Viktor Arvidsson, the Edmonton Oilers forward, is set to explore new opportunities after a challenging season, with management indicating a willingness to facilitate this transition. Meanwhile, the Oilers are evaluating several goaltending options for the upcoming offseason, eyeing players like Ivan Prosvetov, Jake Allen, and Ilya Samsonov among others. Additionally, various restricted free agents are on the radar, including Jakub Dobes and Cayden Primeau, potentially shaping the team’s strategy going forward.

As the offseason approaches, the Oilers are also considering trade possibilities for notable names atop the current trade watch list, including Erik Karlsson and Evander Kane. The dynamics of these transactions will influence roster management and overall team performance as they look to strengthen their position in the NHL.

The NHL season is heating up as teams jockey for position in the playoff race. The Colorado Avalanche are looking stronger with Nathan MacKinnon leading the charge, showcasing his elite scoring ability and playmaking skills. Meanwhile, the Boston Bruins, holding onto their top spot, are heavily relying on the consistent performance of David Pastrnak and Brad Marchand, both of whom have been pivotal in critical games. The Toronto Maple Leafs are also making headlines, with Auston Matthews putting up impressive numbers and elevating the team's offensive output.

In the goaltending department, Igor Shesterkin for the New York Rangers continues to demonstrate why he was a Vezina Trophy winner, making critical saves and keeping his team in contention for the playoffs. The competition remains fierce, and with injuries starting to take a toll on several rosters, depth will play a crucial role in determining which teams secure a playoff spot this season.

Kasperi Kapanen's overtime goal propelled the Edmonton Oilers past the Vegas Golden Knights in a tightly contested Game 5, securing a 1-0 victory and a spot in the Western Conference Final for the second consecutive year. The Oilers, after a strong playoff run last season that ended in the Stanley Cup Final, are set to face either the Dallas Stars or the Winnipeg Jets, with the Stars currently leading their series 3-1.

Goalie Stuart Skinner delivered an impressive performance, making 24 saves and earning his second consecutive shutout, having previously blanked the Golden Knights in Game 4. This marks his third straight start, stepping up in place of the injured Calvin Pickard. In contrast, Vegas' Adin Hill was solid in his goal, making 29 saves but ultimately falling short.

The Vegas Golden Knights displayed their playoff prowess by defeating the Minnesota Wild in six games, securing their place in the second round of the NHL playoffs. The team, boasting a core that includes veteran defenseman Shea Theodore and star forwards Jack Eichel and Mark Stone, demonstrated resilience throughout the series, winning three consecutive games by a single goal margin.

Shea Theodore, who scored in the decisive Game 6, highlighted the importance of experience in navigating playoff pressure. Eichel and Stone were instrumental in the final games, combining for nine points in the last three, showcasing their offensive firepower. Goaltender Adin Hill improved drastically, allowing only seven goals in the last three games after a shaky start.

Despite the Wild's efforts, led by Kirill Kaprizov and Matt Boldy, the Knights' strategic adjustments and depth proved too much. This victory marks yet another chapter in the Knights' playoff success story, as they seek to return to the Stanley Cup finals.

Jack Eichel netted his first goal of the series, helping the Vegas Golden Knights secure a 3-2 victory over the Minnesota Wild in Game 6, advancing them to the second round. Eichel's goal came late in the second period, with Adin Hill delivering a stellar performance in net, making 29 saves. Shea Theodore and Mark Stone also contributed goals for Vegas, while Ryan Hartman scored twice for Minnesota, including a late wraparound goal that narrowed the gap.

Despite a strong effort, Minnesota faced yet another playoff series loss, marking their ninth consecutive defeat in the postseason. Vegas' success saw them rebound from a challenging series, with Stone's performance particularly notable as he assisted Eichel's goal and scored one himself. The Knights will now await the victor of the Edmonton-Los Angeles series, adding to the excitement as the playoffs progress.