The NHL Scouting Combine is the first big event of the offseason. For about a week, the majority of the hockey world decends upon Buffalo for the event. The city is consumed by NHL draft prospects, scouts, agents, and general managers.
Teams spend the week getting to know the prospects for the upcoming draft at the end of the month. The players also go through medical and fitness testing at the end of the week.
With all of the league in one place, a lot of interesting rumors and news can come out of this week to set up the offseason.