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.

Connor Kurth, a standout forward for the Gophers men's hockey team, has signed a two-year deal with the Tampa Bay Lightning, opting to leave college hockey behind. After a prolific season where he scored 18 goals and assisted on 21 others, Kurth's departure adds to the growing list of Gophers entering the NHL, joining a slew of first-round picks who have also signed contracts. Kurth, drafted in the sixth round by Tampa Bay in 2022, will begin his professional career in the AHL with the Syracuse Crunch.

In his three-year tenure with the Gophers, Kurth amassed 32 goals and 39 assists over 115 games, showcasing his offensive talents while maintaining a solid plus-34 rating. His performance, tied for second highest on the team, highlights his readiness for the challenges of the NHL as he transitions to pro hockey.

The Philadelphia Flyers extended their winning streak to two games with a commanding 7-4 victory over the Buffalo Sabres. Matvei Michkov showcased his talent, scoring two goals, while Samuel Ersson contributed with 17 saves in his first start of the season. The Sabres, who had won their previous three games, struggled defensively, as their coach Lindy Ruff pointed out a lack of discipline leading to early goals for the Flyers. After jumping to a 2-0 lead, the Flyers saw the Sabres respond with three consecutive goals. However, Michkov's equalizer ignited a dominant performance from Philadelphia, allowing them to regain control and secure the win.

The Philadelphia Flyers bounced back from the firing of head coach John Tortorella with a thrilling 6-4 victory over the Montreal Canadiens. Interim head coach Brad Shaw, stepping in on a bittersweet day, praised his players for their resilience and execution. Key performances came from Sean Couturier and Matvei Michkov, both of whom scored two goals. The Flyers took a commanding lead, capitalizing on scoring opportunities, while Samuel Ersson made crucial saves to secure the win against a struggling Canadiens squad.