Jay Bouwmeester returned to St. Louis and is recovering after undergoing a procedure on his heart Friday."I would sincerely like to thank all of the trainers from both the St. Louis Blues and Anaheim Ducks, as well as of the first responders, the Anaheim medical staff, and the team at the UCI Medical Center for their quick actions on Feb. 11," Bouwmeester said Tuesday. "Our family has felt the support of the entire National Hockey League family and the city of St. Louis during this time. We have all been greatly comforted by your genuine concern."On Sunday evening, I returned to St. Louis and I am on the road to recovery. My wife and daughters are forever grateful for everyone's support and we will continue to have a positive outlook for our future."The 36-year-old defenseman underwent successful implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) surgery after he suffered a cardiac episode on the bench during a game versus the Ducks last week.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The right trade can go a long way in vaulting a contender closer to the Stanley Cup. With the Feb. 24 trade deadline around the corner, we've identified five teams vying for playoff berths that need to make a move to bolster their respective lineups.Note: Deadline cap space indicates the amount by which a team's total cap hit can be increased while remaining below the cap ceiling at the end of the regular season. All figures courtesy of CapFriendly.Edmonton OilersProjected deadline cap space: $1.1M

Colorado Avalanche star forward Mikko Rantanen suffered an upper-body injury in a loss to the Tampa Bay Lightning on Monday night and will be out of the lineup for weeks, the Avalanche confirmed postgame.It's an apparent shoulder injury, reports Mike Chambers of the Denver Post.Rantanen was hurt when Lightning defenseman Erik Cernak tripped him on a scoring chance, causing him to crash into the boards midway through the second period. Cernak was assessed a minor penalty for tripping on the play.The 23-year-old Rantanen left the game favoring his left shoulder and didn't return.He notched an assist earlier in the contest, giving him 41 points in 42 games this season.The Avalanche were already dealing with an injury to starting goaltender Philipp Grubauer, while Colorado forwards Nazem Kadri, Matt Calvert, and Colin Wilson are all out with various ailments of their own.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Vancouver Canucks' trade for Tyler Toffoli is suddenly making a lot more sense.Brock Boeser suffered a rib cartilage fracture and will be re-evaluated in three weeks, while forward Micheal Ferland is out for the season due to recurring concussion-like symptoms, Canucks general manager Jim Benning announced Monday night.Boeser, who's missed the last three games, was hurt Feb. 8 against the Calgary Flames.Ferland was diagnosed with concussion-like symptoms after leaving Friday's game with the AHL's Utica Comets.Boeser has collected 16 goals and 45 points across 56 contests in 2019-20. Ferland managed only five points in 14 games during an injury-plagued campaign.Vancouver landed Toffoli in a deal with the Los Angeles Kings earlier Monday night.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Vancouver Canucks have acquired forward Tyler Toffoli from the Los Angeles Kings in exchange for forward Tim Schaller, the rights to prospect Tyler Madden, a 2020 second-round pick, and a conditional fourth-round selection in 2022, the Canucks announced Monday.Los Angeles will receive the 2022 fourth-rounder if Toffoli, a pending unrestricted free agent, re-signs with the Canucks, reports TSN's Pierre LeBrun.The Kings aren't retaining any of Toffoli's $4.6-million cap hit because the inclusion of Schaller helps balance the salaries, adds LeBrun.Toffoli notched the first outdoor hat trick in NHL history during Saturday's Stadium Series game between the Kings and the Colorado Avalanche. He's collected 18 goals and 34 points in 58 games this season.The 27-year-old had spent his entire career with the Kings, helping them win the franchise's second Stanley Cup in 2014. Los Angeles drafted him 47th overall in 2010.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Colorado Avalanche goaltender Philipp Grubauer is out with a lower-body injury that doesn't have a definitive return timeline, head coach Jared Bednar said Monday, reports The Denver Post's Kyle Fredrickson.Bednar described Grubauer's injury status as "day-to-day" while reiterating that the netminder could miss some time.Grubauer is going through testing and the team should have an answer on his status later in the week, according to The Athletic's Ryan S. Clark.Additionally, Bednar said forward Matt Calvert will be sidelined for a couple of weeks with a lower-body injury of his own.Grubauer was injured during Saturday's Stadium Series game when he collided with teammate Ian Cole. He then left the contest and did not return. Postgame, Bednar called the ailment a lower-body injury and added that he didn't have a timeline for the goalie's recovery.The netminder has already missed time this season due to injury, paving the way for backup Pavel Francouz to man the crease on a number of occasions. Francouz has started 19 games in 2019-20, putting together a 13-5-2 record with a 2.44 goals-against average and a .925 save percentage.Grubauer has appeared in 36 contests, managing an 18-12-4 record with a 2.63 goals-against average and a .916 save percentage.Calvert has been a key player on the team's third line. He's racked up 12 goals and 25 points in 50 games.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Buffalo Sabres suspended defenseman Zach Bogosian for failure to report to their AHL affiliate, the NHL club announced Monday.Bogosian was assigned to the Rochester Americans after clearing waivers Saturday.The 29-year-old's $5.14-million cap hit comes off the Sabres' payroll as a result of the suspension. Buffalo can now continue to work on trading Bogosian, the two sides can agree to terminate his deal, or the team can let him sit out, according to The Athletic's John Vogl.Bogosian reportedly requested a trade in December. The veteran blue-liner is in the final season of the seven-year, $36-million pact he inked with the Winnipeg Jets in the summer of 2013.He was dealt to the Sabres as part of the Evander Kane swap between Winnipeg and Buffalo in 2015.Bogosian has only played 19 games for the Sabres this season, collecting five points while averaging under 17 minutes of ice time.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

This has been a season full of changes for the New Jersey Devils.The team entered the year as a hopeful contender after a flurry of offseason moves, but it has been firmly situated near the bottom of the standings for most of the campaign. Head coach John Hynes and general manager Ray Shero, who both were with the team since 2015, were fired in December and January, respectively, and it appears the Devils are looking to build for the future with Tom Fitzgerald as GM.Approaching his first trade deadline, Fitzgerald made two big moves Sunday. Let's break them down from the perspective of each team involved.Lightning land Blake ColemanDevils receiveLightning receive2020 1st-round pick (Canucks)F Blake ColemanF Nolan FooteBolts pay steep but worthy price for ColemanIt seems, on the surface, like the Tampa Bay Lightning gave up too much for the little-known Coleman. However, the 28-year-old is actually a criminally underrated two-way player.Coleman is an elite shutdown forward who can also put the puck in the net. He's already recorded his second straight 20-goal season through only 57 games, and his ability to suppress opposing teams' scoring chances speaks for itself:HockeyViz.comThe winger also has just a $1.8-million cap hit for this season and next, fitting nicely into the Lightning's salary-cap puzzle.Tampa Bay gave up the first-round pick it acquired in the J.T. Miller trade this past summer, so it's essentially Miller and Foote for Coleman. While Coleman doesn't possess the same offensive ability Miller does, he's a better defensive player and far cheaper.Foote, who played for Canada at the world juniors, was a first-round pick in 2019 and already owns an NHL-caliber shot. He has a bright future but wasn't going to immediately help the Lightning, while Coleman can. It's an expensive price to pay, but one that's worth it for a Tampa Bay team with a Stanley Cup-or-bust mindset. - Josh WegmanGrade: BDevils hit jackpot in return from LightningThe Devils almost couldn't have asked for a better haul. The first-round pick - belonging to the Canucks - will be for the upcoming draft if Vancouver makes the playoffs this season. If not, the Devils will receive the Canucks' 2021 first-rounder. New Jersey could, therefore, have as many as three picks in the first round this year, since it's already receiving another from the Arizona Coyotes for Taylor Hall.The promising Foote will be a crucial part of the Devils' attack for years to come. Franchise centers Nico Hischier and Jack Hughes need some talented wingers beside them, and Foote fits the bill.Marissa Baecker / Getty Images Sport / GettyFoote has played for the WHL's Kelowna Rockets since 2016, amassing an impressive 83 goals and 171 points in 194 games, including 15 tallies and 33 points in 26 contests as the team's captain this season.The 6-foot-4, big-bodied winger has a booming shot and can feature on the power play. He's shown significant growth over the last few years in the WHL, as well as during the world juniors, and should be ready to make the leap to the NHL in the near future.Coleman played well for the Devils, but the 28-year-old's timeline and soon-to-be expiring contract doesn't fit the youth movement in New Jersey. - Brandon MaronGrade: A+Andy Greene goes to Long IslandJim McIsaac / Getty Images Sport / GettyDevils receive Islanders receiveD David QuennevilleD Andy Greene2021 2nd-round pickDevils usher in new eraThe Devils made it clear they're heading in a new direction by shipping out their 37-year-old captain. Greene had spent his entire NHL career with New Jersey since his debut in 2006, and while he's a solid defender, it's the perfect time for the Devils to move on from a veteran in the final year of his contract.New Jersey managed to acquire relatively valuable assets for an aging rental player; regardless of results, the return, in theory, is a win.The second-rounder will remain a question mark for several years, and while Quenneville has yet to appear in an NHL game, the 21-year-old defensive prospect has performed adequately in the ECHL and AHL. It's surely never easy to part with a respected veteran - especially when they're the captain - but this was a savvy move by the Devils. - MaronGrade: BIsles stabilize blue lineThe Islanders needed a blue-liner since Adam Pelech went down in January with a season-ending knee injury, and a second-round pick seems to be the going rate for rental defensemen.Greene will have no problem fitting into Barry Trotz's system. He's smart, steady, and safe despite being well past his prime. He'll be most effective in a third-pairing role. The Devils controlled just 46.2% of the expected goals with Greene on the ice, according to Natural Stat Trick.The 37-year-old's $5-million cap hit limits Islanders GM Lou Lamoriello's flexibility. That money - and the trade assets - may have been better spent on a forward who can help cure the club's scoring woes, as New York ranks 21st in the league with 2.86 goals per game. It's possible Lou has another move up his sleeve, but only time will tell. - WegmanGrade: C-Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

