Minnesota Wild captain Mikko Koivu will miss the remainder of the season after suffering a tear of the anterior cruciate ligament and meniscus in his right knee during Tuesday's game against the Buffalo Sabres, the team announced.The 35-year-old is expected to undergo surgery on Friday.It's a devastating blow for Minnesota. Koivu averages the third-most ice time among Wild forwards, ranks tied for second on the club with 12 power-play points, and is tied for the team lead in takeaways with 35. In 48 games, he's tallied eight goals and 29 points.The Wild hold a three-point advantage over the Vancouver Canucks for the first wild-card spot in the Western Conference.Copyright © 2019 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Despite recent comments from Mitch Marner's agent suggesting contract talks with the Toronto Maple Leafs hadn't gone smoothly this past summer, the star forward insists his feelings toward the organization remain wholly positive."Me and my family love it here, my agency loves it here. It's a great place to play hockey. We have a great management, we have a great team in this locker room," Marner told reporters, including TSN's Mark Masters, on Wednesday. "We all want, including myself, to be a Leaf for a long time and I'm sure that will happen."Marner's agent, Darren Ferris, said Tuesday that the Maple Leafs had lowballed his client in contract talks. He clarified on Wednesday that his comments were in relation to initial talks in the summer and that things have actually been rather positive since.Immediately after Auston Matthews' new five-year extension was announced Tuesday, speculation turned to what Marner could command on his pending deal. However, Marner and Ferris have been adamant that they won't negotiate a contract until after the season."There's really no rush for anyone, I think the Leafs know that as well," Marner said. "A deal is going to get done eventually. It's nothing to rush upon. I think like Kyle (Dubas) will probably tell you, our goal is here is to be a Maple Leaf for a long time and win a lot of Cups here. I'm sure that will happen eventually."I'll let Kyle and my agent talk. I've kind of told both parties that I don't really want to be informed until something's about to happen."The 21-year-old is in the midst of a banner year in Toronto with 65 points in 53 games, a 100-point pace that would shatter his career high of 69 set last season. Those numbers will fetch a pretty penny whenever talks pick up again, but Marner maintains he's only concerned with one thing."As long as I am here next training camp that's all that really matters," he said.Copyright © 2019 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Ottawa Senators have staked out a long-term plan for success and it includes undergoing some major spending.The team held a corporate event in Toronto on Tuesday for close to 200 people, including sponsors and partners. Owner Eugene Melnyk said that following another year or two of rebuilding, the team plans to start spending towards the salary cap in an attempt to go on a five-year run."The Senators will be all-in again for a five-year run of unparalleled success - where the team will plan to spend close to the NHL’s salary cap every year from 2021 to 2025," the team stated in a release summarizing Tuesday's event. "He reiterated that the Senators' current rebuild is a blueprint on how to bring the Stanley Cup home to its rightful place in Ottawa."Ottawa currently boasts the eighth-smallest projected cap hit this season at just over $72 million. Meanwhile, the club also sits last in the league standings, one spot lower than they finished during the 2017-18 season.The Senators haven't made the playoffs since the 2016-17 campaign when they were eliminated in the Conference Final by the Pittsburgh Penguins in double overtime of Game 7.Copyright © 2019 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Cam Talbot says he took responsibility for his actions after frustration got the better of him Tuesday night.The Edmonton Oilers goaltender remained in the dressing room down the stretch in a 6-2 loss to the Chicago Blackhawks. Talbot got the hook on Chicago's fourth goal of the night. That marker, scored by Patrick Kane, was the third goal Talbot allowed in a span of just over two minutes."(It was) a highly emotional game (and) I was frustrated with how things went in the third period," Talbot told reporters, including TSN's Ryan Rishaug, on Wednesday. "I was in the wrong to stay in the room. I told (that to) the guys after the game and they all had my back. They understood I was frustrated and I did apologize to them after(ward)."Talbot added that he met with his teammates Wednesday morning and head coach Ken Hitchcock tabbed him as the team's starter for Thursday night's game against the Minnesota Wild.It's been a difficult season for Talbot, who's lost playing time to Mikko Koskinen due to inconsistency."It's been tough," Talbot said. "You go through some good stretches and then a few more bad stretches this year than I've had probably in my career. So I'm just trying to go out there every day, make the saves I'm supposed to make, come to the rink every day, and be professional."The 31-year-old netminder is in the final year of his contract, which carries a $4.17-million cap hit, according to CapFriendly.He's 9-14-3 with a .892 save percentage and a 3.39 goals-against average in 29 games.The Oilers signed Koskinen to a three-year contract extension last month.Copyright © 2019 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Welcome to Puck Pursuit, a weekly NHL podcast hosted by John Matisz, theScore's National Hockey Writer.Subscribe to the show on iTunes, SoundCloud, Stitcher, Google Play, and Spotify.In this episode, John's joined by Eric Engels of Sportsnet and the Boston Globe's Matt Porter to discuss a variety of Atlantic Division topics:

Winnipeg Jets defenseman Dustin Byfuglien will play Thursday against the Montreal Canadiens after missing 15 games with a lower-body injury, he told reporters Wednesday.The Jets went 10-4-1 without the blue-liner in the lineup. Byfuglien's return comes at a crucial time, as Josh Morrissey's status is up in the air after he left Tuesday's game following a blocked shot.Byfuglien was on pace for a career year before going down with the injury, collecting 29 points in 32 games.Copyright © 2019 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Nashville Predators acquired winger Cody McLeod from the New York Rangers on Wednesday in exchange for a seventh-round pick in 2020, the team announced.It's Nashville's second deal of the day after adding center Brian Boyle from the New Jersey Devils for a second-round pick earlier in the afternoon.Before joining the Rangers, McLeod spent parts of two seasons with the Predators, suiting up in 54 combined games during 2016-17 and 2017-18.In 31 games this season, the 34-year-old McLeod has recorded one goal and 60 penalty minutes while averaging less than seven minutes of ice time per contest. He'll give the Predators more forward depth with Austin Watson suspended indefinitely.Copyright © 2019 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The New Jersey Devils traded forward Brian Boyle to the Nashville Predators on Wednesday in exchange for a second-round pick in 2019.Boyle, 34, is in the final year of his contract with a cap hit of $2.55 million. He's registered 13 goals and six assists in 47 games with the Devils this season.Boyle has spent most of the campaign playing on the wing for New Jersey but could slide back to the middle and fulfill a fourth-line center role in Nashville.The towering 6-foot-6 Boyle has been used as a net-front presence on the power play this season, where he's collected six goals. The Predators could experiment with him in the same role on a unit that ranks 30th in the NHL.Copyright © 2019 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Philadelphia Flyers have placed forward Jori Lehtera on waivers, general manager Chuck Fletcher announced Wednesday.Lehtera was accused of buying eight grams of cocaine from a distribution ring in his native Finland over the summer. He's one of 22 people charged in the case.The 31-year-old hasn't suited up for the Flyers since Jan. 19 and had recorded just three points in 27 games this season. His contract expires at the end of the 2018-19 campaign, owning a cap hit of $4.7 million.Copyright © 2019 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Florida Panthers' chances of trading for Columbus Blue Jackets goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky before the Feb. 25 deadline are "slim," a source told The Athletic's Pierre LeBrun.The Panthers did inquire about the netminder, but the asking price was too high considering Bobrovsky is a pending unrestricted free agent and could be acquired without losing assets, LeBrun added.On Monday, it was reported that the Panthers were interested in trading for Bobrovksy and were enticing him with an eight-year extension. If Bobrovsky waits until July 1 to sign a contract, he can only receive a maximum of seven years.A summer acquisition of the netminder may be easier for the Panthers, as the club still has James Reimer and Roberto Luongo under contract until 2021 and 2022, respectively, with a combined cap hit of $7.93 million.Bobrovsky, 30, has two Vezina Trophies to his name, but is in the midst of one of his worst seasons. He currently owns a .901 save percentage and a 3.01 goals-against average over 37 games.Copyright © 2019 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Mitch Marner's agent, Darren Ferris, is backtracking on his comments that the Toronto Maple Leafs are lowballing his client.A story by Dave Feschuk of The Toronto Star surfaced late Tuesday in the hours after Auston Matthews signed a five-year contract extension, and it was lined with quotes indicating the two sides are far apart in contract discussions. On Wednesday, Ferris said the quotes were from the summer."I know some things in today's article that were taken out of context," Ferris told TSN 1050 Toronto. "It was more from the summer and early goings which is normal negotiations with contracts, everyone starts off low, and then you get to a common ground. It's just an unfortunate thing that this article had to come out yesterday."We ended up discussions on a positive note, we were closer on numbers and it was moving in the right direction. We're not far off, I can tell you that," he said.However, Feschuk provided some clarity of his own.

