As the NHL offseason winds into the dog days of summer, transactions among teams start to slow to a trickle. During their downtime, players rest their bones, spend time with their families and friends and hit the gym in an effort to come back better than ever next year.
When 2015-16 gets underway, expect to see the most improved performances of the new season coming from the 25-and-under set. Some will be reclamation projects looking to make the most of what might be their last chance at ice hockey's top level, while others will be high-level prospects realizing their potential and a select few young guns will take aim at superstar status.