Wilderness Walk: 9 Days 'til Draft (Party!)

League expansion is beautiful if only for the fact that it will make the trade season incredible and carry draft day right along with it. The buyout window opens today, so several players may find themselves looking for a new team, though many will be delayed as GMs try to complete trades prior to the draft. The window stays open until June 30th, giving teams plenty of time following the draft and related trades to make their buyout decisions. Things will really start to ramp up over the next few days leading up to the draft - and in case you haven't heard, we're celebrating. We'll be there to guide you through all of the picks and trades throughout the first round and will pick up coverage on the site the next day. Buckle up.

And now that that season is over..... Enjoy your walk.

Decision time for the Wild on whether to keep Vanek - StarTribune.com
Vanek scored a career-low 18 goals in 74 games last season and his 41 points were the lowest of any non-lockout season. A decision needs to be made by the end of the month.

Minnesota Wild: Bottom Three Defensmen will Need to Step Up After a Trade
No doubt.

#MrHockey

The endurance of Mr. Hockey: How Gordie Howe defied time - Sportsnet.ca
The way Gordie Howe defied time, he made us believe that some things last forever.

Gordie Howe: The Life and Legacy of Mr. Hockey - Sportsnet.ca
RIP, Gordie

Gordie Howe's way with people is his greatest legacy - Sportsnet.ca
Gordie Howe's impact on the game is written in the record books and enshrined in the Hockey Hall of Fame, but it's his way with people that lingers.

Off The Trail

2016 NHL Free Agency: The Top Forwards
NHL Free Agency is one of the most exciting times of the year. Listed here are the top NHL forwards available come July 1st, 2016.

2016 NHL Free Agency: The Top Goaltenders
July 1st is a date all hockey fans know and love. The beginning of free agency. Listed are the best free agent goaltenders available come July 1st.

2016 NHL Free Agency: The Top Defensemen
July 1st marks the beginning of NHL free agency. Get hyped. Listed here are the top free agent defensemen available in this year's class.

NHL buyout window opening: 13 top candidates - Sportsnet.ca
The NHL scrap heap.

Report: Ducks Expected to Hire Randy Carlyle
BWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAH HAHAHAHA HAHAHHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAH HAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHHA

Let’s call games the same way all season long - Article - TSN
Yes, Please.