TORONTO - Leave it to the hockey player from the desert - the kid who blazed a trail by spending his NHL draft year schooling seasoned pros in Switzerland - to drift ever so slightly off the beaten path.By signing a five-year, bonus-heavy $58.2-million extension with the Toronto Maple Leafs on Tuesday, Auston Matthews expanded the scope for star players exiting their entry-level contracts. You can have your cake and eat it too, apparently. The guy who’s scoring goals at a remarkable pace through 182 NHL games, challenging the traditional profile of a No. 1 center, managed to find the sweet spot between his best interests and needs of his salary cap-strapped team.Mark Blinch / Getty ImagesMatthews is far from the first franchise player in pro sports to concede a little bit of cash for the greater good, and he'll be paid handsomely starting next year and through the 2023-24 season at an average annual value of $11.6 million. But the new Matthews contract format - medium term and a big but not record-breaking chunk of the cap - is his own cozy space for now. The dream of an inflated Connor McDavid special (eight years, $100 million) is officially dead, and that's OK.“We understand the cap restraints we have,” Matthews said at Scotiabank Arena on Tuesday, with general manager Kyle Dubas within earshot. “We went through everything from three to eight (years) and settled on five. I think both sides are obviously happy and happy to get this over with and move on.”“In the end," added the potential future captain, sticking with the team-friendly theme, "you’re measured on championships.”Consider this: There will be 30 NHLers with cap hits of $8 million or greater during the 2019-20 season, including Matthews and teammate John Tavares. From that group, only Matthews and Blake Wheeler (five years, $8.3 million per season) signed deals shorter than seven years. And Wheeler’s contract is the winger's fourth deal, making Matthews unique in the current landscape. Second contracts simply aren't structured this way in the salary-cap era."We’re very thankful that they were willing to move from their desired term," Dubas said of Matthews and his representatives. "Obviously everyone wants to be here for as long as possible, and we were able to find an AAV that works for everybody."Rene Johnston / Getty ImagesMatthews will occupy 14 percent of the Leafs' 2019-20 expected cap space and trails just McDavid for the highest cap hit. He's now slated to become an unrestricted free agent at 26 years old, only a year behind schedule. The 2017 Calder Trophy winner is tracking toward another significant pay raise in his prime, as his third deal could easily hit triple digits.If the two sides had agreed on an eight-year deal - the chosen route for many of Matthews’ peers, including McDavid and Jack Eichel, and a path the forward and his team discussed - he would have hit the open market at 29 and, at least theoretically, missed out on a boatload of money while under team control."These things are complicated," Dubas said of contract negotiations, referencing the lengthy negotiation period with Matthews' camp. "They’re not as simple as people want them to be at times."Overall, at the time of the deal, Matthews looks like the victor, if a winner needs to be declared. Dubas and the Leafs gained short-term flexibility, assuming the team uses the extra cap space to its advantage, while Matthews gained long-term flexibility if he stays on his current career trajectory. There's inherent reward and risk for both parties, with Matthews taking on less of the latter, but it'll be smiles all around in Toronto for the foreseeable future.From a league-wide perspective, who's to say Brayden Point of the Tampa Bay Lightning, Patrik Laine of the Winnipeg Jets, Sebastian Aho of the Carolina Hurricanes, or Mikko Rantanen of the Colorado Avalanche can't replicate Matthews' contract structure (albeit on a smaller scale) and satisfy both player and team? The possibility of a fat third contract should make those youngsters drool.The hockey world loves comparables, and the Matthews deal provides another. Have at it, restricted free agent class of 2019.What about Marner and the rest of the Leafs?With William Nylander inking an extension in December following a long standoff, and Matthews now locked in, everyone's attention immediately turns to Mitch Marner, the club's final big-ticket RFA.Conventional wisdom suggests Marner, the play-driving winger who has recorded 63 points in 52 games this season, is due to earn $9-11M annually on his next contract. Since salary is always linked to length, the Leafs probably want to stagger the deals. Matthews has provided a nice template, making six years at $10M per season a logical fit in the Marner negotiations.Marner, who leads Toronto forwards while averaging 19:39 of ice time per game in 2018-19, is on a 99-point pace. An all-situations player who's found hot chemistry with Tavares, he's arguably been the team's MVP through 52 games. If he cracks 100 points, good luck convincing the Markham, Ont., product to take a hometown discount.Marner's representatives, led by outspoken agent Darren Ferris and fiery father Paul Marner, have stated publicly they'd prefer to postpone talks until the offseason. The Leafs have no issue honoring that timeline, Dubas says.Despite the possibility of a July offer sheet hanging over his head, the GM is confident the two sides will eventually find common ground. “He’s going to be a Toronto Maple Leaf for a long time," Dubas said, "regardless of how we have to come to that."Mark Blinch / Getty ImagesAs for the rest of the team, the 2019-20 Leafs have roughly $72 million of the projected $83 million salary cap committed to eight forwards, five defensemen, and one goalie, according to CapFriendly.com. Placing Nathan Horton’s contract on long-term injured reserve after training camp could give the club up to $5.3 million in additional cap space, and $16.3 million total to work with.Translation: There isn't much of the pie left for Marner, three other forwards, one defensemen, and a goalie.Budding wingers Kasperi Kapanen and Andreas Johnsson, 22 and 24 years old, respectively, are among those looking to get paid. “We’ll continue to let the season play out and let the sample size grow," Dubas said of the lower-profile RFAs. "We’ll begin having discussions with their people probably after the trade deadline.”Impressively, Dubas continues to project confidence when he speaks about his team's long-term core. It's a group featuring a handful of bargains - Travis Dermott, Morgan Rielly, Nazem Kadri, and Frederik Andersen. And it may also include recent acquisition Jake Muzzin, $2.3M winger Zach Hyman, and $2.1M winger Connor Brown.The core likely won't include Jake Gardiner, whose potential earnings on the open market don't align with the Leafs' cap situation. If Dubas can make Nikita Zaitsev's contract disappear, however, there's a fighting chance.At the very least, following Tuesday's development, the smiling GM has secured Matthews, Tavares, and Nylander for the next five seasons beyond this one. Two cornerstone centers forming a Crosby-Malkin combo of sorts, and a highly skilled winger. Marner will be along for the entirety of that six-year Stanley Cup window, too, right? Maybe, but maybe not. The money is tight.The Leafs want to be the next Chicago Blackhawks or Pittsburgh Penguins or Los Angeles Kings - a dynasty, or at worst a pseudo-dynasty. Not a one-off.“We’re trying to build a team that can have sustained success, not just contend once," Dubas said, giving a vague nod to pro sports dynasties."I think a lot of that is luck related and luck based," he continued, "and I think we want to give ourselves the maximum number of chances we can to make a real good go at it."John Matisz is theScore's National Hockey Writer. You can find him on Twitter @matiszjohn.Copyright © 2019 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Nashville Predators have inquired with the Columbus Blue Jackets regarding star forward Artemi Panarin, according to The Athletic's Pierre LeBrun.Panarin is a pending unrestricted free agent and has let the Blue Jackets know that he won't discuss his future with the team until the end of the season.The Blue Jackets are currently three points up on the Buffalo Sabres for the Eastern Conference's second wild-card spot. They could hang on to Panarin for a playoff run, but would then risk losing him for nothing in the summer.Nashville is one of the few contending teams able to comfortably afford Panarin's $6-million cap hit this season.The Predators trail the Winnipeg Jets by three points for top spot in the Central Division. Panarin's 60 points would lead the Predators by a margin of 15, and the highly-skilled forward could provide a spark to the club's 30th-ranked power play.Copyright © 2019 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

