Ryan Donato is on the verge of reaching a remarkable 30-goal season with the Chicago Blackhawks, prompting some teams to reconsider their prior trade deadline decisions. Many are questioning whether they should have offered a first-round pick for his services, given his current performance and the Blackhawks' standing three-year contract offer at $4 million per season, which includes top-six minutes and a role on the first power play unit.

As Donato approaches free agency, the Boston Bruins are reportedly a potential landing spot, as he has ties to the area from his upbringing. Meanwhile, the Vancouver Canucks are facing their own challenges with pending UFA Pius Suter, who may now be evaluated differently after an initial lack of interest. With various teams assessing their rosters, the decisions made or missed during the trade deadline will impact future strategies.

Colorado Avalanche forward Gabriel Landeskog has ramped up his skating, fostering optimism about his recovery, though no specific timeline is available yet. Teammate Jonathan Drouin exited the latest game early due to a lower-body injury. Meanwhile, Dallas Stars defenseman Miro Heiskanen approaches two months post-knee surgery, eyeing a return possibly in the first round of the playoffs if the Stars face the Avalanche. In Minnesota, Kirill Kaprizov is traveling but won’t play until at least the team's next practice. San Jose Sharks' Shakir Mukhamadullin suffered a hit that raised concerns about his availability, while Filip Chytil of the Vancouver Canucks is dealing with concussion symptoms, casting doubt on his return this season.

The Vancouver Canucks faced a crucial game against the Seattle Kraken, needing every point to keep their playoff hopes alive. Unfortunately, the game ended in a disappointing 5-0 defeat, resulting in boos from the home crowd. Defenseman Marcus Pettersson expressed frustration, acknowledging the team's struggles to contain the Kraken's offensive rush. The Canucks, now 0-2-1 in their last three games, find themselves eight points behind the wild-card spots in the Western Conference, with their chances dwindling as they have only seven games left to play.

Despite initially holding an edge with two power plays, the Canucks failed to capitalize, and Kraken goalie Joey Daccord made several key saves to keep his team in the game. Mikey Eyssimont scored the decisive goal, intercepting a pass and scoring on a breakaway. With the loss, the Canucks were shut out for the fourth time this season, continuing a troubling trend of disappointing performances at home. Captain Quinn Hughes emphasized the need for the team to keep fighting, while coach Rick Tocchet urged a balance between intensity and composure as they approach the final stretch of the season.

Joey Daccord made a remarkable 25 saves, leading the Seattle Kraken to a dominant 5-0 victory over the Vancouver Canucks, effectively derailing their playoff aspirations. With goals from Mikey Eyssimont, Chandler Stephenson, Shane Wright, and Andre Burakovsky, the Kraken showcased their offensive prowess, while Adam Larsson capped it off with an empty-netter. The Canucks struggled, failing to capitalize on three power-play opportunities and receiving criticism from fans as they faced their fourth shutout of the season.

Despite a strong start, Vancouver's inability to convert on their power plays coupled with a lack of consistent scoring left them eight points adrift of the wild-card spots. Daccord's shutout marked his second of the season, a bright spot for the Kraken amidst their recent playoff elimination. The key moment came when Eyssimont intercepted a pass and scored the game-winner late in the first period. This loss further complicates the Canucks' playoff hunt, emphasizing their need for improvement as they prepare for an upcoming homestand.

As the NHL season winds down, it's crucial for fantasy hockey enthusiasts to capitalize on emerging players in daily fantasy sports (DFS). This April 2, 2025, lineup includes standout picks across all positions. Goalie Logan Thompson is a key choice against the Carolina Hurricanes, while Aatu Raty, a rising center for the Vancouver Canucks, offers excellent value at a low price, having recently scored three goals in his last four games.

On the wing, Jaden Schwartz from the Seattle Kraken boasts impressive recent stats, with a stellar return on investment in his last five outings. Defensively, Sam Malinski of the Colorado Avalanche is making waves by filling in for an injured player and consistently racking up shots and blocks. Utilizing these players can give DFS players a competitive edge amidst a crowded slate.