BUFFALO - Nick Foligno was the first man in on the forecheck late in the second period of Thursday's Blue Jackets-Sabres game. He missed his check on puck handler Rasmus Ristolainen before smashing into the end boards at KeyBank Center, while Oliver Bjorkstrand blocked off Ristolainen's passing lane on the far side of Buffalo's net. Pierre-Luc Dubois, the final forechecker to arrive, swooped in to support Foligno's pressure point.With Columbus' three forwards below the goal line, Ristolainen shuffled the puck to Sam Reinhart. He redirected it to Jack Eichel, who transported it through the neutral zone and into the Blue Jackets' end before rifling it top corner. Goal: Buffalo. Score: 2-1 Columbus. The Sabres went on to win 4-3.Blue Jackets coach John Tortorella theorized postgame that if his squad had carried a 2-0 advantage into the second intermission, Buffalo would have been "dead in the water." Instead, the Sabres battled back and scored in overtime."It's just stupid and, quite honestly, selfish," Tortorella said of the fruitless forechecking sequence. He added, "Just a little bit of me-me-me instead of we-we-we. If we don't play as we, we're into some shit, I'll tell you right now."Norm Hall / Getty ImagesTortorella wasn't putting on a show for the cameras. Calling out the Dubois line was appropriate seeing as, yes, the 2019-20 Blue Jackets tend to get themselves "into some shit" when they gloss over the Xs and Os. The margin of error is incredibly thin for Columbus, a defensively minded group that not only lost a boatload of talent in the offseason but has been ravaged by injury all year. The final scores from the Blue Jackets' past five games offer proof: a 2-1 loss to the Avalanche, a 2-1 overtime loss to the Lightning, that 4-3 OT loss to Buffalo, a 3-1 loss (empty netter) to the Rangers, and a 4-3 shootout loss to the Devils.As of Monday afternoon, the Blue Jackets held down the first wild-card spot in the Eastern Conference with a 30-18-12 record. They've defied the odds. They're a fantastic story. Yet, it's fair to wonder if a shorthanded team that has difficulty scoring goals has begun a descent back to earth.At the 60-game mark, let's assess what's brought Columbus to this point and what the future might hold for the NHL's feistiest franchise.Weird seasonThe optimism Blue Jackets general manager Jarmo Kekalainen generated last season by going all-in on his club's playoff run - a mentality that paid dividends in the form of an opening-round sweep of the juggernaut Lightning - quickly faded in July. Artemi Panarin, Sergei Bobrovsky, Matt Duchene, and Ryan Dzingel all departed via free agency, with only 30-year-old Gustav Nyquist brought in to fill in the void.Given the turnover, most preseason prognosticators pegged Columbus as a bubble playoff team with strong pieces in Tortorella and his 25-and-under studs - Seth Jones, Zach Werenski, and Dubois. If everything falls into place this year, analysts thought, the Blue Jackets could battle for a wild card. Not bad. But what if everything didn't fall into place?The club leads the NHL in man-games lost to injury with 247 as of last week. Because of all the minor league call-ups to fill spots, Columbus has iced the youngest team in the league, according to Hockey Reference. Not helping matters is a lack of production (and availability) from two veterans. It's mid-February and Cam Atkinson and Josh Anderson - who combined for 68 goals in 162 combined games last season - have contributed just 13 goals in 70 games.Bruce Bennett / Getty ImagesDespite all of this, Columbus has collected points at roughly the same pace as last year. The Blue Jackets had 69 points in 58 games for a .595 points percentage a week out from the 2019 trade deadline; this year, they have 72 points in 60 games for a .600 percentage. Though they've lost six of their last 10 games, the fact that the Blue Jackets remain in the playoff mix this deep into the season is borderline miraculous."It has definitely felt crazy," Foligno, the team's captain, said of the weird season. "It's been its own script in a lot of ways, where we've found ways through a lot of adversity - some of it self-inflicted, some unforeseen injuries - and that's just the way it's gone. We've found a way to persevere as a team."The list of key contributors who have been sidelined doesn't stop at Anderson (34 games lost) and Atkinson (16). Defensemen Ryan Murray (36) and Markus Nutivaara (32), forwards Alexandre Texier (24) and Bjorkstrand (13), and goalie Joonas Korpisalo (out since Dec. 30) have also missed significant time. Jones, who will be sidelined until at least the start of the playoffs because of an ankle injury, is the latest and biggest blow. That leaves Nyquist, Dubois, and Boone Jenner as the only Columbus players to have appeared in every contest so far.Ben Jackson / Getty ImagesWhat's keeping this ship from sinking seems to be a combination of Tortorella's tactical genius and a buy-in from the parade of players slipping on a Columbus uniform. On a good night, when the forecheck's humming and no major defensive assignment has been missed, the Blue Jackets look like a quality hockey team. On a bad night, two points can be ripped out of their grasp rather easily. It's simple, really: A team that can't score goals must prevent goals at all costs.Forcing lower-percentage shots by keeping the slot and crease areas clear of opposing players has been a top priority for one of the league's elite defensive squads. "Last year, it was 'safe is death' and 'let's go score some goals' and 'the best defense is offense,'" Dubois said, relaying Tortorella's biggest talking points. "This year, it's 'defense first' and then we'll counteract. Like, 'Let's protect our net, let's protect our zone, and then think about scoring goals.'"The Blue Jackets and Wild allow the fewest inner-slot shots per game (5.4), according to The Point, while Natural Stat Trick has Columbus ranked second (8.56) to Minnesota in fewest five-on-five high-danger attempts per 60 minutes (HDCA/60). Based on this data, heat maps at HockeyViz, and the old-fashioned eye test, it's clear the players have been executing Tortorella's plan."If they're going to score a goal," Werenski said, "they're going to have to earn it and come through everybody."Kirk Irwin / Getty ImagesElvis Merzlikins, Korpisalo's charismatic replacement between the pipes, has proved to be a formidable last line of defense. The 25-year-old Latvian rookie has earned his way into the Calder Trophy discussion through 27 appearances. He owns a .930 even-strength save percentage and has recorded five shutouts. When you loop in third-stringer Matiss Kivlenieks, Columbus' goaltending has blown expectations out of the water."Korpi: All-Star season, goes down. Elvis: Steps up and plays great," Nyquist said. "And now Kivi, whenever he gets a chance, he's been real good and given our team a chance to win every night."When the puck isn't in the Blue Jackets' possession, they smother the other team. Despite the example from the Buffalo game, a frenzied forecheck can often be very effective. It's led to a positive penalty differential (27 more minutes on the power play than penalty kill) and just enough goals (2.6 per game) to produce 30 wins."They look up and there's always a five-man front from us," Foligno said. "That's something we pride ourselves on, because we know it works. A lot's been made of us not scoring a lot of goals, but it's still fun doing what we're doing."Long viewIcon Sportswire / Getty ImagesThe most encouraging part of Columbus' bizarre season is the timing. Between last year's go-for-it mindset and this year's plug-and-play success, the small-market franchise has never been on such solid footing.Kekalainen has, for the most part, played his cards right in terms of drafting, developing, and acquiring talent. Tortorella has instilled a strong belief system. Neither pillar was in place when Foligno arrived in 2012."I remember getting here and they had just come off the worst season. They were miserable," Foligno said, recalling his July trade from Ottawa. "I think (former star Jeff) Carter wanted out. There was all of this drama. (Ex-captain Rick) Nash left. It was a team that was just like, 'We're starting from ground zero and we're going to figure out how we're going to get to where we want to go.' That's what those teams were. It's almost like we were coming into the game and not even knowing who we were. Now we know who we are and we know what makes us successful."Elsa / Getty ImagesOnly Foligno, Atkinson, David Savard, and Brandon Dubinsky remain from the 2012-13 squad that went 24-17-7 and missed the playoffs in that lockout-shortened season. Columbus hired Kekalainen in February 2013. Tortorella burst onto the scene in late October 2015. The Blue Jackets have made the playoffs in three of the coach's four seasons. And, though the margin of error is slim in his fifth campaign, a playoff berth is within reach.Regardless of their fate this spring, the Blue Jackets seem confident they'll remain relevant."Respect comes with winning, comes with winning playoff rounds, comes with winning Cups," Dubois said. "Last year was the first year the organization won a playoff round. It takes time to build respect. I think we're on the right track to gain respect - not only in Columbus but in the entire league."John Matisz is theScore's national hockey writer.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Montreal Canadiens could have their captain back much sooner than expected.Defenseman Shea Weber may return Tuesday versus the Detroit Red Wings, head coach Claude Julien announced Monday.The veteran defenseman was diagnosed with a sprained ankle after seeing a foot specialist last Wednesday and was given a recovery period of four-to-six weeks. However, Weber returned to practice Monday, just days after the diagnosis and around two weeks after he suffered the injury Feb. 4 against the New Jersey Devils.

Bruce Boudreau was blindsided Friday when he was fired as head coach of the Minnesota Wild."I'll tell you what, I'm pretty sharp when it comes to these things," Boudreau told The Athletic's Michael Russo. "I may not be sharp in a lot of things, but with firings, I usually know. This one I didn't see coming."The Wild were 7-3-1 in their last 11 games and inching closer to a playoff spot when they dismissed Boudreau. The head coach, who was in the last year of his contract, believed he'd hold the role until the end of the season."It was funny because (general manager Bill Guerin) came in and he shut the door, and as soon as he shut the door, I knew," Boudreau said. "You just know, right? And he says, 'I'm going to make a change,' and I instantly said, 'Are you firing me?' - just like that."And he goes, 'Yes.' I said, 'Are you f------ kidding me?'"Guerin is in his first season as the Wild's GM after he replaced Paul Fenton - who lasted just one season - during the summer. Chuck Fletcher hired Boudreau in 2016."All GMs want their own coach," Boudreau said. "And I understood that."Boudreau had a reputation as an offensive-minded coach prior to his time in Minnesota, but he built the Wild into an elite defensive team. They allowed just 1.91 expected goals per 60 minutes at five-on-five under his command this season, which was the best mark in the league, according to Natural Stat Trick. However, an .897 save percentage - seventh-worst in the NHL - was the club's Achilles' heel.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Montreal Canadiens head coach Claude Julien has been fined $10,000 for critical comments he made about officials following his team's 4-3 loss to the Dallas Stars on Saturday, the league announced Monday.Julien was irate after Montreal's overtime defeat. He said several penalty calls were missed late in the game and called the officiating "embarrassing."The Canadiens were up 3-0 on Dallas before giving up four unanswered goals. They didn't receive any power-play time in the loss.Julien specifically believed the officials missed calls relating to Montreal forwards Joel Armia and Max Domi. He said Armia was hooked in overtime and Domi was clipped in the mouth by an opposing player's stick, drawing blood.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