On the day that saw Auston Matthews handed a hefty five-year contract extension worth north of $58 million, not everyone is getting the impression the team is looking to pay its stars generously.With Matthews signed, eyes now turn to pending restricted free agent Mitch Marner. Marner's camp has already gone on record stating they will not negotiate a contract in-season. His agent, Darren Ferris, revealed Tuesday that stance is due to a severe undervaluation by the Maple Leafs in prior discussions."So far they've been trying to lowball (Marner)," Ferris said, according to Dave Feschuk of the Toronto Star. "That's the reason we've come to this point."Unlike recent deals signed by Matthews and William Nylander, Ferris said the club has asked Marner to meet it halfway on a team-friendly pact."Nobody else is taking a discount. And now you're asking (Marner) to take one again? It's nonsense," Ferris said. "Mitch already did them a favor on the entry-level deal."When Marner signed his entry-level contract, his camp was told it was team policy not to hand out schedule B bonuses to players, according to Ferris. Just over a year after Marner signed, however, Matthews agreed to a contract that included them.Speaking Tuesday, Leafs general manager Kyle Dubas was firm in saying Marner would be with the team long-term. As for Ferris, he insists that when it comes to putting pen to paper, the ball is in the Maple Leafs' court."Mitch will get what Mitch is due. But as far as the Maple Leafs, it's up to them how they value him. If it works out with them, it works out," Ferris said. "We'll see at the end of the year what their position is and whether they're motivated to sign Mitch or not. It's totally up to them."Copyright © 2019 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Alex Ovechkin didn't need much time to make history Tuesday night.The Washington Capitals superstar passed Sergei Fedorov for most points by a Russian-born player when he earned an assist on T.J. Oshie's goal three minutes into the game against the Vancouver Canucks.It was Ovechkin's 1,180th career point in his 1,055th game. Fedorov collected his 1,179 points in 1,248 contests.Copyright © 2019 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

With his contract negotiations in the rearview mirror, Auston Matthews can now turn his attention fully toward helping the Toronto Maple Leafs compete for the Stanley Cup.The superstar center mentioned those aspirations repeatedly after inking his new five-year, $58.15-million pact Tuesday."In the end, you're measured on championships and that's what I want to do," Matthews told reporters, including Sportsnet's Chris Johnston.The 21-year-old stressed that it's a team target as much as a personal one."We want to accomplish our ultimate goal, which is the Stanley Cup, and make this city proud," he told the assembled media, including TSN. "We're working toward that every day."When asked if his new deal brings with it added pressure to deliver that goal, Matthews downplayed that notion."We always feel the pressure from fans here," he said. "They want a championship team, and we want to give it to them. This city deserves it."In terms of his focus, Matthews clarified that the talks were "never really a weight" on his shoulders but said it's nice to get them over with.He ranks second on the club with 23 goals and fourth with 46 points this season, despite missing 14 games due to injury.The Maple Leafs have the fourth-best record in the NHL and sit in second place in the Atlantic Division, 13 points behind the league-leading Tampa Bay Lightning.Copyright © 2019 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Edmonton Oilers have activated defenseman Oscar Klefbom off injured reserve, the team announced Tuesday.The 25-year-old has been sidelined with a hand injury since Dec. 11 and has missed the team's last 21 games. The Oilers have gone 6-12-3 over that stretch, recording the fourth-fewest points in the league.Despite his lengthy absence, Klefbom's 15 points in 31 games still rank second among all Oilers defenders.Edmonton enters Tuesday's game against the Chicago Blackhawks just three points back of the final wild-card spot in the Western Conference.Copyright © 2019 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Vancouver Canucks defenseman Alexander Edler will miss at least a week with a concussion, head coach Travis Green announced Tuesday.The 32-year-old got tangled with Jakub Voracek and fell awkwardly, striking his face on the ice midway through the third period of Monday's game against the Philadelphia Flyers. He had to be assisted off the ice sitting upright on a stretcher.The defenseman avoided any facial fractures but did require some stitches, Green told reporters, according to NHL.com's Tom Gulitti.Edler has been the Canucks' most consistent blue-liner this season, leading the team in ice time and blocks while leading all Vancouver defenders with 20 points.Copyright © 2019 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Toronto Maple Leafs and superstar Auston Matthews agreed to a five-year contract extension with an average annual value of $11.634 million, the team announced Tuesday.Ninety-three percent of the money in Matthews' contract will be paid out in signing bonuses, according to Sportsnet's Chris Johnston.Here's a year-by-year breakdown of the deal, courtesy of TSN's Bob McKenzie.

Auston Matthews' contract extension with the Toronto Maple Leafs "appears imminent," according to TSN's Bob McKenzie.Matthews is reportedly expected to land a five-year deal with an average annual value of $11.5 million, "give or take $100,000 or $200,000," McKenzie adds.Both sides reportedly wanted the maximum eight-year contract when talks began, but a five-year deal will keep the cap hit down and allow the Maple Leafs to retain their core for a more extended period.An $11.5-million cap hit would make Matthews the second-highest-paid player in the league, trailing only Connor McDavid's $12.5-million annual average. Matthews would also be making $500,000 more per season than teammate John Tavares, who inked a seven-year, $77-million contract with Toronto last summer.Matthews missed 14 games with a shoulder injury earlier this season, but has still scored at a 50-goal pace, notching 23 tallies with 23 assists in 38 games.Copyright © 2019 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Toronto Maple Leafs' power play ranks 13th in the NHL, operating at 21.2 percent. However, given the unit's highly-skilled personnel, it should be much better. The Leafs were on fire with the man advantage to begin the season, but have converted on just seven of their last 55 attempts. What's gone wrong?Here's a look at how the Leafs' top unit sets up:NHL.comThe power play runs through Mitch Marner near the right wall, but opponents have zeroed in on him. Even though he has 20 goals on the season, opponents know he's not a shooting threat, and they've taken away his favorite passing lanes.Marner's primary option is to feed Auston Matthews on the far left with a cross-ice pass so he can corral the puck in stride and unleash a wrist shot. He'll also look to pass to John Tavares down low, or defer to Morgan Rielly at the top of the formation. Nazem Kadri in the middle doesn't give Marner much of an outlet.The issue is none of Toronto's four skaters without the puck are in a position where they could release a shot as quickly as possible. Since Marner is the only right-handed shot and sets up on the right side of the ice, any player who gets the puck is going to have to corral it, turn, and fire, giving the goaltender and defenders time to stop it. This stands in large contrast to some of the top power plays around the league.Tampa Bay LightningRank: 1st

Los Angeles Kings forward Ilya Kovalchuk is anticipating he'll hear the boobirds loud and clear when he suits up in New Jersey on Tuesday night for his first game versus the Devils since leaving for the KHL."I am pretty sure there will be a lot of booing," Kovalchuk told NHL.com's Dan Rosen. "But I love that, so it's all good."Before NHL contracts were capped at eight years as part of the current CBA, Kovalchuk signed a mammoth 15-year, $100-million deal with New Jersey in 2010 - matching the longest contract in league history. However, his stint in the Garden State lasted just three more seasons, as he voluntarily retired from the NHL in 2013 and went back to play in his native Russia, leaving $77 million on the table with the Devils.Kovalchuk still had a solid run with New Jersey. He recorded 89 goals and 112 assists in 222 regular-season games, and he was a central figure in the club's surprising run to the Stanley Cup Final in 2012, where the Devils fell to the Kings.Following four seasons with SKA St. Petersburg in Russia and after winning an Olympic gold medal in 2018, Kovalchuk returned to the NHL last offseason. The 35-year-old signed a three-year, $18.75-million contract with the Kings and has recorded 25 points in 42 games this season.Copyright © 2019 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Vancouver Canucks defenseman Alex Edler had to be stretchered off the ice midway through the third period of Monday's game against the Philadelphia Flyers.Edler got tangled up with Flyers forward Jakub Voracek while trying to break up a pass. Then he fell awkwardly, hitting his face off the ice.

