The NHL is just about halfway through its season, and with that, there have been plenty of impressive first-year players. The Calder Trophy, given to the best rookie, should be a tight race between several candidates.

The deal sent first- and second-round picks, along with defenseman Robert Hagg, to Buffalo. Less than a year later, Ristolainen agreed to a five-year contract extension worth an average of $5.1 million annually. He is set to become an unrestricted free agent in the summer of 2027.

The Dallas Stars (26-13-1, 3rd in the Central Division) head to Canada to take on the Montreal Canadiens (19-18-3, 5th in the Atlantic Division) as they