This is the 11th edition of theScore's NHL Power Rankings for 2019-20. Check back for updated rankings every second Monday during the regular season.In this edition, with the Feb. 24 trade deadline approaching, we examine one contract each team wishes it could move at the deadline.1. Tampa Bay Lightning (39-15-5)Previous rank: 3The Lightning don't have many truly unsavory contracts, but fourth-liner Yanni Gourde's $5.16-million cap hit through 2024-25 certainly isn't ideal, especially considering the 28-year-old has managed only eight goals and 23 points in 59 games this season.2. Boston Bruins (37-11-12)Previous rank: 2David Backes and his $6-million cap hit have been buried in the minors, but the league-leading Bruins would likely love a chance to permanently rid themselves of that contract, which has one more season remaining.3. Pittsburgh Penguins (36-15-6)Previous rank: 4The general manager and captain are big fans of what Jack Johnson brings to the team, but a 33-year-old defenseman making $3.25 million until 2023 doesn't do the Penguins' salary-cap picture any favors.4. Washington Capitals (37-16-5)Previous rank: 1With Braden Holtby set to become a free agent on July 1, the Capitals should make the tough decision and cut ties a few months early. Rookie netminder Ilya Samsonov has heavily outplayed the veteran and is clearly Washington's goaltender of the future. Getting any sort of return for Holtby could be considered a win, and moving his $6.1-million cap hit would free up cap space to potentially add some offensive depth.5. Dallas Stars (34-19-6)Previous rank: 12The Joe Pavelski signing was ill-advised at the time. Though the contending Stars can't move him now, they probably regret inking the then-34-year-old to a three-year, $21-million pact last July, especially after he's predictably regressed this season.6. Colorado Avalanche (33-18-6)Previous rank: 10Mark Barberio has slotted into Colorado's lineup just 14 times this year, recording two assists. With the defensive pairings playing well, Barberio is one of the only players on the Avalanche's active roster who could potentially net them a depth forward in a trade. He's playing on an expiring contract and has a $1.45-million cap hit.7. Vancouver Canucks (32-22-5)Icon Sportswire / Icon Sportswire / GettyPrevious rank: 6Since signing a six-year, $36-million deal in 2016, Loui Eriksson has amassed 37 goals and 86 points in 235 games with the Canucks. He's been a healthy scratch numerous times this year, and the Canucks almost certainly wish they could move his hefty cap hit and make room for some additional talent to help the playoff push.8. St. Louis Blues (32-17-10)Previous rank: 5He's been a staple in St. Louis for ages, but Alex Steen is now 35 years old and will make $5.75 million for another season beyond 2019-20. He's unquestionably one of the Blues' leaders, but 15 points for that kind of dough isn't going to cut it.9. Toronto Maple Leafs (31-21-8)Previous rank: 7Andreas Johnsson's injury wasn't timely, but it didn't completely diminish his trade value. Though the forward is likely to miss the rest of this campaign, he's still signed for three more years at $3.4 million per season. That's a contract many teams would find attractive, and shipping him out could net the Maple Leafs some immediate help for a potential playoff run.10. New York Islanders (33-18-6)Previous rank: 8Leo Komarov has scored three goals this season and is on the Islanders' books for another two seasons beyond this one at $3 million per year. Not ideal.11. Edmonton Oilers (32-21-6)Previous rank: 13With Mike Smith set to become an unrestricted free agent at season's end, Mikko Koskinen could become the Oilers' No. 1 goalie of the future. It's nice to have security in net, but $4.5 million a season until 2022 for a starting goaltender with a .909 save percentage is a little rich.12. Philadelphia Flyers (32-20-7)Icon Sportswire / Icon Sportswire / GettyPrevious rank: 11A healthy scratch for a couple of games earlier this year, Shayne Gostisbehere has failed to find his footing in his fifth NHL season. Managing just five goals and 12 points while averaging 18:21 minutes of ice time in 41 games this season, he could still net the Flyers a solid return. Signed until the end of the 2022-23 season at $4.5 million per year, a team in need of a defenseman might be willing to take a shot on the 26-year-old.13. Columbus Blue Jackets (30-18-12)Previous rank: 9Brandon Dubinsky hasn't played at all this season due to a wrist injury, and the 33-year-old grinder's production had declined over the last couple of years even before he got shelved. The Blue Jackets currently have ample cap space courtesy of a slew of other ailing players, but Dubinsky will carry a $5.85-million cap hit through 2020-21 if and when he comes off long-term injured reserve.14. Carolina Hurricanes (33-21-4)Previous rank: 16They'd never admit it, but the Hurricanes might prefer not to have 31-year-old captain Jordan Staal's $6-million cap hit on the ledger for three more seasons beyond this one, despite the veteran forward's leadership, experience, and favorable underlying numbers.15. Vegas Golden Knights (30-22-8)Previous rank: 15It's not a contract, per se, but the $500,000 in annual salary Vegas retained in the Tomas Tatar trade will be on the books until 2021. That has to hurt a team as cap-strapped as the Golden Knights.16. Florida Panthers (30-22-6)Previous rank: 14Mike Matheson's eight-year, $39-million contract was a head-scratcher when it was signed. Less than two years into the deal, the Panthers have asked the blue-liner to play forward and made him a healthy scratch on multiple occasions. Florida has until the 2021-22 campaign before his modified no-trade clause kicks in.17. New York Rangers (30-24-4)Previous rank: 22Brendan Smith has logged minutes at both forward and defense for the Rangers this season, and he hasn't particularly been great in either situation. The 31-year-old hybrid only has three goals and three assists in 52 games, but he'll make $4.35 million for one more season beyond 2019-20.18. Nashville Predators (29-22-7)Previous rank: 21The Predators acquired Kyle Turris during the 2017-18 season and immediately inked him to a six-year, $36-million extension. In the two campaigns since signing the deal, Turris has amassed just 16 goals and 51 points in 106 games. His $6-million cap hit will run through the 2023-24 campaign, and Nashville would surely love to spend that money elsewhere.19. Calgary Flames (30-24-6)Icon Sportswire / Icon Sportswire / GettyPrevious rank: 17Milan Lucic seems to be a better fit in Calgary than he was Edmonton, but another three seasons at $5.25 million for a 31-year-old enforcer is a big cap issue for the Flames.20. Winnipeg Jets (30-25-5)Previous rank: 20Mathieu Perreault has battled injuries this season, but even when healthy, he's only produced 14 points in 46 games while averaging 13:23 per contest for the Jets. For a player making $4.125 million this season and next, the numbers have to be better.21. Arizona Coyotes (29-24-8)Previous rank: 19Considering the way young goaltender Adin Hill has played when called upon this season, the Coyotes probably wish they could move Antti Raanta's $4.25-million cap hit, which runs through next season. But Raanta's injury history and Darcy Kuemper's absence due to an ailment of his own make such a move impossible.22. Minnesota Wild (27-24-7)Previous rank: 25The Wild inked Zach Parise and Ryan Suter to identical 13-year, $98-million contracts in 2012. Eight years later, the deals haven't held up. Parise bounced back last year and has continued to do so this season, but with five more years left on both pacts, it would clearly benefit Minnesota to unload either 35-year-old before regression hits even harder.23. Montreal Canadiens (27-26-8)Previous rank: 23A playoff berth looks unlikely, but the Canadiens reportedly believe the current roster can compete next year after injuries helped derail the 2019-20 season. With only a handful of players on expiring contracts, Montreal might hope Dale Weise will be a sought-after individual on deadline day. His $2.35-million cap hit is a bit high for a player of his caliber.24. Chicago Blackhawks (26-25-8)Icon Sportswire / Icon Sportswire / GettyPrevious rank: 18He's a franchise icon from the most successful era in team history, but Brent Seabrook's cumbersome contract remains a burden for the Blackhawks. A slew of injuries has sidelined him this season, but the 34-year-old's ticket includes four more campaigns at $6.875 million per season.25. Buffalo Sabres (27-24-8)Previous rank: 24Kyle Okposo has been playing on the Sabres' fourth line lately, averaging just over 12 minutes of ice time per game. He fits that bottom-six role nowadays, so the fact he's making $6 million for three more seasons after this one is worrisome for Buffalo. The 31-year-old has just six goals and 13 points in 42 games this year, and he has a 15-team no-trade list. Dealing him would be nearly impossible.26. San Jose Sharks (26-28-4)Previous rank: 27Joe Thornton has a no-movement clause and may be content to stick out a disappointing season with the Sharks. But after shipping its first-round pick to the Senators, San Jose must be hoping Thornton will waive his clause and allow the team to ship him to a contender; the veteran center could likely fetch a decent return in a depleted market.27. Anaheim Ducks (24-27-7)Previous rank: 26Adam Henrique has been a bright spot for the lowly Ducks, leading the club in goal-scoring in 2019-20. The 30-year-old's contract is bound to cause some regret sooner rather than later, though. He's on the books for four more seasons after this one at a cap hit of $5.825 million.28. New Jersey Devils (22-26-10)Previous rank: 29P.K. Subban's $9-million cap hit through 2021-22 is heavy, but surely there are teams out there that still believe in the former Norris Trophy winner. Trading Subban, even in the midst of a career-worst season, could work out well for the Devils and land them some additional assets for their young core.29. Los Angeles Kings (21-33-5)Previous rank: 30Several Kings will surely be finding new homes before Feb. 24, but Los Angeles probably won't be moving goaltender Jonathan Quick. The 34-year-old's play has declined noticeably and - likely to GM Rob Blake's chagrin -he carries a $5.8-million cap hit for three more years after this one.30. Ottawa Senators (20-28-11)Previous rank: 28Nikita Zaitsev has been less than stellar since joining the rebuilding Senators from Toronto. Given Zaitzev's $4.5-million cap hit that runs through 2023-24, Ottawa would be oh so lucky if it could move the 28-year-old and make room for the rearguards of the future.31. Detroit Red Wings (14-43-4)Previous rank: 31This year's trade market features a limited number of defensemen, making Mike Green one of the few assets that could potentially fetch the Red Wings something worthwhile at the deadline. With the rebuild in full swing, getting any sort of return for an aging blue-liner on an expiring contract would be a boon for Detroit.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Toronto Maple Leafs head coach Sheldon Keefe was blunt in his postgame assessment after his team let two important points slip away Sunday versus the Buffalo Sabres."This is the worst we've been in a really long time," Keefe said, according to TSN's Kristen Shilton. "We haven't really put our game together for quite some time, but this was different today where for most of the game it didn't feel like we were in the building at all."Buffalo heavily outplayed Toronto through the first 40 minutes, but the Maple Leafs managed to tie the game at 2-2 in the third period. The Sabres went on to score three goals in 1:31 and win the game 5-2.The Maple Leafs, playing their third game in four nights against a rested Sabres team, were dominated in nearly every aspect. Buffalo outshot Toronto 36-22 while owning 63.63% of expected goals and 64.62% of scoring chances at five-on-five, per Natural Stat Trick."We need to find more solutions to our depth, injuries, and things we've had." Keefe said, according to the Toronto Sun's Terry Koshan. "We're finding some challenges on our third and fourth lines and on our defense on the back-to-back and the schedule the way it's been, it revealed itself in the game today."Toronto has managed just one regulation win in its last nine contests. The club currently sits third in the Atlantic Division, four points ahead of the Florida Panthers, who have two games in hand.The Leafs return to action Tuesday for the first of consecutive games versus the Pittsburgh Penguins. After the home-and-home set, Toronto will play the Hurricanes, Lightning, and Panthers in what should be a critical stretch in the Eastern Conference standings.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The New Jersey Devils have dealt center Blake Coleman to the Tampa Bay Lightning for a first-round pick and forward prospect Nolan Foote, the clubs announced Sunday.Tampa Bay, which had two first-round selections in the upcoming draft, is trading the one that originally belonged to the Vancouver Canucks. The Lightning landed the pick in the J.T. Miller trade last June.The condition originally attached to the pick will still apply, so if the Canucks miss the playoffs this spring, the Devils will get Vancouver's first-round selection in 2021 instead.Coleman was held out of Sunday's game against the Columbus Blue Jackets reportedly as a precaution amid the possibility of a trade.The 28-year-old is under contract for this season and the next while carrying a $1.8-million cap hit.He's poured in 21 goals in 2019-20, one marker shy of the career high he established while playing 21 more games last season. Coleman, a versatile two-way player, was in his fourth campaign with the Devils, who drafted him 75th overall in 2011.Foote, the son of former NHL defenseman Adam Foote and the brother of Lightning prospect Callan Foote, is a 19-year-old winger who's collected 33 points in 26 games with the WHL's Kelowna Rockets in 2019-20. Nolan Foote is in his fourth season with the Rockets. Tampa Bay selected him 27th overall in last year's draft.New Jersey traded captain Andy Greene to the New York Islanders earlier Sunday.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Even with Connor McDavid sidelined, Edmonton Oilers superstar Leon Draisaitl continues to play at an MVP level, and he knows it.Draisaitl bagged three points Sunday against the Carolina Hurricanes, giving him 10 in four games with McDavid sidelined and extending his lead in the league scoring race."According to a lot of people out there, I can't play on my own; I can only play with Connor," Draisaitl said after the win, according to The Athletic's Daniel Nugent-Bowman."We're showing the hockey world ... that we're not a one-man team," the 24-year-old added.Edmonton has won three of four games without McDavid, and Sunday's 4-3 overtime victory gave the Oilers a one-point lead over the Vancouver Canucks for first place in the Pacific Division. The Oilers and Canucks each have 23 regular-season contests remaining.Draisaitl now has 95 points (34 goals, 61 assists) on the season - 13 points clear of the pack.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The New Jersey Devils traded defenseman Andy Greene to the New York Islanders in exchange for defenseman David Quenneville and a 2021 second-round pick, the Devils announced Sunday.Greene was in his fifth season as New Jersey's captain.The 37-year-old had spent all 14 of his NHL campaigns with the Devils, who signed him as an undrafted free agent out of the University of Miami (Ohio) in 2006.Greene carries a $5-million cap hit. He's in the final season of the five-year, $25-million extension he inked with New Jersey in 2014.Devils interim general manager Tom Fitzgerald said following the deal that the team's captaincy will remain vacant for the rest of the campaign.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Colorado Avalanche goaltender Philipp Grubauer was forced to exit Saturday night's Stadium Series contest against the Los Angeles Kings.Avalanche defenseman Ian Cole bumped into the netminder after a scoring chance by Kings forward Austin Wagner early in the third period. Colorado backup Pavel Francouz replaced Grubauer.Avalanche head coach Jared Bednar said it's a lower-body injury but didn't have a timetable for Grubauer's recovery, according to The Athletic's Ryan S. Clark.“The fact that he left the game (Saturday night) tells me there’s certainly the possibility that he’ll miss games," Bednar said, according to ESPN's Greg Wyshynski.He entered Saturday's game with an 18-12-4 record and a .915 save percentage in 35 contests.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Montreal Canadiens head coach Claude Julien ripped into the officiating crew following his club's 4-3 overtime loss to the Dallas Stars on Saturday.”Like I said, (the officials) looked frustrated, or one of them looked frustrated tonight - the referee," Julien said after his team surrendered a 3-0 lead to lose in the extra frame, according to Sportsnet's Eric Engels. "He should have been, because to me it was embarrassing.""I can't say anything else. We take responsibility for some of our stuff and when we're not good I'm going to stand up here and say, 'we weren't good enough tonight.' Well, tonight we had to beat two teams and it was tough."Montreal, which has drawn the third-fewest penalties in the league this season, did not receive a power play in the loss. Julien believes the officials missed a number of calls that could have halted the Stars' momentum."But in those situations after that, we could have had power plays ... (Joel) Armia - if that's a hook, well then in overtime there should have been a penalty on him," Julien said. "Max (Domi), in overtime there, gets a stick to the mouth, he's bleeding from the mouth, there's no penalty there."Following Tyler Seguin's overtime winner, Canadiens forward Brendan Gallagher engaged in a shouting match with one official before breaking his stick in frustration.