The Winnipeg Jets are looking to bolster their roster before the Feb. 25 trade deadline and have placed their first-round pick on the market, TSN's Frank Seravalli reports.Sitting near the top of the standings with about one-third of the season remaining, the Jets' No. 1 priority is to acquire a second-line center who can prove useful in a Stanley Cup run, Seravalli adds.The Jets have shown recent interest in Kevin Hayes of the New York Rangers, reports Sportsnet's Nick Kypreos. The 6-foot-5 center has recorded 36 points in 42 games this season and carries a $5.175-million cap hit. He's scheduled to become a UFA at the end of the campaign.Winnipeg needed help at the position one year ago and acquired center Paul Stastny from the St. Louis Blues for a package that centered around its 2018 first-round pick. The deal paid off, as Stastny was instrumental in helping the Jets reach the Western Conference Final, tallying six goals and 15 points in 17 playoff games.The Toronto Maple Leafs were the first team to move their first-round pick this season, shipping it along with two prospects to the Los Angeles Kings for defenseman Jake Muzzin on Jan. 28.Copyright © 2019 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Chicago Blackhawks defenseman Brent Seabrook is denying a recent report that stated the team asked him to waive his no-trade clause."I mean, I guess I'm the last to know," Seabrook told Jason Lieser of the Chicago Sun-Times. "I don't know. I haven't been approached or asked about anything, so it's news to me."Seabrook signed an eight-year, $55-million contract in 2015 shortly after winning his third Stanley Cup with the franchise. He carries a $6.875-million cap hit until 2024 and has a full no-trade clause until 2022.The 33-year-old has spent his entire career with the Blackhawks since being drafted 14th overall in 2003, and has recorded 20 points in 52 games this season while logging just under 20 minutes per contest.Copyright © 2019 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

It seems increasingly likely the Florida Panthers and Columbus Blue Jackets may pull off a blockbuster deal.The Panthers are interested in trading for goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky and will entice him with a potential eight-year contract extension, reports Larry Brooks of the New York Post.It was reported Friday that the Panthers hope to take a run at both Bobrovsky and Columbus' other pending unrestricted free agent, Artemi Panarin, either before the Feb. 25 deadline or during the offseason.Florida has been active in the trade market thus far, adding Derick Brassard and Riley Sheahan from the Pittsburgh Penguins for Nick Bjugstad and Jared McCann over the weekend. The move clears up cap space for the Panthers next season but they'd still need more room to acquire Bobrovsky, Panarin, or both this year.A potential solution is that the newly acquired Brassard is included in the package heading back to Columbus in a Bobrovsky deal, Brooks adds. That would help Florida's cap structure, and the Blue Jackets and Penguins reportedly had trade talks about the 31-year-old center in January before he was flipped to the Sunshine State.The other problem for the Panthers is they currently employ Roberto Luongo and James Reimer, who are under contract until 2022 and 2021, respectively, and eat up a combined $7.933 million against the cap.The Panthers are 21-21-8 this season and sit nine points out of the Eastern Conference's second wild-card spot currently held by the Blue Jackets.Copyright © 2019 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Every Monday, theScore will offer a weekly fantasy hockey column detailing a handful of moves you should make. Ownership percentages and position eligibility are courtesy of Yahoo.Stream Rangers playersIt's a busy week in the NHL. With 12 games Tuesday, 13 on Thursday, and 14 set for Saturday, you're going to have a full lineup and likely have to leave players on your bench for three nights.The New York Rangers are one of the teams in action four times this week but none of their games fall on the aforementioned busy nights, which means you'll be able to get them in your lineup each time they play.Mats Zuccarello (32 percent owned), Kevin Hayes (28 percent), and Jimmy Vesey (two percent) make for the best adds up front, while Kevin Shattenkirk (26 percent) and Neal Pionk (21 percent) are worthy pickups on the back end.Begin shopping Cam Atkinson, Pierre-Luc DuboisJamie Sabau / National Hockey League / GettyAs the trade rumors get more intense by the day, it seems inevitable Artemi Panarin is going to be traded before Feb. 25.It's tough to predict what the Columbus Blue Jackets would receive for their star winger, but it's clear which players would suffer most in fantasy by his departure: Dubois and Atkinson.Both players are having fantastic seasons while playing primarily on a line with Panarin, but losing one of the game's best playmakers would certainly hinder their production.If you own either in a non-dynasty league, begin shopping them. Don't trade them for just any return, but if there's a deal you're comfortable with, don't be afraid to pull the trigger.Trade Micheal Ferland in banger leaguesTeam: Hurricanes

This is the 10th edition of theScore's 2018-19 NHL Power Rankings, which will be published every two weeks during the regular season. It was compiled by editors Josh Wegman and Josh Gold-Smith.1. Tampa Bay Lightning (39-11-2)This marks the fourth straight edition the Lightning have been on top, and it's difficult to envision them falling for the rest of the season. They're easily the deepest team in the league, and it wouldn't be surprising if they added a rental at the deadline for an extra push. - WegmanPreviously: 1st2. Calgary Flames (34-14-5)The Flames are second in the league in points and goal differential, trailing only the Lightning. The stars seem to be aligning for Calgary this season, as their top five players are all having career years, and David Rittich has answered the biggest question mark heading into the season by providing stellar goaltending. - WegmanPreviously: 2nd3. Winnipeg Jets (34-16-2) ▲The Jets have turned it up a notch lately, going 9-3-0 in their last 12 games. They've done so without their anchor on defense and the heart and soul of the team, Dustin Byfuglien. With his impending return along with a possible deadline addition, the Jets will be a force down the stretch. - WegmanPreviously: 6th4. San Jose Sharks (30-16-7) ▲The Sharks started slow after lofty preseason expectations, but are 16-5-2 in their last 23 outings. Erik Karlsson was playing his best hockey of the season before going down with a minor injury. With him and Brent Burns firing on all cylinders, when was the last time a team had two Norris Trophy candidates? The Sharks are clearly all-in this year, and could make a splash before Feb. 25. - WegmanPreviously: 5th5. New York Islanders (30-15-6) ▼Mike Stobe / National Hockey League / GettyIf you're debating the best story of the NHL season for far, look no further than the Islanders. After losing their captain and franchise player after a season in which they were the sloppiest defensive club in the league, they've rallied together to become the league's stingiest team under Barry Trotz. Will they be able to overcome a lack of star power in the postseason against the Penguins or Capitals? Time will tell. - WegmanPreviously: 3rd6. Toronto Maple Leafs (31-17-3) ▲If there's a bright side to the Maple Leafs' recent skid it's that they hit their rough patch in January rather than April. The addition of Jake Muzzin is a significant upgrade on the back end, allowing Ron Hainsey to slide down into a more fitting, sheltered role. The Leafs are coming off a much-needed home win against Pittsburgh, and could very well get on a hot streak with a favorable schedule looming. - WegmanPreviously: 10th7. Nashville Predators (31-19-4) ▲If there's one team that needs a deadline push like Artemi Panarin more than the rest, it's the Predators. The club has had trouble finding the back of the net lately, highlighted by the league's worst power play. The Preds are in win-now mode, and need an offensive dynamo to push them over the top. If they could add