Lane Hutson is right in the thick of the Calder race and right now, it’s too close to call. But being in the midst of that and in playoff position shows the impact the talented blueliner has had on the Montreal Canadiens. 

The NHL chronicled how close the vote was in the notice: 

Lane Hutson, who paced all rookies in the month of March with 14 assists and 15 points in 14 games (1-14—15) to lift the Canadiens (34-30-9, 77 points) into the final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference, has been named the NHL’s “Rookie of the Month” for March. Hutson edged Philadelphia Flyers right wing Matvei Michkov (5-9—14 in 16 GP), Anaheim Ducks left wing Cutter Gauthier (3-10—13 in 15 GP), St. Louis Blues center Zack Bolduc (8-3—11 in 15 GP), and San Jose Sharks teammates Will Smith (4-7—11 in 13 GP) and Macklin Celebrini (3-8—11 in 13 GP) for the honor.

Hutson pierces the offensive zone like few can. His stick and puck control has always been exceptional. I knew when I was watching him with the NTDP and covering more than a few of his games live that he had a chance to be a good NHL player. There was always a question about how far could his offense take him and it’s going to go further than many thought including me. 

The fact that he’s averaging over 22 minutes a game and his 59 points in 73 games is amazing. For the people saying he’s not great defensively, he’s blocked 109 shots. Does he have a few too many giveaways, yes, but that will get better but the positives far outweigh anything else. 

He’s the fifth best scoring defenseman in the NHL! I saw the Canadiens beat the Rangers in 1979. Back then, their stud defenseman was Larry Robinson. We talked about that team in my new book Game Winners. 

The Edmonton Oilers had a busy practice on Tuesday morning.

The big news was the presence of the injured Connor McDavid, Trent Frederic, and Evander Kane in non-contact jerseys. None of the three will play against the Vegas Golden Knights on Tuesday night, but it's an encouraging sign for each of them as Frederic skates with his new team for the first time, and the door is open for McDavid to return during their four-game road trip.

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 The rest of the roster will have a formidable challenge in front of them as they take on the division-leading Golden Knights, who come into Tuesday's game riding a six-game win streak.

That hot streak, coupled with the recent injuries to McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, has effectively buried any chance the Oilers had at catching Vegas for the Pacific Division crown. The Golden Knights are nine points up on the Oilers with nine games remaining in the regular season.

EDM lines & pairings - Tuesday Morning Skate:

Podkolzin - Draisaitl - Arvidsson
Hyman - RNH - Kapanen
Skinner - Janmark - Brown
Jones - Henrique - Perry
(Kane - McDavid - Frederic)

Walman - Bouchard
Nurse - Stecher
Kulak - Emberson

Pickard
Rodrigue#Oilers

— Tony Brar 🚀 (@TonyBrarOTV) April 1, 2025

Absent from Oilers practice was Mattias Ekholm, still struggling with a nagging injury that's kept him out of the lineup for the past two games. He's missed eight of the Oilers' eighteen games since the 4 Nations Face-Off. With Ekholm out, Jake Walman will remain on an offense-heavy top pairing with Evan Bouchard.

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Up front, Jeff Skinner will slide back down to the third line, where he acquitted himself very well in McDavid and Draisaitl's absence, while Kasperi Kapanen brings his speed to Ryan Nugent-Hopkins' second line.

The first line remains the same from their win over Calgary on Saturday, though Draisaitl will almost certainly see minutes with almost every winger as Kris Knoblauch double-shifts him against Vegas' deep lineup.

With Stuart Skinner still out day-to-day, Calvin Pickard will get his third consecutive start for the first time this season. Pickard rebounded from his debacle in Seattle with a solid 26-save win over the Flames on Saturday, lifting his record to 18-8-1 despite an .899 save percentage. 

The puck drops between the Oilers and Golden Knights at 8:00 PM, on Sportsnet.

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Vegas Golden Knights center Jack Eichel has been named the NHL's first star of the month. 

The 28-year-old recorded eight goals and 23 points in 14 games in the month of March, propelling the Golden Knights to a 10-2-2 record. 

During the month, Eichel set the new Golden Knights record for points in a season and set a new career-high in points. This season, Eichel's scored 27 goals and 93 points, on pace to eclipse the 100-point mark for the first time in his career.