The Carolina Hurricanes will play their first outdoor contest in familiar territory.The Hurricanes will host a Stadium Series game on Feb. 20, 2021, at Carter-Finley Stadium, home of the NC State Wolfpack, the NHL announced Saturday.Carolina's opponent for the event has yet to be determined. A Washington Capitals spokesperson told The Washington Post's Samantha Pell the D.C.-based team will not be participating in the game.The Hurricanes' home rink, PNC Arena, is located across the street from Carter-Finley Stadium in Raleigh.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Evander Kane criticized NHL disciplinarian George Parros and his department, which handed the San Jose Sharks forward his latest suspension.Kane was banned three games Saturday for elbowing Winnipeg Jets defenseman Neal Pionk on Friday.

The 2019-20 campaign was never meant to be for the San Jose Sharks.Defenseman Erik Karlsson will miss the rest of the season with a broken thumb, the team announced Saturday.Karlsson is yet another key member of the club to have suffered a significant long-term injury this season. Tomas Hertl suffered a torn ACL and MCL on Jan. 29, while Logan Couture was given a minimum six-week timeline after fracturing his ankle Jan. 7.Karlsson finishes his second campaign in San Jose with 40 points in 56 games. He's played just 109 out of a possible 164 regular-season games since joining the Sharks in 2018.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Bryan Little's season is over before it even really started.The Winnipeg Jets forward will not return this year after taking a slap shot to the ear from his own teammate back in November, head coach Paul Maurice said Saturday, according to The Athletic's Ken Wiebe.Little will undergo surgery to repair the perforated eardrum and then begin a three-month recovery, Maurice added.The 32-year-old required 25-30 stitches to close the laceration. He's also suffered from vertigo due to the incident.Little finishes his season with five points in seven contests. He missed the first nine games of the year due to a concussion from a separate incident.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Buffalo Sabres defenseman Zach Bogosian cleared waivers Saturday and was assigned to the AHL's Rochester Americans, the team announced.The 29-year-old has one year remaining on his contract carrying a $5.14-million cap hit, per CapFriendly.Bogosian was selected third overall by the Atlanta Thrashers in 2008 - one pick after Drew Doughty and one selection before Alex Pietrangelo. Injuries, including multiple hip surgeries, played a part in derailing his career.He signed a seven-year, $36-million contract with the Winnipeg Jets in 2013 but was traded to Buffalo in a 2015 blockbuster along with Evander Kane and Jason Kasdorf for Tyler Myers, Drew Stafford, Joel Armia, Brendan Lemieux, and a first-round pick (that became Jack Roslovic).Bogosian has been lost in the shuffle in Buffalo this season, tallying just five points in 19 games. He reportedly requested a trade in December.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Paul Maurice was none too thrilled with the officiating crew Friday night.The Winnipeg Jets head coach sounded off about Marcus Sorensen's goal that opened the scoring for the San Jose Sharks, and the fact that it was upheld after Maurice challenged for goaltender interference.Sorensen jammed the puck under Jets goaltender Connor Hellebuyck amid what Maurice considered egregious contact with his netminder late in the first period of San Jose's 3-2 victory.

