islanders winning the top pick despite lower odds, while the Sharks, favorites for the top selection, will have to settle for second. The depth of this class and the unpredictability of the lottery ensure that the draft is a must-watch event for fans.