such a player, they'd be awfully scary heading into the postseason. - WegmanPreviously: 9th8. Boston Bruins (28-17-7) ▼It doesn't get discussed often enough how many injuries in the early portion of the season the Bruins have overcome to stay afloat. They're back at full health now, but their lack of forward depth is no secret. They possess arguably the best line in hockey, but what comes after isn't very imposing. If the Bruins can add a difference-maker to their bottom-nine forward group, they could have a deep playoff run. - WegmanPreviously: 7th9. Vegas Golden Knights (29-21-4) ▼The Golden Knights have lost four straight games, but thanks to a top-heavy division, they don't have to worry about falling out of third in the Pacific. Having "The Fortress" behind them for a first-round matchup against the Sharks or Flames would go a long way, but there's work to be done to make that happen. - WegmanPreviously: 4th10. Pittsburgh Penguins (28-18-6) ▼Icon Sportswire / Icon Sportswire / GettyThe Penguins have just two regulation wins in their last eight outings. Are the additions of Nick Bjugstad and Jared McCann what's needed to right the ship? Probably not, but the impending return of defenseman Justin Schultz will be a major boost. - WegmanPreviously: 8th11. Montreal Canadiens (29-18-6)Just as the Canadiens' offense has hit a roadblock, Carey Price has put the team on his back. Can he carry them all the way to the postseason? - WegmanPreviously: 11th12. Dallas Stars (27-21-4) ▲The Stars have won four straight contests just after they lost four consecutive games. The talent in this group is obvious, but is anyone a firm believer they can make noise in April? - WegmanPreviously: 16th13. Washington Capitals (28-18-6)With the Capitals spiraling, Todd Reirden is facing his first bit of adversity as head coach. If the Islanders keep winning, it's possible we could see Caps-Pens in the first round, which is likely something neither team wants. - WegmanPreviously: 13th14. Minnesota Wild (26-22-4) ▲The Wild may be the most middling team in the NHL. They're likely good enough to make the postseason, but don't pose any upset threat whatsoever. Could pending unrestricted free agent Eric Staal be a trade deadline causality? - WegmanPreviously: 15th15. Carolina Hurricanes (25-21-6) ▼Icon Sportswire / Icon Sportswire / GettyIt appears the Hurricanes will continue to be active in the lead up to the trade deadline. The puck possession darlings still struggle to finish, but adding some proven goal scorers would go a long way towards snapping the league's longest playoff drought, and a chance for their much-maligned post-win celebrations to hit the national stage. - WegmanPreviously: 14th16. Columbus Blue Jackets (28-20-3) ▼The futures of Artemi Panarin and Sergei Bobrovsky remain uncertain, and meanwhile, the Blue Jackets are sputtering toward the trade deadline with five straight losses. The next few weeks will be critical for both the short-term and long-term outlooks of the franchise. - Gold-SmithPreviously: 12th17. Philadelphia Flyers (23-23-6) ▲The hottest team in the NHL made it seven straight wins with an impressive come-from-behind victory over the Oilers on Saturday. Carter Hart continues to provide stability in the crease, and while the Flyers are still outside the playoff picture, they'll be knocking on the door if they can keep this up. - Gold-SmithPreviously: 26th18. Vancouver Canucks (24-22-6) ▼A big road win over the Avalanche on Saturday lifted the Canucks back into a wild-card spot. With a healthy Elias Pettersson clicking with Brock Boeser and company, Vancouver still looks like a team that can make a sustained push in the paltry Pacific Division. - Gold-SmithPreviously: 17th19. Arizona Coyotes (23-23-5) ▲So much for this season being another forgettable one for the Coyotes, who've won six of 10 and now sit three points out of a playoff spot. Conor Garland potted his eighth goal in his last 11 contests on Saturday night - his 10th in just 24 games this season - as Arizona earned a big point against the Sharks. - Gold-SmithPreviously: 24th20. St. Louis Blues (23-22-5) ▲Jamie Sabau / National Hockey League / GettyThe Blues won two of their three games since our last edition, and goaltender Jordan Binnington allowed only three goals combined in the victories. He has shone since taking over as St. Louis' de facto starter, and he's helped the Blues sneak back into the playoff hunt out west. - Gold-SmithPreviously: 22nd21. Buffalo Sabres (25-20-6) ▼Remember when the Sabres were the hottest team in the league? That seems like ancient history now that Buffalo has lost seven of 10, including a humbling 7-3 defeat at the hands of the lowly Blackhawks on Friday. That was the first contest in a seven-game homestand on which the Sabres need to turn things around. - Gold-SmithPreviously: 19th22. Florida Panthers (21-21-8) ▲The Panthers dealt Bjugstad and McCann for pending UFAs Derick Brassard and Riley Sheahan, leading some to wonder if Florida was clearing space for Panarin and/or Bobrovsky, at whom they reportedly hope to take a run. On the ice, Florida is still a long way from sniffing a postseason berth despite beating the Sharks and Golden Knights since our last edition. - Gold-SmithPreviously: 25th23. Colorado Avalanche (22-21-8) ▼The Avalanche haven't been themselves lately, with three consecutive losses and only three wins in their last 10, including a 5-1 defeat to the Canucks on home ice Saturday. Colorado head coach Jared Bednar split up the NHL's most dangerous line, but nothing seems to be working for him. - Gold-SmithPreviously: 18th24. Edmonton Oilers (23-24-5) ▼The Oilers finally fired general manager Peter Chiarelli on Jan. 23, but times are still tough in Edmonton as the club dropped their fifth consecutive contest Sunday. The mediocrity in the middle of the Western Conference standings has the Oilers only three points out of a playoff spot, but it's not hard to see this is a team with significant issues. - Gold-SmithPreviously: 20th25. Chicago Blackhawks (20-24-9) ▲Bruce Kluckhohn / National Hockey League / GettyThe Blackhawks have shown some signs of life lately with four straight wins, and Dylan Strome has fit in nicely with 23 points in 29 games since being acquired, but they've still got a long way to go if they hope to get back in the race. Despite the win streak, Chicago still sits second-last in the conference with a minus-29 goal differential. - Gold-SmithPreviously: 31st26. New York Rangers (22-22-7) ▼Simply put, the Rangers can't score and they're getting scored on too much. They're also the second-worst possession team in the NHL, as only the lowly Senators have a worse Corsi For percentage at five-on-five. This just isn't New York's year. - Gold-SmithPreviously: 21st27. Detroit Red Wings (21-25-7) ▲Three consecutive victories - including another overtime win over the Leafs on Friday - might be cause for some mild optimism, but the Red Wings have dug themselves too deep a hole of which to climb out, especially now that Dylan Larkin might be out for a week or two. Time to start selling. - Gold-SmithPreviously: 29th28. Anaheim Ducks (21-22-9) ▼Randy Carlyle is once again on the hot seat after the Ducks were humiliated by the Jets on Saturday. Anaheim is only three points out of a playoff spot, but that's with the worst goal differential in the NHL, five fewer regulation or overtime wins than the Canucks, and five teams including Vancouver ahead of them in the hunt. More efforts like the one on Saturday would probably seal Carlyle's fate. - Gold-SmithPreviously: 23rd29. New Jersey Devils (20-24-7) ▲The Devils don't have much hope without Taylor Hall - not that they had enough depth to be competitive even before he got hurt - but Nico Hischier is doing his part with three goals in the last two games, including the tying marker and the winner Saturday. His future looks bright, even if New Jersey's present is bleak. - Gold-SmithPreviously: 30th30. Los Angeles Kings (20-27-4) ▼Only the Ducks have a worse goal differential this season than the Kings, and that's by a single goal. Los Angeles remains firmly entrenched in the basement of the Western Conference, without much hope of getting out. - Gold-SmithPreviously: 28th31. Ottawa Senators (19-28-5) ▼The Senators have lost four straight games, and more importantly, the impending decisions by Mark Stone and Matt Duchene about their respective futures loom large in Ottawa. - Gold-SmithPreviously: 27th(Analytics courtesy: Natural Stat Trick)Copyright © 2019 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. 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Welcome to Puck Pursuit, a weekly NHL podcast hosted by John Matisz, theScore's National Hockey Writer.Subscribe to the show on iTunes, SoundCloud, Stitcher, Google Play, and Spotify.In this episode, John's joined by Sami Hoffren, NHL correspondent for Finnish publications Ilta-Sanomat and Urheilulehti, to discuss the rise of Finnish hockey.Topics include:

Elias Lindholm couldn't resist rubbing it in after his Calgary Flames beat the Carolina Hurricanes on Sunday.The Flames forward - and former member of the Hurricanes - mimicked his old team's Viking clap after a 4-3 win in Raleigh."My name came up twice on the Jumbotron and I got booed, so I think it's a nice way to end it," Lindholm told reporters postgame.He extended his point streak to 10 games with a goal in the first period.Fellow former Hurricanes Derek Ryan and Noah Hanifin also scored for the Flames, while ex-Calgary defenseman Dougie Hamilton tallied for Carolina.The Hurricanes traded Lindholm and Hanifin to the Flames in exchange for Hamilton, Micheal Ferland, and defensive prospect Adam Fox during the draft last June..Copyright © 2019 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Details of Auston Matthews' expected contract extension are starting to come into focus.The Toronto Maple Leafs superstar will reportedly get more than $11 million per season but less than the $12.5 million Connor McDavid is being paid, according to Sportsnet's Chris Johnston.Matthews' camp and Maple Leafs management are expected to meet this week to try to get a contract extension done, Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman reported during Saturday night's "Headlines" segment.Both sides originally wanted an eight-year deal - similar to what McDavid, Jack Eichel, and other superstars received for their second contracts - but it's going to come down to five or six years to keep the cap hit lower, according to both Johnston and Friedman.As the Maple Leafs have done with other contracts, including John Tavares', Matthews' deal is expected to be paid out heavily through signing bonuses, which is a luxury the cash-rich organization can afford, Johnston adds.However, when it comes to the cap hit itself, every dime matters for Toronto and Mitch Marner, Kasperi Kapanen, and Andreas Johnsson will also become restricted free agents on July 1.Matthews has tallied 23 goals and 23 assists in 37 games so far in his third NHL season.Copyright © 2019 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Tuukka Rask entered the Boston Bruins' record books in style Sunday.The Bruins netminder stopped all 24 shots he faced in a 1-0 victory over the Washington Capitals to become the franchise's all-time wins leader with 253, passing Hall of Famer Tiny Thompson.

Brian Burke reiterated his disdain for the Carolina Hurricanes' post-victory behavior when asked Saturday night about the team's latest celebratory moves.The former NHL executive-turned broadcaster once again expressed his displeasure with the Hurricanes while watching a replay of what they did after beating the Vegas Golden Knights on Friday."I don't like these postgame celebrations, but the more choreographed and the planning that goes into these ... the mascot's in this! The mascot's playing 'Duck, Duck, Goose' with the players," Burke said on Sportsnet. "So, I don't get it. I think it's bush league. If they want to keep doing it in Carolina, fine. I think it's bush league (and) I hate it."When asked what he'd want to see them do, Burke's answer was brief but direct."I want to see them skate, salute the fans, the Icelandic clap is fine, and then get off the ice!"Burke first complained about the subject back in November, when he called the storm surge part of the celebration "peewee garbage."Copyright © 2019 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Winnipeg Jets exploded for six goals in the opening frame against the Anaheim Ducks on Saturday night.Jack Roslovic scored twice, and the Jets also got markers from Blake Wheeler, Bryan Little, Brendan Lemieux, and Andrew Copp, as they outshot the Ducks 14-4 in the first 20 minutes.Winnipeg set a franchise record for most goals in a period with the early offensive explosion, and ultimately tied a franchise record for most goals in a game in the 9-3 victory.Anaheim goaltender John Gibson was left in for all six first-period goals before being replaced by Chad Johnson after Lemieux's tally made it 6-0 with 2:19 remaining in the period.Copyright © 2019 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Auston Matthews negotiations appear to be on the verge of ramping up, according to Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman."Big week for the Toronto Maple Leafs (as) the team and Auston Matthews' representation are going to sit down and try to work out and get a contract extension done," Friedman said on Saturday's edition of "Headlines".Matthews, a pending restricted free agent, likely won't garner the maximum term due to the Leafs' cap concerns."Initially, both sides wanted eight years, (but) it's just not going to work (because) the number is going to be too high. The team would have to be broken up. So, it's going to come down to five or six years," Friedman said.Toronto also needs to work out an extension with forward Mitch Marner, who's also a pending RFA.Matthews ranks second on the club with 23 goals despite missing 14 games due to injury earlier in the season.Copyright © 2019 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Anaheim Ducks forward Corey Perry is in the lineup for the first time in 2018-19 on Saturday against the Winnipeg Jets.Perry underwent knee surgery in training camp to repair a torn meniscus and MCL.The former Hart Trophy winner has failed to record 20 goals in either of the last two seasons. Nonetheless, the 33-year-old will look to spark a Ducks offense that entered Saturday ranked 30th in the league in goals per game.Copyright © 2019 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Detroit Red Wings retired Red Kelly's No. 4 prior to Friday's game against the Toronto Maple Leafs. For those unaware, Kelly had one of the more unique careers in NHL history.From 1947-60, Kelly was an exceptional defenseman, winning four Stanley Cups and the Norris Trophy in 1953-54. For the last seven years of his career with the Maple Leafs, he made the switch to center and set a career high for points in his first season before adding four more Stanley Cup rings to his Hall of Fame resume.Brent Burns and Dustin Byfuglien are two recent examples of drastic position changes in the modern-day NHL. But which other players could be capable of making a Red Kelly-like switch?Jake Gardiner, Maple LeafsBruce Bennett / Getty Images Sport / GettyPosition switch: Defense ➡️ centerGardiner was actually a forward until his senior year of high school. Moving to defense was probably the right move, as he went on to become a first-round pick in 2008. The pending unrestricted free agent is in line for a nice contract this offseason as a coveted puck-moving blue-liner.However, Gardiner still flashes the qualities of a dynamic playmaking centerman. He's a gifted skater with exceptional edge work, an excellent passer with great vision, and has a hard shot.Gardiner is a valuable defenseman with great possession numbers, though turnovers and suspect play away from the puck get him into trouble at times. Playing center would allow him to unleash his creativity without the consequences of being the last man back.Charlie Coyle, WildBruce Kluckhohn / National Hockey League / GettyPosition switch: Center/right wing ➡️ defenseThere's no doubting Coyle's talent. He's got size (6-foot-3, 220 lbs), speed, physicality, and playmaking ability. In fact, he was the main trade chip in return for the aforementioned Burns.Coyle hasn't quite developed into the power forward the Wild expected. In his