Here's what the NHL's press release had to say about his month:

"Eichel paced the League with 8-15—23 in 14 contests to propel the Pacific Division-leading Golden Knights (45-20-8, 98 points) to a 10-2-2 month as they seek their seventh playoff berth in eight NHL seasons. Eichel, who additionally finished among the March leaders in power-play assists (t-1st; 8), power-play points (2nd; 10), assists (t-4th; 15), even-strength points (t-9th; 13) and goals (t-12th; 8), found the score sheet in 13 of his 14 appearances – capped by a six-game run to close the month that featured four multi-point performances (March 20-29: 6-7—13). The No. 2 overall pick from the 2015 NHL Draft also collected his 600th career point in his 607th game, part of a four-point effort March 22 vs. DET (1-3—4); scored his fifth career hat trick and third with Vegas March 25 at MIN (3-0—3); and notched a pair of game-winning goals: March 5 vs. TOR (1-1—2) and March 23 vs. TBL (1-0—1). The 28-year-old Eichel ranks fourth in the NHL with 27-66—93 through 72 total appearances this season, already career highs for assists and points in a single campaign (ahead of 2018-19: 28-54—82 in 77 GP w/ BUF). He also sits among the 2024-25 leaders in power-play assists (3rd; 29), assists (t-4th; 66), plus/minus (5th; +35) and power-play points (t-5th; 34)."

Jack Eichel, John Tavares and Jordan Binnington have been named the NHL’s “Three Stars” for the month of March presented by GEICO.#NHLStats: https://t.co/VIARokLrCkpic.twitter.com/A07ysorPht

— NHL Public Relations (@NHLPR) April 1, 2025

Following Eichel as stars of the month were the Toronto Maple Leafs' John Tavares, who recorded 13 goals and 20 points in 15 games, and St. Louis Blues goaltender Jordan Binnington, who posted eight wins, a .910 SV% and a 2.21 GAA.

Eichel is having a stellar season and has kept his name in the Hart Trophy race all season long. He likely won't win the award but could find himself in the top five, which would be the highest he's placed in his career. 

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Golden Knights' Jack Eichel Named Second Star Of The WeekVegas Golden Knights forward Jack Eichel has been named the NHL's second star of the week.

The Toronto Maple Leafs returned to practice at Ford Performance Centre on Tuesday following their three-game California road trip, preparing for a divisional matchup against the Florida Panthers on Wednesday.

In a practice that lasted just 15 minutes, the most notable development was the presence of Max Pacioretty and Jani Hakanpaa, both skating with the team for the first time as they work toward a return from long-term injuries.

“It’s good that they’re out there. They’ve been working with our development crew and people back here skating and trying to get healthy. Hopefully, they can get healthy and be part of the team at some point,” said head coach Berube after practice.

Max Pacioretty and Jani Hakanpaa were full participants at Leafs practice today.

Craig Berube: “They've been working with our development crew and people back here skating and trying to get healthy. Hopefully they can get healthy and be part of the team at some point.” pic.twitter.com/0ZWgqzfb4U

— Nick Barden (@nickbarden) April 1, 2025

Pacioretty has been sidelined since February 8, when he last played against the Vancouver Canucks before the 4 Nations Face-Off break. He suffered an undisclosed injury in practice on February 19, landing him on injured reserve on February 28. The Maple Leafs moved him to long-term injured reserve (LTIR) on March 7, the NHL trade deadline, for salary cap flexibility. That move ensured he would miss a minimum of 10 games and 24 days.

Despite his absence, Pacioretty (and Hakanpaa) have, at times, been skating ahead of team practices, either on separate ice pads or before the rest of the team – last doing so on March 17. In his first season with the Leafs, Pacioretty has played 37 games, recording five goals and eight assists for 13 points.

“Pretty confident, yeah. I’m pretty confident,” said Berube last week when asked if Pacioretty would be ready for playoff action.

‘I’m Pretty Confident’: Head Coach Craig Berube And Maple Leafs Expecting Max Pacioretty To Return For Playoffs After Long-Term Injured Reserve StintToronto Maple Leafs forward Max Pacioretty has been sidelined since early February, but head coach Craig Berube believes the veteran winger will be ready to return for the Stanley Cup Playoffs.

Hakanpaa’s progression is also key. The 6-foot-7, towering defenseman has been out of the lineup since November 16, when he last played against the Edmonton Oilers. He underwent minor knee surgery in hopes of returning in the second half of the season but was placed on LTIR on December 2.

The 33-year-old has only played two games for the Leafs this season, along with two conditioning appearances for the AHL’s Toronto Marlies – remaining pointless in those four outings. He was initially named to Team Finland’s 4 Nations Face-Off roster but had to withdraw due to his recovery timeline.

'I Don't Have A Timeline': Jani Hakanpaa Will Not Play For Finland At 4 Nations Sparking More Questions About His NHL FutureHakanpaa hasn't played since Nov. 16 and had a second knee procedure in early December.

The Maple Leafs seem optimistic that both Pacioretty and Hakanpaa could be ready for the postseason, steadily progressing in their recoveries as the team moves closer to the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs.