Edmonton Oilers forward Zack Kassian has been banned seven contests for kicking Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman Erik Cernak, the NHL's Department of Player Safety announced Friday.Kassian extended his leg toward Cernak's chest in the first period Thursday night. The Edmonton winger wasn't penalized for the incident.The league offered Kassian an in-person hearing Friday morning, which allowed it to ban him for six or more contests. He waived his right to the face-to-face meeting - instead opting for a phone hearing Friday afternoon.It's the second suspension for Kassian in 2020. The league handed him a two-game ban in January for his role in an altercation with Calgary Flames forward Matthew Tkachuk.Kassian defended himself postgame, calling the incident "reactionary," but admitted he was trying to kick Cernak off him.The league said that while it acknowledges Kassian's argument, it "in no way justifies this action."The 29-year-old was handed two previous suspensions before this season, sitting eight games for high-sticking in September 2013, and serving a three-game ban for boarding in March 2014.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Minnesota Wild fired head coach Bruce Boudreau on Friday morning, the team announced.Assistant coach Dean Evason was named interim head coach.At 27-23-7, the Wild are three points out of a playoff spot in the Western Conference. They've gone 7-3-1 over their last 11 games.Boudreau's dismissal represents the eighth coaching change in the NHL this season. Since the end of the 2018-19 campaign, 15 of the league's 31 teams have changed bench bosses.The 65-year-old Boudreau, who was in his fourth season with the Wild, led the club to playoff appearances in 2017 and 2018 but failed to advance past the first round each time.Among coaches who've overseen at least 500 games, Boudreau owns the third-best points percentage in NHL history behind Scott Bowman and Jon Cooper. He coached the Washington Capitals and Anaheim Ducks before landing with Minnesota in 2016.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Edmonton Oilers director of player development Scott Howson will be the next chief executive officer of the American Hockey League.The AHL's Board of Governors unanimously elected the former Columbus Blue Jackets general manager as its incoming president and CEO, the league announced Friday.Oilers chairman Bob Nicholson said in a statement that Howson will remain with the club in his current role through the end of April.The 59-year-old will become the 10th AHL president since the league was formed in 1936, and he'll succeed David Andrews, who is retiring after 26 years. Andrews will continue on as chairman of the board after his tenure as president and CEO ends June 30.Howson has served several roles in the Oilers' front office since Edmonton hired him in 2013.He handled the Blue Jackets' GM duties for nearly six years beginning in 2007.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The 2019-20 trade deadline may ultimately lack the sizzle of its 2018-19 counterpart, but that doesn't mean this one will arrive without intrigue.It doesn't appear as though big-ticket pending unrestricted free agents like Alex Pietrangelo, Braden Holtby, and Jacob Markstrom will be moved, but they could eventually be shipped out should they fail to sign extensions with their respective clubs. More impact players could also become available depending on which teams fall out of postseason contention before Feb. 24.While those stars are far less likely to be sent packing, here are the biggest names that could be dealt prior to the deadline:1. Chris Kreider, RangersBrian Babineau / National Hockey League / GettyPositionAgeContractCap HitLW28Pending UFA$4.625MBarring the sudden availability of a superior player, Kreider is the best name on the trade block and appears most likely to be traded.Eight teams have reportedly informed the Rangers that Kreider's at the top of their respective wish list. The skilled winger's combination of speed and size, along with his age and relatively digestible cap hit, justify his status as the most coveted target.2. Jean-Gabriel Pageau, SenatorsPositionAgeContractCap HitC27Pending UFA$3.1MPageau is having a career year for the lowly Senators, and it wouldn't be at all surprising to see the forward dealt given the club's history of unloading players. His inflated shooting percentage is bound to regress whether or not he stays in Ottawa, but he could still provide a contender with some scoring punch and strong two-way play from the center position.3. Tyler Toffoli, KingsPositionAgeContractCap HitRW27Pending UFA$4.6MThe struggling Kings would be foolish not to sell ahead of the deadline. Toffoli would arguably be their best trade chip, considering his age and offensive abilities. While he'll likely be a rental, the talented forward will undoubtedly be coveted by clubs looking to add a top-six winger.4. Alec Martinez, KingsPositionAgeContractCap HitD32Signed through 2020-21$4MYes, Martinez has some miles on him, but the two-time Cup winner remains a responsible left-shot blue-liner who's posted respectable possession numbers this season for a lackluster Kings squad. His contract runs through next year, so while he comes with term, it's short enough to welcome potential suitors and could actually make him a more enticing target.5. Sami Vatanen, DevilsIcon Sportswire / Icon Sportswire / GettyPositionAgeContractCap HitD28Pending UFA$4.9MMuch like the Kings, the Devils are still languishing near the bottom of the standings after trading Taylor Hall and firing their head coach. So it would make sense for the teardown to continue with the trade of Vatanen, a versatile, productive blue-liner on an expiring contract. The Devils placed him on injured reserve Thursday, but the move's retroactive to Feb. 1, so he can be activated at any time.6. Ilya Kovalchuk, CanadiensPositionAgeContractCap HitRW36Pending UFA$700KKovalchuk has been red-hot since the Canadiens inked him to a low-risk, one-year deal for the league minimum in early January. One would expect general manager Marc Bergevin to capitalize on that if Montreal isn't in playoff contention on deadline day. However, considering how well the Russian forward has fit in, it wouldn't be shocking to see the Canadiens hold onto him if they're in the playoff hunt.7. Andreas Athanasiou, Red WingsPositionAgeContractCap HitLW25Pending RFA$3MThe Red Wings have several pending restricted free agents, and while neither Anthony Mantha nor Tyler Bertuzzi are going anywhere, Athanasiou could be moved. Although he's been inconsistent this season, the speedy winger poured in 30 goals in 2018-19 and might have a shot at finding his old form on a better team.8. Brenden Dillon, SharksPositionAgeContractCap HitD29Pending UFA$3.27MLike Martinez, Dillon has never posted staggering offensive numbers, but his underlying figures are impressive given the Sharks' season. He also piles up hits and is on pace for about 250 of them in 2019-20 after registering a career-high 201 last season.9. Matt Dumba, WildPositionAgeContractCap HitD25Signed through 2022-23$6MDumba isn't a pending free agent and won't be for a while, but that could actually make the right-shot rearguard more attractive to teams like the Toronto Maple Leafs, who might be looking for a defenseman with term. He's picked up his play lately after a disappointing first half, and the struggling Wild could look to take advantage of that if they're out of the race by the deadline.10. Shayne Gostisbehere, FlyersIcon Sportswire / Icon Sportswire / GettyPositionAgeContractCap HitD26Signed through 2022-23$4.5MThe Flyers remain in the playoff mix, but Gostisbehere might still be moved for several reasons. He's struggled under head coach Alain Vigneault, and trading him would give the club some added cap flexibility with franchise goalie Carter Hart needing an extension next season. Gostisbehere missed about a month with an injury recently, but he's since returned and could benefit from a change of scenery.11. Mikael Granlund, PredatorsPositionAgeContractCap HitRW27Pending UFA$5.75MAfter a slow start to the season, Granlund has started to produce and could be bolstering his trade value as a result. The question will be whether the Predators are still in the playoff hunt by deadline time. If not, Granlund would be a prime candidate to move with his expiring deal.12. Alexandar Georgiev, RangersPositionAgeContractCap HitG23Pending RFA$792KUnless Holtby or Markstrom suddenly hit the trade block, Georgiev is the best available goalie. Several teams, including the Leafs, have reportedly checked in with the Rangers to discuss the cost of acquiring him. Igor Shesterkin's arrival has made Georgiev expendable in New York, and the latter could make for a solid addition to a contender in need of a backup.13. Kasperi Kapanen, Maple LeafsPositionAgeContractCap HitRW23Signed through 2021-22$3.2MKapanen is frequently cited as a potential trade chip. He's still young, locked in for a couple more seasons at an affordable rate, and expendable given Toronto's forward depth and all the money committed to its big four. Head coach Sheldon Keefe recently downplayed disciplining Kapanen for a "pattern" of tardiness, but if that trend were to continue, it could be yet another justification for trading the winger.14. Andreas Johnsson, Maple LeafsKevin Sousa / National Hockey League / GettyPositionAgeContractCap HitLW25Signed through 2022-23$3.4MJohnsson is the other relatively young Maple Leafs forward who could be dangled in a trade, as they're clearly looking to upgrade on the back end. He's a bit older than Kapanen and gets paid a touch more, but Johnsson is coming off a 20-goal rookie season and still has enough promise to warrant interest in his own right. He'll likely miss the rest of the regular season with a knee injury, but he's under contract for a few more years after this one, so any potential suitors might not be too dissuaded from acquiring him.15. Dylan DeMelo, SenatorsPositionAgeContractCap HitD26Pending UFA$900KIncluding Pageau and DeMelo, Ottawa has no less than 10 pending UFAs. While there might be a market for some of the others - like Vladislav Namestnikov, Ron Hainsey, or even Craig Anderson - none of those veterans are as young or as affordable as DeMelo, an effective defenseman who's somehow driving possession on a porous Senators club.16. Ondrej Kase, DucksPositionAgeContractCap HitRW24Signed through 2020-21$2.6MWhile Kase's injury woes and lack of consistency have clouded his time with the Ducks, he's still relatively young and carries a team-friendly cap hit along with another year of term. Anaheim could try to get something for him while retaining the rest of its core forward group.17. Josh Manson, DucksPositionAgeContractCap HitD28Signed through 2021-22$4.1MAnaheim loves Manson, a gritty stay-at-home blue-liner who's spent his whole six-year career with the Ducks. However, this rebuliding team is one of the league's most obvious candidates to sell, and he's yet another example of a reliable rearguard with term.18. Corey Crawford, BlackhawksPositionAgeContractCap HitG35Pending UFA$6MRobin Lehner could've been on this list as well, as both Blackhawks goaltenders are playing out expiring contracts. However, Crawford's about six-and-a-half years older than his counterpart, and he's been outplayed by Lehner. Lehner appears more likely to be in Chicago's future plans, making Crawford an interesting trade candidate.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Find line reports, best bets, and subscribe to push notifications in the Betting News section.We couldn't quite follow up a perfect Wednesday with an unbeaten Thursday, but we did take home a slight profit despite a 2-2 record with our official bets.We also improved to 7-3 on our last 10 best bets, though our trend of the day was a loser. It was a case of two steps forward, one step back.Moving forward, there are a ton of games this weekend, so let's have at it.GOATs and scapegoatsThere are a number of GOATs we could pick from the St. Louis Blues-Vegas Golden Knights matchup that soared over the six-goal total, but Zach Sanford takes the cake with his four-goal effort. A player scoring four times when you bet the over is pretty spectacular.Meanwhile, the Columbus Blue Jackets let us down. They held a 2-0 lead late in the second period before losing 4-3 in overtime. Matiss Kivlenieks allowed three goals on the Buffalo Sabres' final 10 shots of regulation. That one hurt.Weekend betsSaturday: Edmonton OilersSooner or later, you'd expect Joel Quenneville to pull the Florida Panthers out of their funk, but until we see signs of a turnaround, let's keep taking advantage of them. The Panthers have now lost five of their last six, including three in a row on home ice, while the Oilers are still playing some very good hockey in the absence of Connor McDavid. Edmonton's on an 11-3 run in road games against Eastern Conference teams and should be targeted on Saturday at plus-money.Saturday: Dallas StarsThe look-ahead line for this game at Bell Center has the Stars at -115. The Montreal Canadiens will first play Friday night in Pittsburgh, so we could see goalie Charlie Lindgren start Saturday, though with the Habs' playoff hopes hanging by a thread, it's possible Carey Price starts both games. Regardless, Montreal has been struggling on home ice and seems to be running out of steam while being hit hard by the injury bug. The Stars have won eight of their last 11 on the road and should comfortably take care of business Saturday night. Don't hesitate to grab them at such a short price.Sunday: Columbus Blue JacketsThe Blue Jackets have won nine of their last 10 games at Prudential Center, with the New Jersey Devils hardly lighting the lamp in those contests (more on that later). Elvis Merzlikins owns a .947 save percentage in 2020 and should have no problem leading the Jackets to continued dominance over their Metropolitan Division foes.Best betSaturday: Ottawa Senators' team total over 2.5You might be surprised that the Senators have won eight of their last 10 home games against the Toronto Maple Leafs. Ottawa has scored at least three goals in 10 of its last 11 contests versus the Leafs in the nation's capital, including 10 goals combined in the two meetings there last season. Toronto's defensive issues don't seem to be improving, and with the Leafs in action on Sunday as well, we could see Jack Campbell start the first game of the back-to-back - a move coach Sheldon Keefe's been making of late. Regardless of the starter, Ottawa's the play.Trend of the nightThe Devils have scored just 12 goals in their last 10 home games against the Blue Jackets. They've scored one goal or fewer in seven of those 10 contests.Meanwhile, Merzlikins is in top form and the Blue Jackets are conceding very few goals these days, so a play on the Devils' team total under 2.5, as well as under 1.5 - which can likely be had at around +200 - are both in the cards for Sunday's game.Alex Moretto is a sports betting writer for theScore. A journalism graduate from Guelph-Humber University, he has worked in sports media for over a decade. He will bet on anything from the Super Bowl to amateur soccer, is too impatient for futures, and will never trust a kicker. Find him on Twitter @alexjmoretto.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Toronto Maple Leafs forward Andreas Johnsson will require surgery on his knee and will be out at least eight weeks, head coach Sheldon Keefe said Friday, according to Sportsnet's Chris Johnston.Johnsson suffered the injury Thursday against the Dallas Stars after colliding with teammate Kasperi Kapanen.

St. Louis Blues defenseman Jay Bouwmeester underwent successful implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) surgery on Friday morning, the team announced.The procedure is designed to restore the heart's normal rhythm.Bouwmeester suffered a cardiac episode on the bench during Tuesday night's game against the Anaheim Ducks. The tilt was then postponed.The Blue will provide an update on Bouwmeester's status early next week.The 36-year-old blue-liner has played in 1,241 regular-season games during his career, tallying 424 points. He's a member of the Triple Gold Club after winning a Stanley Cup with the Blues last season, an Olympic gold medal with Team Canada in 2014, and World Championship gold medals in both 2003 and 2004.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Edmonton Oilers forward Zack Kassian was offered an in-person hearing for kicking Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman Erik Cernak on Thursday, the NHL's Department of Player Safety announced Friday.Kassian waived his right to the in-person hearing, and a phone hearing will be conducted Friday afternoon, the league added.Offering an in-person hearing, even if it's declined by the player, gives the league the option to suspend the player for six or more games.Kassian, who wasn't penalized for the incident, tried to explain himself postgame."He was holding my leg, it was reactionary," he told Sportsnet's Mark Spector. "I was just trying to get him off me, kick him off me. I was just trying to get my foot loose."If I kicked him hard, I think he would have flew back or the ref would have called a penalty," he continued. "I was trying to get off and pull my leg off. He was holding me and (teammate Josh Archibald) down. I didn't even know where the puck was (and) I was trying to pull my leg up and get up."Meanwhile, Cernak gave his side of the story."I think he was a little bit mad," the Lightning blue-liner told reporters, including The Athletic's Joe Smith. "I asked him what was wrong with him, because that’s not the right play. (That's not) what to do on the ice. He didn’t say (anything). So I don’t know. Lucky it wasn’t higher."Kassian was suspended two games in January for his role in an altercation with Calgary Flames winger Matthew Tkachuk.The 29-year-old received his ban exactly a month prior to Thursday's incident after pummeling Tkachuk during their game on Jan. 11.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

TORONTO - The Maple Leafs never retired jersey No. 9 for Dick Duff, so his headshot doesn't hang from the roof at Scotiabank Arena next to those of other beloved past stars. The omission is understandable: only two of the six Stanley Cups Duff won in the 1960s were with Toronto. The small but rugged winger charmed fans in archrival Montreal, too, over the latter half of his Hall of Fame career, securing his place in history as a vital member of the Original Six era's last great teams.On a recent Saturday night, Duff's great-nephew Cody Goloubef sat in the press box at Toronto's rink - at eye level with the banners that honor many of Duff's contemporaries - and reflected on his own standing in the sport. For all but two weeks since he left college in 2010, his resume has been that of a scuffling pro on the fringe of the limelight. Goloubef's 311 AHL games are double what he's played in the NHL, where no club, including this season's Ottawa Senators, has afforded him a bigger role than depth defenseman.But about those exceptional weeks, and the distinction that now sets him apart from the rest of his country. Two years on from the first Olympic men's hockey tournament in a generation that didn't feature NHLers, Goloubef is the only member of Canada's bronze-medal team who's returned to hockey's best league. Where most of his teammates went back to Europe, he parlayed his contract with Calgary's AHL affiliate into a series of one-year, two-way deals, the last of which allowed him to cinch a permanent roster spot with the rebuilding Sens.In Gary Bettman's NHL, that means Goloubef, 30, has about as special, and as broadly significant, a story a seventh blue-liner could aspire to author. Unlike the top players in the world circa 2018, he got to live an adventure that he said his great-uncle Dick thought was pretty cool - and that Bettman, judging by the commissioner's public comments on the subject, appears ready to forgo once again."Anytime you get that kind of experience, that's something you'll never forget," Goloubef said. "Playing in the NHL is rare as is, but then getting a chance to play in the Olympics, no matter under what circumstance, is rare."Ronald Martinez / Getty ImagesMemories of PyeongChang 2018, an event at which Germany upset Canada in the semifinals and Russia won gold while playing under the shroud of national doping sanctions, are worth revisiting as the second anniversary of the tournament arrives, and not only because of its unusual results. As the NHL season ticks toward the trade deadline, the league's also approaching an IIHF-imposed Aug. 31 cutoff date to decide whether its players will participate in the 2022 Beijing Olympics.Bettman and IIHF president Rene Fasel have plenty of time to find harmony before that summer deadline. The NHL passed on Pyeongchang because of concerns over scheduling, injuries, and costs, but the IIHF and IOC have expressed their shared readiness to resolve the last of those sticking points. And the league's desire to make inroads in China - it held preseason games there in 2017 and 2018 and opened a satellite office in Beijing last year - may convince Bettman that committing to these particular Winter Games would be worthwhile.

