The NHL's rookie class of 2024-2025 showcased remarkable talent with contenders for the Calder Trophy, notably Lane Hutson, Dustin Wolf, and Macklin Celebrini. Hutson, a 5'9" defenseman, excelled with 66 points and is poised to be a top fantasy draft pick next season. Wolf, now the Flames' starting goalie after the trade of Jacob Markstrom, delivered a solid performance with a .910 save percentage. Celebrini's potential as a point-per-game player shines despite playing for a struggling Sharks team. Emerging talents like Will Smith, Matvei Michkov, and Cutter Gauthier also promise to make significant impacts in their fantasy value.

The Philadelphia Flyers ended their home season on a disappointing note, suffering a 3-0 defeat to the Columbus Blue Jackets. With this loss, the Flyers stayed fifth in the standings for the 2025 NHL Draft. Interim coach Brad Shaw managed a respectable 5-2-1 record in his short tenure. Columbus, needing a win, is now two points behind the Montreal Canadiens in the playoff race. This game saw goaltender Jet Greaves shine for the Blue Jackets, stopping all 29 shots, while Flyers goalie Sam Ersson made 31 saves.

Despite the loss, the Flyers had moments of opportunity, with Tyson Foerster and Matvei Michkov coming close to scoring. The first period showcased a balanced effort from both teams, though Columbus broke through in the second. Dante Fabbro opened the scoring with a screened shot, followed by Kent Johnson's one-timer, putting the Blue Jackets up 2-0. In a frustrating finale, even as the Flyers pressed forward, they couldn't find the net, leaving them with a bittersweet end to the home stretch of the season.

Gabriel Landeskog, a forward for the Colorado Avalanche, is on an AHL conditioning stint as he recuperates from knee surgery. His status remains uncertain for the playoffs due to the day-by-day nature of his recovery. Meanwhile, the Edmonton Oilers are facing several injury challenges, including Leon Draisaitl sidelined by a lower-body injury for four games and Mattias Ekholm’s quick return to the lineup only to leave shortly after. Coach Kris Knoblauch has expressed caution regarding Stuart Skinner’s return as he recovers from injury. In other news, Brady Tkachuk missed practice for Ottawa, while Matvei Michkov is expected to suit up for Philadelphia despite missing practice for precautionary reasons.

Fantasy hockey enthusiasts have a loaded slate of NHL action on April 5, 2025, featuring eight games and compelling lineup picks for daily fantasy sports on DraftKings and FanDuel. The Seattle Kraken's third line, led by Jared McCann, is a prime target against the San Jose Sharks, who rank poorly in expected goals against. The Philadelphia Flyers' second line, showcasing rookie sensation Matvei Michkov, presents another enticing option against the Montreal Canadiens, known for their defensive struggles. For the Toronto Maple Leafs, choosing their second line could pay off as they face the Columbus Blue Jackets, while the Tampa Bay Lightning's top line appears primed for scoring against the Buffalo Sabres. Don't overlook standout defensemen like Zach Werenski and Vince Dunn, as well as elite goalies like Frederik Andersen, whose recent performances have been stellar.

Lane Hutson has emerged as a standout defenseman for the Montreal Canadiens and is currently generating buzz in the Calder Trophy race for the NHL's top rookie. His performance has placed him alongside notable talents such as Macklin Celebrini and Matvei Michkov. Hutson's future with the Canadiens is a hot topic, especially as he approaches the final year of his entry-level contract, which has an AAV of $950,000. The team is expected to negotiate a long-term extension for him, similar to contracts signed by young stars like Cole Caufield and Nick Suzuki.

Hutson is eligible to sign an extension starting July 1st. Comparisons to players like Quinn Hughes and Brock Faber suggest he could command a significant salary, potentially landing somewhere in the $7 to $9 million range, with insights indicating he might settle around $8 million annually. The Canadiens are in a strong position with their young core, and Hutson's impressive performances could lead to a lucrative deal that reflects his contributions.