With just $195,332 in salary cap space, Toronto has been able to utilize LTIR to manage Pacioretty’s $873,770 cap hit and Hakanpaa’s $1.47 million cap hit. However, once the playoffs begin, the salary cap no longer applies, giving the Leafs the flexibility to activate both players if they’re fully ready to return in April.

Starting Goalie Against the Cats

The Leafs have been rotating their goaltending tandem of Joseph Woll and Anthony Stolarz. Woll, who last played on Sunday in Anaheim, was seen getting extra work as Stolarz had already departed the ice on Tuesday – signaling the start for the 31-year-old against his former team on Wednesday. 

So, is that the plan? 

“Yeah, maybe. I don’t know yet,” said Berube after practice, not revealing his cards.

Anthony Stolarz was off the ice well before Joseph Woll after Maple Leafs' practice today.

Head coach Craig Berube, on if Stolarz will start against the Panthers tomorrow: "Maybe."

— Nick Barden (@nickbarden) April 1, 2025

Stolarz has lost both matchups against the Panthers when he’s been in the crease for the Leafs this season. When asked if that was a factor in the decision-making, Berube dismissed the notion. 

“No, not really. No,” said Berube. “It is what it is, the team is 0-and-2.”

Final confirmation on the starting goalie should become available on Wednesday, but all signs point towards Stolarz’s third start against Florida at Scotiabank Arena. 

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ST. LOUIS – Jimmy Snuggerud will make his NHL debut for the St. Louis Blues (40-28-7) when put their nine-game winning streak on the line to open a three-game homestand against the Detroit Red Wings (34-33-6) at 7 p.m. (FDSNMW, ESPN 101.1-FM).

“Snuggerud’s going to play tonight, his first NHL game,” Blues coach Jim Montgomery said. “We’re excited to see how he’s going to help us.

“’Do what you do best and what got you here, and enjoy the moment.’ It’s a special moment and if you’re a highly-competitive player, make sure you really compete hard. If you’re a goal scorer, don’t pass up shots. If you’re a defensive player and you finish checks, finish five checks tonight. Do what you do best.”

The 20-year-old and No. 23 pick in the 2022 NHL Draft, who signed a three-year, entry-level contract on Friday after his junior season at the University of Minnesota ended at the Fargo Regional on Thursday, skated with the Blues for the first time on Monday and skated on a line with Oskar Sundqvist and Zack Bolduc.

“Conversations, just getting to know him too,” Blues captain Brayden Schenn said regarding making Snuggerud feel comfortable. “I’ve never really met him before. I’ve met him once in Minnesota earlier this year and that’s it. Hear a lot about him, same agent and stuff [Ben Hankinson], I hear he’s a great kid, a guy that obviously is well-liked by his teammates. He’s going to be quiet initially. That’s the reality of coming into pro sports being a young guy. You just kind of talk to him and if he has any questions, you’re there to answer them.”

Snuggerud, who had 24 goals and 27 assists in 40 games with the Golden Gophers this season, also will get time on the power play in the bumper.

Snuggerud said he’s played bumper, “A little bit. I’ve played it growing up with the national team a little bit. I’ve been in some scenarios up there, but it really makes it easy playing bumper when you’re with four other really good players out there, so it was really fun.”

As for using him as a bumper to start and not for the one-time threat, Montgomery said, “I don’t know, it’s the first time he’s probably been in a bumper, to be honest, and beggars can’t be choosers with the way our power play’s been. But that being said, he did a really good job there. He supported pucks well, you can tell his brain (that) he understands time and space. He’s a scorer and a shooter and those guys know how to get open. They’ve been getting open their whole lives. You could see his puck support and release are ideal for the bumper position.”

He will become the third Golden Gopher to play in the NHL and make his debut after college teammates Oliver Moore and Sam Rinzel each made his debut with the Chicago Blackhawks on Sunday.

“I’ve talked to Oliver Moore and ‘Rinzy’ [Sunday] night after their game and just see how it went for them,” Snuggerud said. “Obviously they both had a good game. I thought ‘Rinzy’ stood out a lot. He’s a strong player and he’s had that skating ability and ‘Mooresy’ made strong plays throughout the whole game.

“It’s nice to know you have your teammates going through that too. Matthew Wood is signed with Nashville now. It’s awesome to see them doing well and in their programs.”

Bolduc, who was in a similar position not too long ago as the No. 17 pick in the 2021 NHL Draft, is looking forward to playing with Snuggerud.

“For sure I can help him,” Bolduc said. “I’ve been though it not a long time ago. It’s exciting. [Tonight’s] going to be his first NHL game. It’s a dream-come-true and just got to enjoy it. You’re kind of blacked out on those days and try to enjoy it as much as you can, just work on the ice. It’s all about trying to enjoy the first one.