The upcoming trade deadline lacks the big-ticket rentals of a season ago, but several compelling storylines could still materialize before Feb. 24.Some of these potential moves are less likely than others, but that doesn't mean we can't hope they're made, either for entertainment purposes or in order to fulfill a satisfying narrative.Here's a handful of deals that we'd love to see before the 2019-20 NHL trade deadline:Jumbo Joe rejoins BruinsOne would expect the Boston Bruins to try landing a forward like Chris Kreider or Ilya Kovalchuk to bolster their top six and provide some secondary scoring. While that would make sense, there's a different move that would be a lot more fun.Joe Thornton isn't what he once was, but how great would be to see the quadragenarian playmaker don the black and gold once again? He's spent the last 14-plus seasons of his 22-year career with the San Jose Sharks, and he's done a lot for the franchise. However, that team will clearly be sellers, and he's a pending unrestricted free agent with an affordable $2-million cap hit.For Boston, it would be an opportunity to atone (to some degree) for the lopsided swap that sent him to Northern California in 2005. Thornton's point production has declined, but he's posting respectable possession numbers despite playing for a disappointing Sharks club, so he could still make an impact for the Bruins, who drafted him first overall in 1997.Colorado corrals KreiderJonathan Kozub / National Hockey League / GettyThe Bruins and the St. Louis Blues appear to be logical landing spots for Kreider, the New York Rangers forward who's the best rental player likely to be available. While both of those potential suitors are constrained by the cap, they could still conceivably make it work if the Rangers retain some of his $4.63-million hit or take back some salary to balance it out.However, the Colorado Avalanche will have far more room to maneuver under the cap ceiling before the deadline, so the Rangers could unload the forward's full contract and wouldn't have to take on another in return.The Avalanche, who have assets to move and boast the league's best offense, would become even more lethal with the addition of Kreider, who offers a rare combination of size and skill. Plus, considering Colorado's cap flexibility, the team could still afford to acquire a defenseman to provide stability on the back end.Maple Leafs deal for DumbaMark Blinch / National Hockey League / GettyToronto Maple Leafs general manager Kyle Dubas would prefer to trade for a blue-liner with term rather than a rental. Dubas has made multiple deals with the Los Angeles Kings since 2018-19, so he could look to land left-shot rearguard Alec Martinez from that club. However, the Leafs' bigger need is on the right side, so the Minnesota Wild's Matt Dumba would be a better fit, especially with right-handed, pending UFA Tyson Barrie potentially departing Toronto in the offseason.Dumba is under contract for three more years after this one while carrying a $6-million cap hit. Toronto's cap situation is murky, but the team cleared some room recently by putting Cody Ceci on long-term injured reserve, and it might do the same with Andreas Johnsson. The Leafs don't have a first- or third-round pick in 2020, but they have a first- and second-rounder next year, along with several intriguing prospects in their system. So, Toronto could still offer a package that convinces Minnesota.The 25-year-old Wild defenseman hasn't produced in 2019-20 as he has in recent years, but he could rediscover his offensive prowess on a Maple Leafs club that boasts no shortage of firepower. Dumba led the NHL in goals among defensemen before an injury derailed him last season, and he's only two years removed from a 50-point campaign. His ability to move the puck and contribute in the offensive zone would make the already compelling Leafs even more watchable.Canadiens bring Crawford homeMinas Panagiotakis / Getty Images Sport / GettyThe Montreal Canadiens obviously don't need a starting goaltender, but Charlie Lindgren has been subpar backing up Carey Price and has barely played. Plus, Montreal likely wants Cayden Primeau to develop a bit more before giving its netminder of the future regular NHL playing time.Both of the Chicago Blackhawks' netminders are pending UFAs, and Robin Lehner is presumably the one they would prefer to re-sign. The older of the two, Corey Crawford, has been serviceable while splitting time in the crease this season, and he's proven he can still handle semi-regular starts.While he won't get those in Montreal, Crawford is from the city and has historically played well there. Yes, the Canadiens would have some tweaking to do to accommodate his $6-million cap hit, and the club's somewhat limited amount of cap space might be better used elsewhere if it's still in the playoff race by the deadline. Of course, there's always the potential for Chicago to retain salary to make the move more feasible. This trade would make for a great story in addition to making some hockey sense.Jets franchise reconnects with KovalchukJoel Auerbach / Getty Images Sport / GettyThis one might not be as likely as the others listed above for a couple of reasons. Firstly, the Winnipeg Jets don't exactly jump at opportunities to invoke their Atlanta Thrashers days. Secondly, the Canadiens might hang onto Ilya Kovalchuk, considering how well he's fit in since signing with Montreal.Regardless, the 36-year-old forward has an extremely team-friendly contract - he's a pending UFA on a league-minimum, prorated $700,000 deal - and as such, should have plenty of suitors. Unlike several other clubs, the Jets will have enough cap space to afford him while also addressing their bigger need on defense.Winnipeg already ices two talented left-wingers in Kyle Connor and Nikolaj Ehlers, but if Kovalchuk were willing to move to his off-wing, it would be enjoyable to watch the franchise's all-time goals leader suit up for the relocated version of the team that drafted him first overall in 2001.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Artemi Panarin may have gotten away with one Thursday versus the Minnesota Wild.The New York Rangers star had his name called in the shootout and delivered a goal after putting a series of moves on goaltender Alex Stalock. However, before he deposited the puck upstairs, Panarin came close to going backward, which would have caused the play to be blown dead.

Andreas Johnsson is going to miss some time after getting hurt in a loss to the Dallas Stars on Thursday night.The Toronto Maple Leafs forward's knee injury "is not going to be short term," head coach Sheldon Keefe told reporters postgame. The Toronto bench boss added they will know more about the winger's status Friday.Johnsson left the game after teammate Kasperi Kapanen inadvertently collided with him in the first period.

With the trade deadline fast approaching, each of the seven Canadian teams finds itself faced with a unique set of circumstances. Some clubs are looking to add, others are looking to sell, and some appear to be caught in between.The Vancouver Canucks have arrived ahead of schedule, while the Montreal Canadiens look to recalibrate their plan following an injury-riddled campaign. The Calgary Flames need offense, the Toronto Maple Leafs need defense, and the Ottawa Senators look to accelerate their rebuild.Each team will have some difficult decisions to make, regardless of its situation. Here's a look at one potential deadline move for every club north of the border.Calgary Flames: Trade for Tyler ToffoliGerry Thomas / National Hockey League / GettyDeadline cap space: $2.33 millionThe Flames were elite offensively during the 2018-19 campaign, but their failure to match that level of production this season has the club in danger of missing the playoffs.Only two right-shot forwards - Derek Ryan and Elias Lindholm - have played more than eight games this season, so the club should look to balance out its attack by acquiring a scoring winger on the right side. One possible target is Los Angeles Kings forward Toffoli.It's difficult to determine what the Flames would be willing to concede given Toffoli is set to become an unrestricted free agent this summer. Perhaps a young depth player off their roster, plus a third-round selection could get it done. The Kings could ask for an additional conditional pick should Toffoli re-sign in Calgary.The 27-year-old Toffoli is on pace to reach the 20-goal mark for the fourth time and has posted positive advanced numbers at five-on-five through nearly every season of his career.Edmonton Oilers: Acquire Chris Kreider Emilee Chinn / Getty Images Sport / GettyDeadline cap space: $3.53 millionIt's no secret that the Oilers need to round out their forward group to support franchise talents Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, and New York Rangers winger Kreider could be a perfect fit.The 28-year-old's contract is expiring this summer, and with New York out of the playoff picture, it's hard to imagine the team passing up a strong offer that could help expedite its rebuild.Kreider plays with incredible pace, and at 6-foot-3, offers the ideal combination of size and skill. The winger would pose a significant threat playing alongside either Draisaitl or McDavid and would improve an already top-ranked power play. Kreider's 77 career playoff games would rank second on the Oilers' roster behind James Neal.Montreal Canadiens: Sell Ilya KovalchukMinas Panagiotakis / Getty Images Sport / GettyDeadline cap space: $17.42 millionIt's unclear what the Canadiens plan to do with Kovalchuk now that they're back in the playoff hunt. Even if the Habs stumble over the next 12 days, they could opt to re-sign their regenerated goal-scorer rather than deal him.But what if they could have it both ways? Should the 36-year-old want to continue playing in Montreal, the Canadiens could dish Kovalchuk for an asset and re-sign him next summer. General manager Marc Bergevin pulled this move when he recouped a pair of prospects and a second-round pick for Tomas Plekanec in 2017-18 before bringing the forward back for the following season.Kovalchuk has shown the potential to be a valuable rental, and the Habs should look to move him in order to bolster their hefty stash of 11 picks at the 2020 draft.Ottawa Senators: Add to substantial bag of draft picksJeff Vinnick / National Hockey League / GettyDeadline cap space: $26.60 millionOttawa will likely look back on the summer of 2020 as a critical time in its rebuild. The Senators own five draft picks, including two firsts, in the first two rounds of the 2020 Draft, and they should be looking to add to that total.General manager Pierre Dorion could move a few players on expiring contracts in an effort to continue stockpiling assets. Forwards Jean-Gabriel Pageau, Tyler Ennis, and Vladislav Namestnikov, who are all set to become unrestricted free agents after this season, should be dealt if possible.The most intriguing of the trio is Pageau, who has a career-high 21 goals through 55 games. The list of impact centers on expiring deals that are likely to be available at the deadline is short, which increases the 27-year-old's value. The Dallas Stars and Colorado Avalanche are two contending teams that could use a boost up the middle.Toronto Maple Leafs: Take a stab at Damon Severson Bruce Bennett / Getty Images Sport / GettyDeadline cap space: $5.83 millionIt's time for Toronto to finally tackle its defensive issues by acquiring a rearguard that will make a substantial difference. The Leafs have multiple young players on their current roster, in addition to several talented prospects, that could entice teams looking for scoring help.New Jersey Devils defenseman Severson is one under-the-radar option. The 25-year-old is a steady, right-shooting rearguard with three years remaining on his current deal beyond this season at an annual cap hit of $4.16 million. With seven goals and 22 points on the campaign, the Saskatchewan native can also chip in offensively.The Minnesota Wild are reportedly open to listening to offers for Matt Dumba and Jonas Brodin, and either would serve as a significant upgrade in Toronto.Vancouver Canucks: Add winger for Bo HorvatBen Nelms / Getty Images Sport / GettyDeadline cap space: $0.22 millionThe Canucks already own the league's sixth-best offense, but they could become extremely dangerous in a playoff series if they added another top-six winger to play alongside Horvat.Toffoli is one option, but Devils forward Blake Coleman might be a more practical target considering the club's tight cap situation. Coleman carries a cap hit of $1.8 million next season and has mustered back-to-back 20-goal campaigns. The 28-year-old plays a key roll on New Jersey's penalty kill and is an extremely reliable two-way talent.The Devils are likely to be sellers at the deadline, and the Canucks should look to take full advantage.Winnipeg Jets: Acquire a top-pair right defensemanSara Schmidle / National Hockey League / GettyDeadline cap space: $21.80 millionThe Jets won't return to Stanley Cup contention until they refortify the right side of their blue line. This doesn't necessarily have to be done by the deadline, but if they remain in the hunt for a playoff spot and want to optimize their current window, it would be a good idea for them to get aggressive.It's no small task to acquire a quality player at such a premium position, but the Jets have a ton of talented forwards and young defensive prospects that would warrant a hefty return should they choose to take that route. There are a couple potential targets for the club that come to mind.Buffalo Sabres rearguard Rasmus Ristolainen has expressed his discontent in the past and at 6-foot-4, 220 lbs, he could help replace some of the size and grit the club seemingly lost with Dustin Byfuglien's absence.P.K. Subban is also an interesting player. The former Norris Trophy winner has had a disastrous campaign in New Jersey and could benefit from a fresh start. The Devils would likely need to retain a large chunk of Subban's $9-million cap in order to move him, and the Jets would accept the risk that the 30-year-old blue-liner may not return to elite form.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

