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.

Joey Larson, a promising forward hailing from Michigan State University, has opted to turn professional, signing a one-year entry-level contract with the New York Islanders. After a heartbreaking loss to Cornell in the NCAA tournament, Larson quickly shifted focus to his childhood dream of playing in the NHL. Despite not being drafted, he impressed during development camps with several NHL teams, including the Vegas Golden Knights and Ottawa Senators. In his final season with MSU, Larson recorded 10 goals and 14 assists in 37 games, contributing to the Spartans' strong performance.

As the first former player from Hartland High School to secure an NHL contract, Larson acknowledges the pivotal role his collegiate career played in his development as a player. He expressed both sadness about leaving MSU, which has re-established itself as a competitive program under coach Adam Nightingale, and excitement for his new opportunity with the Islanders. Currently, he is training with the Bridgeport Islanders, the AHL affiliate, and is eager to showcase his skills on the professional stage.

The Colorado Avalanche have made a significant move by signing Taylor Makar to a one-year entry-level contract for the upcoming 2025-26 season. Makar, 24, is the younger brother of Avalanche star Cale Makar and was a seventh-round pick in the 2021 NHL Draft. With a standout season at Maine, where he netted 18 goals and 30 points after transferring from UMass, Makar is set to join the Colorado Eagles immediately on an amateur tryout contract. This means he can participate in the remaining games this season and is eligible for the Calder Cup Playoffs.

Despite Maine's early exit from the NCAA tournament, Makar's performance has been noteworthy, showing promise for a bright future in the NHL. His entry-level contract indicates the Avalanche's trust in his potential to contribute significantly to their lineup in the seasons to come.

Madison Chock and Evan Bates made history by becoming the first ice dance duo in 28 years to clinch a third consecutive world title, scoring 222.06 points overall. Their stellar performance in the free dance captivated audiences, marking a high point in their career, as Bates expressed, "This will go right to the top of the list forever."

Canada's Piper Gilles and Paul Poirier secured the silver with a total of 216.54 points, while Britain's Lilah Fear and Lewis Gibson took bronze, scoring a total of 207.11. Chock and Bates are now the first to win three straight world titles since the legendary Oksana Grishuk and Evgeni Platov from 1994 to 1997. Their focus now shifts to the upcoming Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics, aiming to treat it as their final chance.

In an electrifying match against the Philadelphia Flyers, Alex Ovechkin achieved his 888th career goal, inching closer to Wayne Gretzky's all-time record of 894. This significant moment came with 5:35 left in the first period and was greeted by roaring chants of 'Ovi! Ovi!' from the home crowd. The Washington Capitals clinched their playoff spot with a thrilling 3-2 victory, showcasing stellar performances from players like Brandon Duhaime and Andrew Mangiapane, in addition to a solid goaltending display from Charlie Lindgren, who made 26 saves.

The Capitals are riding a stellar wave, having won eight of their last nine games, which propelled them to 100 points, overtaking the Winnipeg Jets in the standings. In stark contrast, the Flyers have struggled, losing nine of their last eleven games, which has plunged them to the bottom of the Metropolitan Division. As the Capitals secure their postseason ambitions, the Flyers face an uncertain future, with discussions revolving around potential trades involving defenseman Rasmus Ristolainen due to his recent upper-body injury.