seven-year career, he has just one 20-goal season and just a single 50-point campaign.Coyle's inability to consistently finish has prevented him from becoming a top-six forward, but as a defenseman, that wouldn't be a concern. He has the strength and reach to excel in his own end without the puck, and his skating and passing ability would allow him to become a strong puck-mover. Plus, as a right-handed shooting defenseman, he'd be in high demand.Aaron Ekblad, PanthersIcon Sportswire / Icon Sportswire / GettyPosition switch: Defense ➡️ right wingMany expected Ekblad, the former first overall pick, to become an annual Norris Trophy contender by this point in his career. Although there's still plenty of time for the soon-to-be 23-year-old to develop his game, he does have the skill set to become a force up front.While Ekblad has shown the ability to score with some of the best defensemen in the league, he hasn't shown the necessary poise and vision to rack up the assists and vault himself into the conversation among the game's elite blue-liners. In his five-year career, Ekblad has averaged 15 goals and 21 assists per 82 games.Imagine him as a hulking, 6-foot-4, 220-pound power forward. With his size, heavy shot, and skating ability, he'd be a nightmare for many of today's undersized, puck-moving blue-liners to defend. Put him alongside an elite playmaker and it wouldn't be surprising if he became a 30-40 goal scorer.Copyright © 2019 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Contract talks are progressing between the Anaheim Ducks and forward Jakob Silfverberg, reports TSN's Pierre LeBrun.Silfverberg is in the final year of his deal and would be one of the most attractive rental options available before the Feb. 25 trade deadline.The 28-year-old is one of the better two-way wingers in the NHL and has consistently produced in the neighborhood of 20 goals and 40 points. He has 12 goals and 19 points in 42 games so far this season.Silfverberg is expected to receive a substantial raise from his current deal which pays him $3.75 million annually. Anaheim projects to have just over $9 million in cap space for next year, so signing the Swede would limit their spending ability elsewhere.The Ducks currently sit one point out of a playoff spot, and their play over the next few weeks will likely determine which direction they go at the deadline. Regardless, LeBrun adds that Anaheim "really wants to keep him."Copyright © 2019 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Vancouver Canucks are talking to their longest-tenured player about his plans as the trade deadline gets closer.Canucks general manager Jim Benning confirmed Friday that conversations between the team and defenseman Alexander Edler are ongoing."We're in dialogue with his agent, Mark Stowe, and with Alex," Benning told TSN 1040. "We're talking to them about what his intentions are (and) what he wants to do going forward."Edler is a pending unrestricted free agent on a deal that carries a $5-million cap hit. The 32-year-old has spent his entire 13-year career with the Canucks, and he wants to stick around, according to Benning."He's made it clear to us and to everybody that he'd like to stay in Vancouver," the GM said. "Last year, I thought he was real good for us and he's having another good year this year, so we're going to continue to talk to them (to) see if we can figure something out."Benning added that the club has made it clear to Edler that they want to keep him. The GM then outlined the reasons why he values Edler."He's our best defenseman, he's a leader in our room, he's a mentor to (rookie star Elias Pettersson)," Benning said. "He's a guy that sets the culture for our young players, kind of taking over from where (Daniel and Henrik Sedin) were, so he's an important guy for the development of our young players. If we can get something figured out with him, I'd like to try to do it."Edler would become a UFA on July 1 if he's unsigned, but Benning said it wouldn't be "the end of the world" if the situation isn't resolved before the Feb. 25 deadline or the opening of free agency.The veteran rearguard ranks seventh on the Canucks' all-time games played list, and ninth on the team's career assists list.Copyright © 2019 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Pittsburgh Penguins star Evgeni Malkin is listed day-to-day with an upper-body injury and will not play this weekend, head coach Mike Sullivan announced Friday."We are hopeful that this is a short-term thing and he’ll be back in our lineup soon," Sullivan added.Pittsburgh is scheduled to take on the Ottawa Senators at home on Friday night before traveling to Toronto to clash with the Maple Leafs on Saturday.The 2012 Hart Trophy winner is currently tied for second in team scoring with 14 goals and 55 points in 50 games this season.Copyright © 2019 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Montreal Canadiens have ruled defenseman Noah Juulsen out indefinitely with a "vision-related issue", the team announced Friday.Montreal said Juulsen is expected to make a full recovery.The Habs' 2015 first-round pick has played 21 games this season, recording five points and a plus-5 rating.Copyright © 2019 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Florida Panthers general manager Dale Tallon might have made Friday's trade with his eyes set on bigger moves.The Panthers hope to take a run at Columbus Blue Jackets stars Artemi Panarin and Sergei Bobrovsky, according to TSN's Pierre LeBrun. Inquiring about the two pending unrestricted free agents before the Feb. 25 trade deadline or waiting until July 1 when free agency begins are both options, LeBrun adds.Tallon hinted that the latter was more of a possibility."We've freed up a lot of space for an aggressive summer in free agency," according to Sportsnet's Chris Johnston.Friday's deal with the Pittsburgh Penguins certainly puts the Panthers in a better position to do so.Panthers receivePenguins receiveDerick Brassard ($3M)Nick Bjugstad ($4.1M)Riley Sheahan ($2.1M)Jared McCann ($1.25M)2019 2nd-rounder2019 4th-rounder2019 4th-rounderThe Panthers now have six picks in the first four rounds of the 2019 draft after Friday's deal. The club only saved $250,000 in cap space this year, but it's possible they could flip pending unrestricted free agents Brassard and Sheahan before the deadline, which would give them more cap space and more draft picks to use as bait in future trades.The Panthers only have $3.1 million in projected cap space this year, according to Cap Friendly. By dealing Brassard and Sheahan, though, they could theoretically afford either Panarin ($6 million) or Bobrovsky ($7.425 million) for the rest of this season.When asked if dealing Brassard and Sheahan was a possibility, Tallon said "performance will determine what we do with these players," per Johnston. The Panthers currently sit 11 points out of a playoff spot, and the team could run the risk of losing them both for nothing come July 1.If a deal isn't consummated, the Panthers project to have $21 million in cap space this summer with just a handful of restricted free agents to retain. This is $5.35 million more than they would've had given Bjugstad and McCann were signed beyond this season.Panarin would help round out a potent top-six forward group which already features Aleksander Barkov, Vincent Trocheck, Jonathan Huberdeau, Evgenii Dadonov, and Mike Hoffman. The 27-year-old leads the Blue Jackets with 57 points in 48 games. Several contenders have already reached out regarding his availability.Bobrovksy has had an uncharacteristically poor season and currently owns a .901 save percentage and 3.01 goals-against average - both well off his career marks. Yet, he would certainly provide an upgrade to a squad that ranks dead-last in the NHL in save percentage. However, goaltenders Roberto Luongo ($4.53 million through 2021-22) and James Reimer ($3.4 million through 2020-21) remain under contract, so one would have to be moved before Bobrovsky could come aboard.Copyright © 2019 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Pittsburgh Penguins traded forwards Derick Brassard and Riley Sheahan to the Florida Panthers on Friday in exchange for forwards Nick Bjugstad and Jared McCann, the teams announced.Additionally, the Penguins are sending a second-round pick and two fourth-rounders - all in the 2019 draft - to the Panthers.Both Brassard, 31, and Sheahan, 27, are set to become unrestricted free agents at season's end. Neither center is having a particularly strong season, as Brassard has collected just 15 points, while Sheahan has only nine. Sheahan is not known for his offensive abilities, but Brassard has been a consistent 40-to-50 point player over his 12-year career.Pittsburgh may look to its new additions to fill the roles left by Brassard and Sheahan. Bjugstad, 26, is a natural center but has spent most of the season playing right wing, yielding just 12 points. He does have an offensive touch, though, scoring 19 goals last season and a career-high 24 in 2014-15. The towering 6-foot-6 forward is signed through the 2020-21 campaign at a $4.1-million cap hit.McCann, 22, has collected 18 points in 46 games. Originally a first-round pick of the Vancouver Canucks in 2014, he was dealt to Florida in exchange for Erik Gudbranson. McCann will become a restricted free agent after next season.The Panthers have won three straight games but still sit 11 points out of a playoff spot, meaning they could be inclined to flip Brassard and Sheahan if they don't plan to re-sign them.Pittsburgh has had an up-and-down season but currently sits tied with the Washington Capitals for second place in the Metropolitan Division with 60 points.Copyright © 2019 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

As the unofficial second half of the NHL season rolls on, the Hart Trophy race is coming further into focus.A handful of MVP candidates have emerged during the campaign's first four months, a list that includes past winners, and the most electrifying player on the league's most dominant team.Here are our top five Hart Trophy contenders at this point:5. John GibsonBruce Kluckhohn / National Hockey League / GettyGPW-L-OTLSV%HDSV%GAAGSAA4317-16-8.919.8632.7411.7While other goaltenders like Robin Lehner are playing better lately, none are singlehandedly keeping their teams competitive all season like Gibson.Only the lowly Ottawa Senators and Chicago Blackhawks are allowing more shots on goal per game than his Anaheim Ducks, and only the moribund Los Angeles Kings are generating fewer goals per contest. Anaheim's analytical figures aren't any better, as the club ranks third-worst in five-on-five Corsi For rating and second-worst in scoring chances for percentage.And yet, Gibson is still posting admirable numbers, recording the fifth-best GSAA and the fifth-best high-danger save percentage among goalies with at least 25 appearances.Even more remarkably, the Ducks are a single point out of a playoff spot despite their problems. The Pacific Division has been the NHL's worst, but Gibson still deserves the lion's share of the credit for keeping Anaheim on the postseason doorstep.4. Alex OvechkinIcon Sportswire / Icon Sportswire / GettyGPGAPATOISCF%CF%5037205721:0148.3847.77The Washington Capitals have lost seven straight games, but don't blame the captain for that. Ovechkin has scored five goals during the skid, and seven in his last eight games.He's accounted for almost a quarter of the Capitals' goals this season, and his total still leads the league, with a six-goal cushion over the Buffalo Sabres' Jeff Skinner.No Washington player is matching even half of Ovechkin's goal production at this point (Jakub Vrana and T.J. Oshie are closest with 15 apiece), proving how valuable The Great Eight is to his club.Despite their recent woes, the Capitals still sit fairly comfortably in a playoff spot, and Ovechkin should be in the Hart Trophy conversation as long as that's the case.3. Connor McDavidJeff Vinnick / National Hockey League / GettyGPGAPATOISCF%CF%4929447322:4950.2950.15We've said it many times: McDavid is arguably the most valuable player to his team, and he should therefore be the Hart front-runner if the Edmonton Oilers make the playoffs, or even finish within striking distance.The Oilers losing three straight games has hurt his candidacy recently. That includes a defeat at the hands of the Detroit Red Wings that sealed Peter Chiarelli's fate last week.Despite those struggles and the subsequent front-office shuffling, Edmonton is only three points out of a postseason position. However, the club will need to leapfrog five teams.McDavid doesn't deserve blame for that, and in a perfect world, he wouldn't be penalized for it. Without him, Edmonton would probably be a cellar dweller. But Hart voters won't consider him the top dog - despite McDavid contributing to an incredible 51.7 percent of the Oilers' goals - unless Edmonton has a more realistic shot at the playoffs.2. Johnny GaudreauGerry Thomas / National Hockey League / GettyGPGAPATOISCF%CF%5129447320:2253.1754.43Gaudreau has been performing at a high level for pretty much the entire season, so it's time to recognize him as worthy of MVP consideration.The dynamic winger leads the first-place Calgary Flames in the key offensive categories, he's scored 10 goals and 22 points in his last dozen contests, and has contributed to 38.4 percent of the club's goals in 2018-19.Calgary will likely have more than one award finalist if the team sustains its success, and Gaudreau should be in the MVP hunt thanks to his recent exploits and consistency since October.1. Nikita KucherovScott Audette / National Hockey League / GettyGPGAPATOISCF%CF%5022577919:2554.5653.2Yes, there's plenty of talent around him, but Kucherov has been the catalyst for the Tampa Bay Lightning, helping to transform the team from a perennial Stanley Cup contender to the unquestioned favorite this season.The 25-year-old forward leads the NHL in points, points per game, and assists. He's also contributed to a higher percentage of his team's goals (39.7) than Gaudreau has for the Flames, even with the Lightning's impressive depth.Kucherov has been particularly explosive lately, piling up 30 points in his last 15 games, with multi-point efforts in 10 of those contests, and six of his eight goals in that span coming at even strength.With all that success, it wasn't surprising to see him lead the Pro Hockey Writers Association's midseason Hart voting, and it won't be at all shocking if he claims the award in June.Honorable mentions: Nathan MacKinnon, Mikko Rantanen, Lehner, David Pastrnak, Elias Pettersson.ATOI = Average time on ice

Columbus Blue Jackets forward Anthony Duclair probably didn't need a postgame shower on Thursday night.Duclair played just one shift - a 24-second outing - in the first period against the Winnipeg Jets and was then benched for the rest of the game. He and defenseman Dean Kukan failed to get the puck out of their zone in a joint effort, and Duclair (No. 91) didn't hustle back to pick up his man, leading to the Jets' opening goal.

The Columbus Blue Jackets have begun fielding calls for star forward Artemi Panarin, TSN's Pierre LeBrun reported during Thursday's "Insider Trading" segment."The Jackets only found out, of course, a few days ago that (Panarin) would not entertain negotiating an extension, but within those couple of days I'm told several contenders already have reached out to Columbus to find out what's going on, what the price might be, and get that conversation going," LeBrun said.On Monday, Panarin's agent Dan Milstein released a statement saying the left winger would not discuss his future with the Blue Jackets until after the season.Panarin will become an unrestricted free agent July 1, and while his value to the team is apparent, the Blue Jackets risk losing the superstar for nothing in the offseason if he remains with the team past the trade deadline.Reports of Panarin's unwillingness to sign an extension with Columbus first surfaced last June. It was then reported in August that the New York Rangers were his first choice, while the New York Islanders, Los Angeles Kings, Tampa Bay Lightning, Florida Panthers, and Dallas Stars were also on Panarin's list of preferred destinations.The 27-year-old is once again leading the Blue Jackets in scoring this season, registering 20 goals and 57 points in 48 games.Copyright © 2019 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.