With the trade deadline (Monday, Feb. 24 at 3 p.m. ET) on the horizon, theScore identifies eight X-factors who could influence this key period:Chris KreiderIn a relatively weak trade deadline class, Chris Kreider is expected to be the best player dealt. There's still a chance the Rangers re-sign the pending UFA winger, but it's clear New York will have no shortage of suitors. As of last week, he was reportedly atop the wish list of eight teams.If Kreider is indeed traded, it'll be interesting to track the ripple effect. How do the league's main buyers react? Do they double down on their pursuit of an impact player and chase after Senators forward Jean-Gabriel Pageau? Do they exit the marketplace in frustration since the talent pool is so shallow?What isn't up for debate is Kreider's credentials. He's in the prime of his career and his game is perfectly suited for playoff hockey. The 28-year-old possesses size, speed, physicality, and offensive ability. With 22 goals and 40 points through 54 games, he's on pace for a career year. - Josh WegmanMarc BergevinIcon Sportswire / Icon Sportswire / GettyOh, to be in Marc Bergevin's head right now.The Canadiens GM is a fascinating figure in the buildup to the deadline, as he has a lot to process - from Shea Weber's health status, to Ilya Kovalchuk's emergence, to the Eastern Conference playoff race.The central question in all of this: What is the club's realistic timeline for a return to the postseason? Heading into Thursday's slate of games, the Habs are seven points back in the East despite playing a conference-high 59 games. MoneyPuck.com estimates they have a 5.3% chance of earning a spot. In other words, the playoffs probably aren't in the cards this spring.Bergevin then has a decision to make regarding Kovalchuk, who has dazzled in his 17-game stint in Montreal, scoring six goals - including three game-winners - while adding six assists. The executive's options include pursuing a contract extension, trading him before the deadline, or riding out the season and leaving any potential negotiations to the summer. Don't forget defenseman Marco Scandella, another midseason acquisition, is also on an expiring deal and could garner some attention on the rental market.Tomas Tatar and Jeff Petry - quality veterans making fair money - have another year remaining on their respective deals. This means if Bergevin believes the Habs can't rebound to any great extent in 2020-21, he could flip one or both of them for picks and/or prospects. Bringing in a player like Tatar or Petry for two playoff runs would be a boon for any contender. - John MatiszOff-ice Battle of AlbertaCodie McLachlan / Getty Images Sport / GettyThe Flames and Oilers' rivalry could extend off the ice leading up to the deadline. Both clubs are jostling for position in the crowded Pacific Division and could be in the hunt for similar players. Whichever team can make a more impactful addition could have a significant leg up down the stretch.Flames GM Brad Treliving has already paved the way for a move, trading Michael Frolik to the Sabres last month to clear $4.3 million in cap space. All signs point to the Flames adding a top-six forward. Kreider may be too steep for a squad not guaranteed a playoff spot, but someone like Tyler Toffoli could be a nice fit. A depth defenseman could also be useful, with Mark Giordano and Travis Hamonic both currently sidelined.Coincidentally, Edmonton's most pressing need is also a top-six forward - ideally someone who could hang with Connor McDavid when he returns from injury. It'd be nice to add a center ASAP to help while McDavid is out, but Ottawa's Pageau is the only notable pivot available.All that being said, Oilers GM Ken Holland has limited cap space to work with. He could take on a sizable cap hit if the last year of Sam Gagner's contract is sent the other way, but finding an affordable player, such as the rejuvenated Kovalchuk or Edmonton native Tyler Ennis, could be his best option. - WegmanTrade-happy GMsNorm Hall / National Hockey League / GettyBy now, the hockey world has learned Penguins GM Jim Rutherford and Coyotes GM John Chayka aren't fond of complacency. Both are aggressive in the trading world and have even shown an openness to part ways with recently acquired players (see: Galchenyuk, Alex).In general, Rutherford is someone to keep an eye on because he's constantly tinkering with his roster. The 70-year-old's work earlier this week - scooping up Jason Zucker in a four-piece trade with the Wild - will likely stand as his signature move of the season, yet the Penguins could upgrade the bottom of their lineup. Adding a third-pairing defenseman and/or bottom-six forward before the deadline would align with the club's all-in approach to 2019-20.As for Chayka and the Coyotes, they, of course, made a giant splash in December with the Taylor Hall trade. And, if they remain in the hunt for a Western Conference playoff spot as February chugs along, don't be surprised if Chayka gets creative in the pursuit for more offensive punch. It's been seven seasons since Arizona made the postseason, and beyond St. Louis and Colorado, the West is wide-open. The opportunity is there, and it would be a shame if the stingy Coyotes fall short thanks to an inadequate attack. - MatiszSabres' defensive logjamBill Wippert / National Hockey League / GettySomething's gotta give on Buffalo's blue line. The Sabres are one of the few teams with a surplus on the back end - specifically on the right side.Zach Bogosian, a pending UFA, is bound to get flipped if the Sabres are willing to eat a portion of his $5.14-million cap hit; one of Rasmus Ristolainen, Colin Miller, Brandon Montour, and Henri Jokiharju should get traded at some point. Ristolainen is in need of a change of scenery, Miller hasn't quite worked out in Buffalo after being acquired in the summer, Montour's value is likely lower than it was last season after he was dealt from Anaheim for a first-round pick and a prospect, while Jokiharju seems destined to stay. There are several ways in which GM Jason Botterill could play this.If Botterill is able to pull off a blockbuster involving one of his D-men to bring in some much-needed help up front - ideally a center - it could change the landscape of the entire deadline, since it seems just about every team wants a right-handed blue-liner. - WegmanKyle DubasRene Johnston / Toronto Star / GettyMaple Leafs GM Kyle Dubas already made a move to acquire a backup goaltender in Jack Campbell and some sandpaper with Kyle Clifford, yet it's hard to imagine the 34-year-old is done.Now, don't expect Dubas to be in on any major rentals. It also seems unlikely he'd trade another first-round pick after dealing his 2019 first last season for Jake Muzzin. He sent a conditional 2020 first to Carolina this past offseason too (if it's a top-10 pick Carolina will get Toronto's 2021 first-rounder instead) while getting rid of Patrick Marleau's contract.However, it wouldn't be surprising if Dubas heavily pursues a so-called "pure hockey trade." The Leafs have plenty of forward depth, and someone like Kasperi Kapanen or Andreas Johnsson would be easily expendable if the right deal for a defenseman presented itself.Who that blue-liner could be remains to be seen, though Matt Dumba and Josh Manson are two names consistently thrown around in the rumor mill.If the Leafs can land a top-pairing D-man and squeak into the playoffs just as Morgan Rielly returns from injury, Toronto's blue line will have transformed from a weakness to a strength, making the club a handful for any potential postseason opponent. - WegmanJoe Thornton/Patrick MarleauIcon Sportswire / Icon Sportswire / GettyThis X-factor comes with a substantial asterisk.Joe Thornton, the best player in Sharks history, has a no-movement clause in his contract and thus controls his own destiny. Patrick Marleau, a legend in his own right, would probably have a say in deciding his future, too, even though he doesn't have a NMC.With those caveats out of the way, consider how Thornton or Marleau would look on a contending team's fourth line and second-unit power play. You get an all-time playmaker making $2 million or an all-time skater making the league minimum. And, despite their age, both Thornton and Marleau carry around an infectious, youthful enthusiasm for the game.While the chances are slim Thornton and/or Marleau get moved at the deadline, the thought of the 40-year-olds chasing that elusive Stanley Cup sure is tantalizing and worth noting as the deadline nears. - MatiszNHL SeattleDave Sandford / National Hockey League / GettyNHL GMs have said time and again they will not overthink their strategy for the upcoming expansion draft. Many were duped by the 2017 Vegas draft and refuse to bend over backward as the unnamed Seattle franchise prepares to enter the league in 2021-22 with a competitive squad.That's what you call learning from the past, which is a smart way to view the situation. However, just because GMs say they're going to keep things simple this time around doesn't mean Seattle GM Ron Francis and his staff aren't lurking around the deadline and beyond. Until the team is officially stocked with players, they will indirectly factor into the discussion.Take the last two trades, for instance. The Maple Leafs will probably leave goalie Jack Campbell exposed in the expansion draft, while the Penguins will probably protect forward Jason Zucker. Whether it's an intended or unintended consequence, every deal fits into the 2021 expansion puzzle.Like with the Vegas draft, teams can protect seven forwards, three defensemen, and one goalie, or eight skaters and one goalie. Among the conditions: Players unwilling to waive their no-movement clauses must be protected, and all first- and second-year players are exempt from the draft. The Golden Knights, for what it's worth, are excused from the entire process. - MatiszCopyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Toronto Maple Leafs and defenseman Jake Muzzin are expected to come to terms on a contract extension by the Feb. 24 trade deadline, TSN's Darren Dreger reported on Thursday's edition of "Insider Trading.""It's getting closer. It's not done yet, (but) the expectation is - if all things progress in the fashion that they are - that they should have a contract extension in place for Jake Muzzin as early (as) or before the trade deadline," Dreger said.The term and value of the extension are unclear at this point, and Dreger added the Maple Leafs are working through different scenarios to determine what's best for their salary-cap picture.Toronto acquired Muzzin from the Los Angeles Kings last season. An unrestricted free agent as of July 1, the 30-year-old said in late January he'd "love to stay" with the team beyond this campaign.The Maple Leafs are projected to have roughly $10 million in cap space for the 2020-21 season, according to Cap Friendly. That figure excludes any potential increase to the league's salary cap. Along with Muzzin, Toronto defensemen Tyson Barrie (unrestricted), Cody Ceci (unrestricted), and Travis Dermott (restricted) are all slated to become free agents at season's end.Muzzin's been limited to 46 games this season due to a broken foot he suffered in December. He's posted three goals and 12 assists while averaging 21:38 per contest in 2019-20.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Toronto Maple Leafs goaltender Frederik Andersen got back in the crease Thursday night against the Dallas Stars after missing the last four games with a neck injury.Newly acquired backup Jack Campbell was stellar holding down the fort in Andersen's absence, going 2-0-1 while starting the last three games with a .918 save percentage and a 2.52 goals-against average.Michael Hutchinson relieved Andersen when the Dane suffered the injury last week against the Florida Panthers. Hutchinson allowed three goals on 13 shots in the losing relief effort and was also on the hook for the club's 5-3 loss against the New York Rangers in the following game. He hasn't seen the ice since and was placed on waivers Thursday, according to TSN's Pierre LeBrun.Andersen owns a .910 save percentage, a 2.87 goals-against average, and is tied for second in the league with 24 wins.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Find line reports, best bets, and subscribe to push notifications in the Betting News section.You can't beat perfect.Despite there being just three NHL games on Wednesday, we finished 4-0 with our bets to rake in a hefty profit.Let's keep the good times rolling into a busy Thursday night.GOATs and scapegoatsIt's hard to have a scapegoat when you don't lose a bet. Instead, Wednesday night was full of GOATs: Carey Price and Tukka Rask combined for a .939 save percentage to help us hit the under. Twelve different Los Angeles Kings players registered points in a win over the Calgary Flames. Patrick Kane went over 3.5 shots in the first period, while Bo Horvat needed just two to go over his shot total.All of these guys are forever in my good books.Thursday betsColumbus Blue Jackets (-115)I can be guilty of looking a gift horse in the mouth. Sometimes, you see a line and it just looks off, so you stay away or even bet the other side. More often than not, you live to regret it.This feels like one of those instances. The Blue Jackets are playing great hockey right now - riding a 6-1-1 run on the road - while the Buffalo Sabres have dropped five of their last seven on home ice, including losses to the Ottawa Senators and Detroit Red Wings. The price on Columbus seems a bit short here given the current direction of both teams, but I'm not going to let it scare me off. The Blue Jackets are the play here.Dallas Stars (+130)Frederik Andersen will return tonight for the Toronto Maple Leafs, but that won't sway my stance on this game. A goalie can only mask so many defensive issues. The Leafs have largely struggled at home of late, needing overtime to beat the Anaheim Ducks and Arizona Coyotes - the latter coming with the help of a controversial disallowed goal. Those unconvincing wins followed a 2-5 stretch at Scotiabank Arena, during which Toronto also needed overtime to beat the Senators.This matchup is a significant step up in competition, as the Stars have emerged victorious in seven of their last 10 on the road. They're also riding a 4-1-1 road run versus Eastern Conference teams. Toronto won in Dallas last month, but I like the Stars to return the favor here at a very generous price.Calgary Flames' team total under 2.5 (+140)There's no team in the NHL that's struggled more in a particular city than the Flames have in Anaheim. Calgary's won just two of its last 32 road games against the Ducks and has scored two or fewer goals in its last nine contests in Anaheim. This time, the Flames will also be playing the second leg of a back-to-back. They've gone 3-4 on no rest this season, scoring two or fewer goals in five of those seven games while being shut out twice.Best betSt. Louis Blues/Vegas Golden Knights over 6 (-105)Who doesn't love a good show in Vegas? The Golden Knights have allowed four or more goals in five of their last six home games, giving up at least three in all of them. The Blues have allowed three or more goals in nine straight on the road and four or more in six of their last seven. If we're looking at three goals against as the floor for both of these teams, this game should have no issue sailing over the total.Trend of the nightThe Edmonton Oilers are on an 11-2 run away to Eastern Conference teams.They'll play down south tonight against the Tampa Bay Lightning, who are the hottest team in hockey but will be missing Nikita Kucherov, Anthony Cirelli, and Steven Stamkos. The Oilers are dealing with their own major absence in superstar Connor McDavid, so even at +180, it's going to take some courage to back this trend. Are you feeling dangerous? I know I am.Alex Moretto is a sports betting writer for theScore. A journalism graduate from Guelph-Humber University, he has worked in sports media for over a decade. He will bet on anything from the Super Bowl to amateur soccer, is too impatient for futures, and will never trust a kicker. Find him on Twitter @alexjmoretto.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Boston Bruins captain Zdeno Chara has been fined $5,000 for cross-checking Montreal Canadiens forward Brendan Gallagher in the neck during Wednesday's game. However, Chara avoided a suspension, the NHL's Department of Player Safety announced Thursday.