“He’s a good skater and he’s smart. If I put myself in his shoes, probably a little stressed, but it’s part of it. It’s part of the experience of that first game, that excitement. He’s a good player and he can shoot it too. I’m looking forward to playing with him.

“He’s a good player. He’s smart, he’s working hard and he can shoot it. … We’ve got a great line and just looking forward to it [tonight].”

- - -

Blues Projected Lineup:

Jake Neighbours-Robert Thomas-Pavel Buchnevich

Dylan Holloway-Brayden Schenn-Jordan Kyrou

Zack Bolduc-Oskar Sundqvist-Jimmy Snuggerud

Alexey Toropchenko-Radek Faksa-Nathan Walker

Cam Fowler-Nick Leddy

Philip Broberg-Justin Faulk

Ryan Suter-Tyler Tucker

Jordan Binnington will start in goal; Joel Hofer will be the backup.

Healthy scratches include Matthew Kessel, Dalibor Dvorsky, Alexandre Texier and Mathieu Joseph. Colton Parayko (knee) is out. Torey Krug (ankle) is out for the season.

- - -

Red Wings Projected Lineup:

Alex DeBrincat-Dylan Larkin-Patrick Kane

Michael Rasmussen-Marco Kasper-Lucas Raymond

Jonatan Berggren-J.T. Compher-Vladimir Tarasenko

Craig Smith-Tyler Motte-Austin Watson

Ben Chiarot-Moritz Seider

Simon Edvinsson-Justin Holl

Albert Johansson-Jeff Petry

Cam Talbot will start in goal; Alex Lyon will be the backup.

Healthy scratches include William Lagesson and Dominik Shine. Andrew Copp (upper body), Elmer Soderblom (undisclosed), Erik Gustafsson (undisclosed) and Petr Mrazek (upper body) are out.

The Vegas Golden Knights have signed top prospect Trevor Connelly to a three-year, entry-level contract.

The 19-year-old completed his first and only season in the NCAA with the Providence Friars, scoring four goals and 13 points in 22 games.

He dealt with injury issues throughout the season, forcing him to miss a significant amount of games. Connelly and Providence earned a spot in the college playoffs but were eliminated in the first round by the University of Denver. 

The 19th pick in the 2024 NHL Draft did not take home any hardware during his college career but earned a gold medal with Team USA's world junior team, scoring a goal and four points in seven games.

Connelly is listed at 6'1, but just 161 lbs, which means he still has a lot of muscle and weight to add to his frame. His goal heading into his freshman season was to do so, but the injury he sustained hampered that.

The Golden Knights have a bit of a log jam with NHL forwards which means Connelly will likely join the Henderson Silver Knights in the AHL. The Silver Knights have eight games remaining on their schedule which should provide Connelly the opportunity to gain his first bit of professional hockey experience. 

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The Vegas Golden Knights could clinch a playoff spot tonight if they can beat the Edmonton Oilers tonight.

Despite not playing on Monday, the Golden Knights could have clinched their seventh playoff berth in eight years. If the Calgary Flames lost in regulation to the Colorado Avalanche the Golden Knights would have earned a spot in the postseason, but a two-goal comeback in the third and a shootout win put a halt on those celebrations.

The Golden Knights now have the opportunity to control their fate and with a win over the Oilers, they'll bring themselves a step closer to locking up their desired regular season achievements.

If the Golden Knights lose in regulation and the Flames also lose in regulation to Utah HC, the Golden Knights will clinch a playoff spot. 

The Oilers are attempting to hunt down the Golden Knights for the Pacific Division lead, but a six-game win streak by the Golden Knights has created some much-needed separation. 

The Oilers remain without Connor McDavid but recently reinstated Leon Draisaitl back into their lineup. In his return on Saturday, Drasaitl recorded two goals and three points, picking up points on all three goals and scoring the overtime winner. 

Slowing him down will be a difficult task but it's a matchup that Jack Eichel seems to relish in. His game elevates whenever he's matched up against another superstar and his history against the Oilers is quite good. In 19 games against the Oilers, the 28-year-old has scored eight goals and 21 points. 

The Oilers are ravaged by injuries at the moment, currently without McDavid, Mattias Ekholm, Stuart Skinner, Trent Frederic and Evander Kane, but the Golden Knights too are dealing with several injuries. They'll be without Tomas Hertl, Ilya Samsonov and likely Alex Pietrangelo. 

It's a vital game for the Golden Knights as they continue to gear up for the playoffs. 

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Tomas Hertl Unavailable For The Golden Knights This WeekVegas Golden Knights forward Tomas Hertl will be unavailable this week as he deals with an injury. 

Golden Knights Recall Akira Schmid Amid Injury Concern For Ilya SamsonovThe Vegas Golden Knights have recalled goaltender Akira Schmid from the Henderson Silver Knights as they deal with a possible injury concern with Ilya Samsonov.