The Winnipeg Jets and head coach Paul Maurice agreed to a multi-year contract extension, the team announced Wednesday. The new is deal for three years, reports Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman.Maurice joined the Jets during the 2014 season and has recorded a 264-186-53 regular-season record with the club. He's guided Winnipeg to the postseason three times, which included a trip to the Western Conference Final in 2018."I love working here," Maurice said Wednesday after the announcement. "There's lots of challenges that come with a young team but that keeps you moving and growing as a coach and getting better."Priority (No. 1), is you've got a family and you want them to enjoy their lives as well, and Winnipeg has given us so much more than we've given the city. For my kids, and their friends and family, and my wife as well, this truly is our home now. ... Being able to stay and work for the Winnipeg Jets is perfect."The 22-year veteran coach has also overseen the Toronto Maple Leafs and Carolina Hurricanes/Hartford Whalers during his career. He ranks sixth in NHL history in games coached (1587) and seventh in wins (724).Additionally, Maurice currently has the second-longest tenure of any active NHL head coach (502), trailing only Tampa Bay Lightning bench boss Jon Cooper.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

St. Louis Blues defenseman Jay Bouwmeester has a positive prognosis after suffering a cardiac episode during Tuesday's contest against the Anaheim Ducks."Jay Bouwmeester is doing very well at the UC Irvine Medical Center in Anaheim," Blues general manager Doug Armstrong said Wednesday, according to NHL.com's Lou Korac. "Jay is currently undergoing a battery of tests to determine the how and why of what happened last night, but things are looking very positive."Medical staff used a defibrillator to revive Bouwmeester after he collapsed and became unresponsive on the bench during the first period, Armstrong said. The 36-year-old regained consciousness immediately and was then taken to the hospital."Thanks again to everyone at the Honda Center and (the) Ducks organization for their life-saving efforts," Armstrong said.Tuesday's game was postponed after a lengthy delay and will be replayed at a later date. Armstrong said the league has told him the game will begin at 1-1 and all stats will count, but it will be a full 60-minute contest.Blues captain Alex Pietrangelo said he went to visit Bouwmeester at the hospital following the game, and the pair face timed the rest of the team to provide some comfort following the frighting emergency."Bouw had his opportunity to kind of see everybody and everybody sent him their wishes," Pietrangelo told reporters during Wednesday's press conference, adding that the team felt better knowing Bouwmeester was in good hands."He was in good spirits last night with us and was typical Jay so I think it certainly made us all feel a lot better today knowing that we had the opportunity to talk to him," Pietrangelo continued.The Blues will play the Vegas Golden Knights on Thursday.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Montreal Canadiens defenseman Shea Weber will be out four-to-six weeks with an ankle sprain, the team announced Wednesday.Weber had his ankle re-evaluated Wednesday to determine the severity of the injury, and a full recovery is expected.Montreal's captain suffered the injury Feb. 4 against the New Jersey Devils. He was placed on injured reserve two days later.Weber leads the Canadiens in ice time with an average of 24:18 per game and has contributed 13 goals and 34 points through 55 games this season.The veteran's absence is a crucial blow to Montreal's playoff push. The team sits fifth in the Atlantic Division with 61 points and is currently eight points back of a wild-card spot.Weber has battled injuries for much of his tenure with the Canadiens, missing 80 games between the 2017-18 and 2018-19 seasons.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Jeremy Roenick will not be returning to NBC Sports after the network suspended him in December for making inappropriate comments about his co-workers."I'm very disappointed and angry today. I will not be returning to NBC," Roenick said in a video he posted Wednesday. "Though disappointed, I'm also grateful that I've had the opportunity to share my love, my passion, my knowledge of the game with millions of people, millions of fans, and for that I thank you."

The Toronto Maple Leafs have signed forward Pierre Engvall to a two-year contract extension worth $1.25 million annually, the team announced on Wednesday.The 23-year-old has registered seven goals and 14 points over 35 games in 2019-20, his first season at the NHL level.He was a seventh-round pick in 2014 and has appeared in 94 AHL games over the past three seasons with the Toronto Marlies, racking up 30 goals and 56 points.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Find line reports, best bets, and subscribe to push notifications in the Betting News section.Overtime decided our fate on Tuesday, as we settled for a 1-2 record with our bets, though you managed a 2-2 night if you followed our trend of the day.Despite the small card on Wednesday, we're undoubtedly set to bounce back.GOATs and scapegoatsJamie Benn went into Tuesday with just 15 goals through 55 games this season. That had him pace for 23, which would be his lowest output since the lockout-shortened 2012-13 campaign. The Dallas Stars captain put on his cape for us yesterday though, potting a hat trick in a 4-1 win over the Carolina Hurricanes. Boy, did we need that.Benn's performance was especially important after we lost our best bet on the Pittsburgh Penguins, who fell to the Tampa Bay Lightning in overtime. Evgeni Malkin scored the Pens' lone goal in the game, but I still can't believe what I saw from him in overtime. There are forwards playing in the GTHL that would have put forth a better defensive effort on Yanni Gourde's overtime winner.Wednesday betsMontreal Canadiens/Boston Bruins under 5.5 (+105)Canadiens netminder Carey Price is looking like his old self these days, posting a remarkable .947 save percentage since Jan. 11. Price was pulled back on Nov. 26 in his last meeting with the Bruins, so you can expect an inspired performance from one of the league's best goaltenders.The last six meetings between these teams in Boston have gone under the total, with Montreal scoring just nine goals combined. Don’t expect much offense from the Canadiens tonight, but Price should keep them in the game.Patrick Kane over 3.5 shots (-110), Bo Horvat over 2.5 shots (-110)There should be a ton of offense in this matchup with the total set at 6.5 (more on that below with our trend of the night). The Chicago Blackhawks' last seven meetings with the Vancouver Canucks north of the border have produced six overs and a push, with Patrick Kane and Bo Horvat being major factors. Kane has recorded at least four shots in all four meetings with the Canucks over the last two seasons, while Horvat has managed a whopping 23 shots over his last four games against the Blackhawks (5.75 per game), including 14 in the two meetings this season.Best betLos Angeles Kings (+120)The Kings are in the midst of a miserable 1-9-1 run, but the team - especially stud defenseman Drew Doughty - always seems to get fired up for dates with nemesis Matthew Tkachuk and the Calgary Flames. The Kings have won two of three meetings with the Flames this season, including a 4-1 victory in the other game in Los Angeles.The Flames will be without both of their top defensemen, Mark Giordano and Travis Hamonic, and have endured a busy travel schedule of late, while Los Angeles has been idle since Sunday. The Kings have won five straight home games on two days of rest and seven of their last eight.L.A. goalie Jonathan Quick is playing some of his best hockey of the season right now, and his home/away splits show just how much better he performs at Staples Center. Quick should have no problem getting up for this game, much like he did in the 4-1 win over the Flames in Los Angeles back in October, his only previous start against Calgary this season.Trend of the nightThe Canucks and Blackhawks have gone over the total in 10 of their last 11 meetings.There's a high total of 6.5 for Wednesday's game, but if history is any indication, it won't be a problem. The previous two matchups between these sides this season produced 19 total goals.Alex Moretto is a sports betting writer for theScore. A journalism graduate from Guelph-Humber University, he has worked in sports media for over a decade. He will bet on anything from the Super Bowl to amateur soccer, is too impatient for futures, and will never trust a kicker. Find him on Twitter @alexjmoretto.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Welcome to Puck Pursuit, a weekly interview-style podcast hosted by John Matisz, theScore's national hockey writer.Subscribe to the show on iTunes, SoundCloud, Stitcher, and Spotify.Curt Fraser, former NHL player/coach and head coach of the KHL's Kunlun Red Star, joins this week's show to discuss a variety of topics, including: