The Columbus Blue Jackets are interested in adding a forward, reports TSN's Pierre LeBrun.  Blue ...

<p>The Columbus Blue Jackets are interested in adding a forward, reports <a target="_blank" href="https://x.com/PierreVLeBrun/status/1896577216084951320">TSN's Pierre LeBrun</a>.</p><p>Blue Jackets general manager Don Waddell <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3229479" href="https://thescore.com/news/3229479">said</a> last week he wasn't sure selling before the deadline was the right move and that he wants to "give this group a chance." </p><p>Columbus is a surprising playoff contender, particularly given everything the team has endured since last summer. The Blue Jackets are still grieving the losses of Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau in August and have dealt with injuries to several forwards.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3000" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3000">Sean Monahan</a> initially missed a few weeks in January and was then ruled out for an additional six-to-eight weeks on Jan. 25. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/9203" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/9203">Yegor Chinakhov</a> hasn't suited up since late November. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3979" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3979">Kevin Labanc</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/10667" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/10667">Cole Sillinger</a> also remain out.</p><p>Despite their challenges, the Blue Jackets enter Monday sitting in the first wild-card spot in the Eastern Conference. They're two points ahead of the Detroit Red Wings, who they beat 5-2 in the Motor City on Thursday and then 5-3 in the Stadium Series game at Ohio Stadium on Saturday.</p><p>The NHL trade deadline is Friday at 3 p.m. ET. </p><p> </p>

COLUMBUS, OHIO - SEPTEMBER 18: (L-R) Head coach Dean Evason and President of Hockey Operations and General Manager Don Waddell of the Columbus Blue Jackets address members of the media during media day at Nationwide Arena on September 18, 2024 in Columbus, Ohio.

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Report: Blue Jackets looking to acquire forward

Florida Panthers head coach Paul Maurice praised new acquisition Seth Jones' fit with the team up...

<p>Florida Panthers head coach Paul Maurice praised new acquisition <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3005" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3005">Seth Jones</a>' fit with the team upon the defenseman's arrival Monday.</p><p>Maurice said Jones is "perfectly built" for the Panthers' system, while acknowledging the blue-liner will need some time to adjust, according to <a target="_blank" href="https://x.com/JamesonCoop/status/1896588357423313363">team reporter Jameson Olive</a>.</p><p>The bench boss added that Florida won't need to rely on Jones the way the Chicago Blackhawks did before trading him.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>"We don't need him to play 25 minutes a night," Maurice <a target="_blank" href="https://x.com/JamesonCoop/status/1896588963248500864">said</a>.</p><p>Jones lauded the Panthers' attention to detail and ability to remain competitive.</p><p>"There's really not a stone left unturned here when it comes to hockey," he <a target="_blank" href="https://x.com/JamesonCoop/status/1896634343860457634">said</a>. "I'm super happy that I could come here and be a part of that culture."</p><p>He was also ready with a quip about the change in locales.</p><p>"I left my parka in Chicago," Jones <a target="_blank" href="https://x.com/JamesonCoop/status/1896594235228598634">joked</a>.</p><p>The Panthers acquired the 30-year-old from the Blackhawks on Saturday along with a fourth-round pick for goaltender <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/10499" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/10499">Spencer Knight</a> and a conditional first-rounder. Chicago retained $2.5 million of Jones' $9.5-million cap hit.</p><p>Jones waived his no-movement clause to approve the trade to the defending Stanley Cup champions.</p><p>The veteran collected seven goals and 20 assists while averaging 24:30 of ice time over 42 games with the Blackhawks this season. He's averaged 23:44 in 11-plus campaigns and has gone over 25 minutes per night in five of them. </p><p>Jones slotted in on the right side of the Panthers' second defense pairing next to <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4582" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4582">Niko Mikkola</a> at Monday's morning skate.</p><p>Florida captain <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3004" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3004">Aleksander Barkov</a> expressed his wholehearted approval of the trade. </p><p>"He's not going to be a rental, that's for sure. He's here for a long time," the center <a target="_blank" href="https://x.com/JamesonCoop/status/1896586776246178184">said</a>. "That's awesome. He's one of the best defensemen in the world. Playing against him is always tough. He's good at both ends of the puck. To add a guy like that is unbelievable."</p><p>The second-place Panthers host their cross-state rivals, the Tampa Bay Lightning, on Monday night at 7 p.m. ET. The third-place Bolts have won eight straight games, while the Cats have won three in a row.</p>

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - FEBRUARY 07: Seth Jones #4 of the Chicago Blackhawks celebrates after scoring a goal against the Nashville Predators during the second period at the United Center on February 07, 2025 in Chicago, Illinois.

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Maurice: Jones 'perfectly built' for Panthers

Florida Panthers general manager Bill Zito is hopeful injured star Matthew Tkachuk will be availa...

<p>Florida Panthers general manager Bill Zito is hopeful injured star <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/5591" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/5591">Matthew Tkachuk</a> will be available for the postseason.</p><p>"Matthew's going to be out for an extended period of time," the executive said Monday, according to <a target="_blank" href="https://x.com/JamesonCoop/status/1896593335386787966">team reporter Jameson Olive</a>. "We hope to get him back for the playoffs."</p><p>Panthers head coach Paul Maurice <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3225765" href="https://thescore.com/news/3225765">said</a> last week that Tkachuk "is playing for us this year," indicating the issue isn't season-ending.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Tkachuk got hurt in the United States' round-robin win over Canada at the 4 Nations Face-Off. He missed the next game against Sweden and then played under seven minutes in the championship game defeat to the Canadians.</p><p>He's missed all three contests Florida has played since the break.</p><p>Tkachuk ranks second on the club in goals (22), assists (35), and points in 52 outings this season.</p><p>The Panthers entered Monday sitting second in the Atlantic Division with a 37-21-3 record.</p>

SUNRISE, FL - FEBRUARY 08: Florida Panthers left wing Matthew Tkachuk (19) waits for a face-off during the game between the Ottawa Senators and the Florida Panthers on Saturday, February 8, 2025 at Amerant Bank Area in Sunrise, FL.

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Panthers GM: We hope to get Tkachuk back for playoffs

The Washington Capitals inked goaltender Charlie Lindgren to a three-year contract extension with...

<p>The Washington Capitals inked goaltender <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/5525" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/5525">Charlie Lindgren</a> to a three-year contract extension with an average annual value of $3 million, the club announced Monday.</p><p>Lindgren was a pending unrestricted free agent whose cap hit is $1.1 million this season, per <a target="_blank" href="https://puckpedia.com/player/charlie-lindgren">PuckPedia</a>.</p><p>The 31-year-old is 13-10-3 with a .896 save percentage over 27 games in 2024-25. </p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The Capitals now have their goaltending tandem secured through 2027-28. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/10003" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/10003">Logan Thompson</a> signed a six-year extension at $5.85 million annually in late January. His cap hit is $766,667 this season.</p><p>Lindgren is in his third campaign with the Capitals, who signed him as a free agent in July 2022. </p><p>The Minnesota-born netminder had a career year in 2023-24: He posted a .911 save percentage and tied for the league lead with six shutouts while authoring a 25-16-7 record over 50 contests.</p><p>Lindgren spent one season with the St. Louis Blues after playing his first five with the Montreal Canadiens. The Habs signed him as an undrafted free agent out of St. Cloud State University in March 2016.</p>

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - FEBRUARY 06: Charlie Lindgren #79 of the Washington Capitals tends goal against the Philadelphia Flyers at the Wells Fargo Center on February 6, 2025 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

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Capitals sign Charlie Lindgren to 3-year extension

Justin Danforth converted his own rebound with 2:17 remaining as the Columbus Blue Jackets earned...

<p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/10870" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/10870">Justin Danforth</a> converted his own rebound with 2:17 remaining as the Columbus Blue Jackets earned a 5-3 victory over the Detroit Red Wings at Ohio Stadium on Saturday night.</p><p>Blue Jackets forwards <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/13813" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/13813">Dmitri Voronkov</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/5641" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/5641">Mathieu Olivier</a> scored 32 seconds apart late in the second period to give Columbus a 3-1 lead. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/267" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/267">Patrick Kane</a> tallied early in the third frame and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/5625" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/5625">Alex DeBrincat</a> tied it with 3:24 to go. But Danforth restored the Jackets' lead and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/13830" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/13830">Adam Fantilli</a> buried an empty-netter with 1:08 left to seal it.</p><p>A crowd of 94,751 took in the outdoor affair, marking the second-largest attendance total ever for an NHL game behind the 2014 Winter Classic at Michigan Stadium.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The Red Wings outshot the Blue Jackets 46-21, including a 21-8 margin in the third period. </p><p>Columbus goaltender <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/8259" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/8259">Elvis Merzlikins</a> made 43 saves. Detroit netminder <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/1584" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/1584">Cam Talbot</a> allowed four goals on 20 shots.</p><p>The Blue Jackets and Red Wings honored the late Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau before the contest. Columbus came into the arena wearing matching sweatshirts from Avalon Surf Shop in New Jersey that captain <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/2058" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/2058">Boone Jenner </a>described as a <a target="_blank" href="https://x.com/FriedgeHNIC/status/1895933633057472816">"signature Johnny fit."</a></p><p>The Red Wings wore No. 13 Johnny Gaudreau jerseys from throughout his career, including from Team USA and Boston College.</p><p>The Gaudreau family led the Blue Jackets' procession into the stadium.</p><p>"This city, this night, was special, and I hope Mr. and Mrs. Gaudreau had something to smile about tonight," Red Wings captain <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4541" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4541">Dylan Larkin</a> said postgame, per the <a target="_blank" href="https://x.com/HeleneStJames/status/1896036899158110625">Detroit Free Press' Helene St. James</a>. "I want both of our teams in the playoffs."</p><p>Jenner talked about how the Blue Jackets felt Johnny's presence in the building. </p><p>"He was here with us tonight and he's been here with us all season," the Columbus forward said, according to <a target="_blank" href="https://x.com/JacketsInsider/status/1896049319599620518">team reporter Jeff Svoboda</a>. "We've played for him, and tonight obviously he was here. We wanted to honor him the best way that we could, and not only doing that but playing as he would play."</p><p>Jenner also discussed how memorable the evening was as a whole.</p><p>"I knew it was going to be special, but I was still blown away," he said, per <a href="https://x.com/Aportzline/status/1896037128716603416">The Athletic's Aaron Portzline</a>.</p><p>The game had significant postseason implications, with both teams coming into the contest occupying Eastern Conference wild-card spots. Columbus remains in the first position with two more points than Detroit. Both clubs have played 60 games.</p><p> </p>

COLUMBUS, OHIO - MARCH 1: Justin Danforth #17 of the Columbus Blue Jackets scores against the Detroit Red Wings in the third period during the NHL Stadium Series at Ohio Stadium on March 1, 2025 in Columbus, Ohio.

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Jackets beat Red Wings in Stadium Series game at Ohio Stadium

Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Jake McCabe gave props to his team's puck-stoppers following a 3-2...

<p>Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3876" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3876">Jake McCabe</a> gave props to his team's puck-stoppers following a 3-2 victory over the New York Rangers on Friday night.</p><p>"Can't say enough good things about our goaltenders. It's good shit," McCabe told reporters postgame.</p><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/9766" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/9766">Anthony Stolarz</a> turned aside all but two of 35 shots in the win. He's 6-1-0 with a .936 save percentage in his last eight games. The 31-year-old is 13-5-2 with a .927 mark in 21 contests this season.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>"I think Stolie just stood on his head all game," forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/10575" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/10575">Matthew Knies</a> said, adding, "He's been incredible, just like he was prior (to injury). This was a big game, and I think he stepped up in the big moments and made the saves we needed."</p><p>Stolarz surpassed <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3997" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3997">Connor Hellebuyck</a> on Friday for the league lead in save percentage among those who've played at least eight games, though the Winnipeg Jets netminder has suited up for 45 of them.</p><p>"I'm just feeling good, seeing the puck well," Stolarz told <a target="_blank" href="https://x.com/Sportsnet/status/1895671779978592421">Sportsnet's Shawn McKenzie</a> after Friday's victory. "The defensemen and forwards are doing a really good job of letting me see the puck, and more times than not when that happens, I'm going to stop it."</p><p>Stolarz is in his first season with the Maple Leafs after signing a two-year deal in July. He served as the Florida Panthers' backup goalie en route to a Stanley Cup in June.</p><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/8266" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/8266">Joseph Woll</a> hasn't been as good as Stolarz, but the other Toronto netminder has performed well with a larger workload. Woll is 20-11-0 with a .910 save percentage over 31 games in 2024-25. The 26-year-old is in his fourth campaign with the Leafs, who drafted him 62nd overall in 2016.</p><p>Toronto jumped back into first place in the Atlantic Division. The Leafs are 37-20-2. They have 76 points in the standings compared to the Panthers' 75, and the Canadian club also has a game in hand.</p><p>New York fell to 29-26-4 with the defeat. The Blueshirts are behind the Ottawa Senators, Columbus Blue Jackets, and Detroit Red Wings in the battle to occupy a wild-card spot in the Eastern Conference. </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p>

TORONTO, ON - NOVEMBER 5: Jake McCabe #22 of the Toronto Maple Leafs congratulatex teammate Anthony Stolarz #41 on his shut out against the Boston Bruins at the Scotiabank Arena on November 5, 2024 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

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McCabe touts Maple Leafs' goaltending: 'It's good shit'

The New York Rangers placed defenseman Adam Fox on injured reserve Wednesday.   However, the club...

<p>The New York Rangers placed defenseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/8555" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/8555">Adam Fox</a> on injured reserve Wednesday. </p><p>However, the club is optimistic he'll be back for the final weeks of the season, reports <a target="_blank" href="https://x.com/StapeAthletic/status/1894871695132955002">The Athletic's Arthur Staple</a>.</p><p>Fox was holding his hand while he left the ice in the third period of a 5-1 win over the New York Islanders on Tuesday night. The Rangers later ruled him out for the rest of the game with what they called an upper-body injury.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The 27-year-old leads the Blueshirts with 43 assists and ranks second with 48 points across 58 games this season. Fox is pacing the team in average ice time at 23:14, leading the second-ranked <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/9103" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/9103">K'Andre Miller</a> by a minute and a half per night.</p><p>Miller also got hurt Tuesday night. He left in the second period, and the Rangers ruled him out for the remainder of the game before doing the same with Fox.</p><p>Fox won the Norris Trophy for the abbreviated 2021 campaign and finished in the top five in voting in each of the three subsequent seasons. He was the runner-up in 2022-23.</p><p>New York recalled rearguard <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/9914" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/9914">Matthew Robertson</a> from its AHL affiliate, the Hartford Wolf Pack, on Wednesday.</p>

ELMONT, NEW YORK - FEBRUARY 25: Adam Fox #23 of the New York Rangers leaves the ice after an injury during the third period against the New York Islanders at UBS Arena on February 25, 2025 in Elmont, New York.

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Rangers' Fox lands on IR, reportedly expected back before season's end

The Calgary Flames put defenseman Tyson Barrie on the waiver wire Tuesday, according to Sportsnet...

<p>The Calgary Flames put defenseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/1934" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/1934">Tyson Barrie</a> on the waiver wire Tuesday, according to <a target="_blank" href="https://x.com/FriedgeHNIC/status/1892651057055969336">Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman</a>.</p><p>Barrie has been limited to 13 NHL games this season due to injury and being made a healthy scratch. He has a goal and two assists while averaging a career-low 15:48 in 2024-25. </p><p>The 33-year-old produced one tally and two helpers in two outings with the AHL's Calgary Wranglers, for whom he played while on a conditioning loan in late January.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The Flames invited Barrie to training camp on a professional tryout deal last fall and subsequently signed him to a one-year, $1.25-million contract.</p><p>Barrie is in his 14th NHL campaign. The British Columbia-born rearguard has topped the 50-point mark three times, most recently with a 55-point effort while playing 85 games with the Edmonton Oilers (61) and Nashville Predators (24) in 2022-23.</p><p>However, his offense has dried up since then. Barrie collected a goal and 14 assists in 41 contests with the Predators in 2023-24. The Flames have controlled only 48.11% of the expected goals with the veteran on the ice this season, per <a target="_blank" href="https://www.naturalstattrick.com/">Natural Stat Trick</a>.</p><p>Barrie has also suited up for the Toronto Maple Leafs and the Colorado Avalanche. He spent his first eight campaigns with Colorado, the club that drafted him 64th overall in 2009. The Avalanche traded him to the Leafs for a package including <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/1182" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/1182">Nazem Kadri</a> in the summer of 2019.</p>

CALGARY, CANADA - FEBRUARY 04: Tyson Barrie #8 of the Calgary Flames stretches during warmup before the game against the Toronto Maple Leafs at the Scotiabank Saddledome on February 04, 2025, in Calgary, Alberta, Canada.

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Flames place Barrie on waivers

Quinn Hughes isn't meeting up with the United States squad after all.  Team USA was informed that...

<p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/7960" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/7960">Quinn Hughes</a> isn't meeting up with the United States squad after all.</p><p>Team USA was informed that the Vancouver Canucks defenseman wasn't medically cleared ahead of the 4 Nations Face-Off final against Canada, Hughes' agent, Pat Brisson, told <a target="_blank" href="https://x.com/PierreVLeBrun/status/1892315169294086531">TSN's Pierre LeBrun</a>.</p><p>U.S. head coach Mike Sullivan <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3220668" href="https://thescore.com/news/3220668">said</a> Tuesday morning that "Quinn Hughes is coming" in the wake of <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/5599" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/5599">Charlie McAvoy</a>'s injury. Hughes was only able to play if another player got hurt or became ill.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The reigning Norris Trophy winner then practiced with the Canucks later in the day, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3220943" href="https://thescore.com/news/3220943">acknowledged</a> the U.S. still had the required minimum of six defensemen, and said "the rules are the rules."</p><p>Team USA tabbed Hughes as one of its first six players selected to the squad in June, but he withdrew just days before the tournament began due to injury. The Orlando-born blue-liner missed four games leading up to the break. </p><p>Hughes leads all NHL defensemen in points per game (1.26) and assists (45) in 47 games this season. His 59 points top the Canucks and are 24 more than forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/6354" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/6354">Brock Boeser</a>.</p><p> </p>

DALLAS, TEXAS - JANUARY 31: Quinn Hughes #43 of the Vancouver Canucks walks to the ice prior to the first period of the game against the Dallas Stars at American Airlines Center on January 31, 2025 in Dallas, Texas.

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Quinn Hughes won't join Team USA

Auston Matthews will play in Thursday's 4 Nations Face-Off championship game between his United S...

<p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/5586" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/5586">Auston Matthews</a> will play in Thursday's 4 Nations Face-Off championship game between his United States and Canada, both he and U.S. head coach Mike Sullivan confirmed Wednesday.</p><p>Matthews revealed the injury that forced him to miss Monday's meaningless loss to Sweden was a new one, but he has progressed since then and is ready to play in the decisive clash, according to <a target="_blank" href="https://x.com/PierreVLeBrun/status/1892270452417929649">TSN's Pierre LeBrun</a>.</p><p>"There's no way I was missing this game," the Toronto Maple Leafs captain said, per <a target="_blank" href="https://x.com/JClipperton_CP/status/1892270282309611825">The Canadian Press' Joshua Clipperton</a>.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Sullivan said <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/5599" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/5599">Charlie McAvoy</a> is Team USA's only player who's definitely out, according to <a href="https://x.com/PierreVLeBrun/status/1892272453780484234">LeBrun</a>. McAvoy was <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3220619" href="https://thescore.com/news/3220619">ruled out</a> of the final Tuesday, and his Boston Bruins later <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3220898" href="https://thescore.com/news/3220898">announced</a> he underwent surgery to heal an infection resulting from a shoulder injury.</p><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/5591" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/5591">Matthew Tkachuk</a> also missed Monday's game due to injury, but it was <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3220627" href="https://thescore.com/news/3220627">reported</a> Tuesday that he and his brother <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/7845" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/7845">Brady</a> intend to play Thursday. The elder Tkachuk corroborated the report Wednesday.</p><p>"I'm ready to go," the Florida Panthers forward said, per <a target="_blank" href="https://x.com/RussoHockey/status/1892268607775682781">The Athletic's Michael Russo</a>. "It's going to be an incredible game, and I don't want to miss it."</p><p>Meanwhile, the younger Tkachuk <a target="_blank" href="https://x.com/PierreVLeBrun/status/1892272453780484234">sat out </a>Wednesday's practice due to illness, but Sullivan expects the Ottawa Senators captain to play in the final. Tkachuk got hurt in Monday's defeat. </p><p>Matthew <a target="_blank" href="https://x.com/RussoHockey/status/1892269476793434176">said</a> his brother is "saving everything he has for (Thursday) night, and I'm very confident he'll be at his absolute best."</p><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/7960" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/7960">Quinn Hughes</a> will <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3221477" href="https://thescore.com/news/3221477">not join</a> Team USA despite Sullivan saying Tuesday that the reigning Norris Trophy winner was coming as a potential injury replacement. In addition to his own ailment, Hughes also couldn't play unless an additional player couldn't suit up.</p>

MONTREAL, CANADA - FEBRUARY 15: Auston Matthews #34 of Team USA skates during the third period against Team Canada in the 2025 NHL 4 Nations Face-Off at the Bell Centre on February 15, 2025 in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. Team USA defeated Team Canada 3-1.

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Matthews in for 4 Nations final: 'No way I was missing this game'

Brandon Hagel emphasized Team Canada's collective priorities over any individual motives.   The f...

<p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/5633" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/5633">Brandon Hagel</a> emphasized Team Canada's collective priorities over any individual motives. </p><p>The forward was asked Tuesday whether his squad needs to initiate physical play against an injury-plagued Team USA in Thursday's 4 Nations Face-Off final.</p><p>"I think we're out there playing for the flag, not the cameras," Hagel answered, according to <a target="_blank" href="https://x.com/EricEngels/status/1891901703605420051">Sportsnet's Eric Engels</a>. "That's a part of Canada that we have in there.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>"We don't need to initiate anything. We don't have any group chats going on. We're going out there playing our game and then giving it everything and doing it for our country. We don't need to initiate everything. We're just going to play as hard as we can and do it for the flag on the chest."</p><p>Hagel fought U.S. forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/5591" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/5591">Matthew Tkachuk</a> two seconds into Saturday's 3-1 victory by the Americans. The rival sides fought three times in the first 9 seconds of the game.</p><p>Hagel replied, "Five hundred?!" when asked how many times he's watched his fight with Tkachuk, per <a target="_blank" href="https://x.com/lukefoxjukebox/status/1891902754844553238">Sportsnet's Luke Fox</a>.</p><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/7845" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/7845">Brady Tkachuk</a> said over the weekend that Team USA <a target="_blank" href="https://www.youtube.com/shorts/th1s7vwoSuE">had a group chat</a> in which the players made plans for the matchup against Canada. </p><p>The U.S. will be <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3220619" href="https://thescore.com/news/3220619">without</a> key defenseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/5599" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/5599">Charlie McAvoy</a> for the championship game due to injury. Matthew Tkachuk missed Monday's meaningless loss to Sweden and his brother got injured during that contest, but both <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3220627" href="https://thescore.com/news/3220627">reportedly</a> intend to play Thursday. </p><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/7960" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/7960">Quinn Hughes</a> joined Team USA on Tuesday after pulling out of the tournament before it began. However, he can only play if another blue-liner can't suit up.</p><p>Canada and the U.S. will meet at Boston's TD Garden at 8 p.m. ET on Thursday.</p>

MONTREAL, CANADA - FEBRUARY 15: Brandon Hagel #38 of Team Canada gestures to the crowd following a first period fight against Matthew Tkachuk #19 of Team USA in the 4 Nations Face-Off game at the Bell Centre on February 15, 2025 in Montreal, Quebec, Canada.

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Hagel: Canada 'playing for the flag, not the cameras'

The Vancouver Canucks signed forward Drew O'Connor to a two-year contract extension with an avera...

<p>The Vancouver Canucks signed forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/9744" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/9744">Drew O'Connor</a> to a two-year contract extension with an average annual value of $2.5 million, the team announced Tuesday.</p><p>The Canucks acquired O'Connor from the Pittsburgh Penguins on Feb. 1.</p><p>"Drew has really made a good first impression since joining our team from Pittsburgh at the beginning of (February)," general manager Patrik Allvin said in a statement. "We like his size, speed, and ability to get in on the forecheck and hound pucks.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>"Our staff also feel confident that they can help Drew take his game to another level and we are excited to see what the future holds for him with the Vancouver Canucks."</p><p>O'Connor has two goals in four games since joining the Canucks. He had six tallies and 10 assists in 53 games with the Penguins this season. The 26-year-old set career highs with 16 goals and 17 helpers in 79 contests with Pittsburgh in 2023-24.</p>

SAN JOSE, CA - FEBRUARY 06: Vancouver Canucks left wing Drew O'Connor (18) celebrates his game winning OT goal during the NHL game between the Vancouver Canucks and the San Jose Sharks on February 06, 2025 at SAP Center in San Jose, CA.

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Canucks sign O'Connor to 2-year extension

Team USA might be getting some good news amid its injury woes at the 4 Nations Face-Off.  Brady a...

<p>Team USA might be getting some good news amid its injury woes at the 4 Nations Face-Off.</p><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/7845" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/7845">Brady</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/5591" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/5591">Matthew Tkachuk</a> both intend to play in Thursday's final against Canada, reports <a target="_blank" href="https://x.com/emilymkaplan/status/1891876079930876370">ESPN's Emily Kaplan</a>.</p><p>Ottawa Senators captain Brady Tkachuk <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3220318" href="https://thescore.com/news/3220318">left</a> Monday's meaningless loss to Sweden after crashing into the opposing net. He returned to the bench but didn't take another shift and was eventually ruled out.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Team USA head coach Mike Sullivan said afterward that he held Tkachuk out as a precaution and didn't expect the injury to be an issue for Thursday. Tkachuk has a pair of points - both goals - in two games at the tournament.</p><p>Meanwhile, Florida Panthers forward Matthew Tkachuk missed Monday's game due to an ailment of his own. He missed the final 12 minutes of the U.S. victory over Canada on Saturday but <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3219331" href="https://thescore.com/news/3219331">said</a> afterward that he had "no concern at all" about the injury.</p><p>He has two goals and an assist in two contests at the event.</p><p>American defenseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/5599" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/5599">Charlie McAvoy</a> won't play in Thursday's final. He's <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3220619" href="https://thescore.com/news/3220619">undergoing testing</a> on an injury he sustained during the tourney. U.S. forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/5586" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/5586">Auston Matthews</a>' status for the final is still uncertain. He didn't suit up for Monday's game.</p><p>Canada and the U.S. will meet for the championship Thursday night at 8 p.m. ET.</p>

MONTREAL, QUEBEC - FEBRUARY 13: Brady Tkachuk #7 of Team United States celebrates with his brother Matthew Tkachuk #19 after scoring a goal during the third period, his second of the game, in the 4 Nations Face-Off game between the United States and Finland at Bell Centre on February 13, 2025 in Montreal, Quebec.

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Report: Tkachuk brothers plan to play in 4 Nations final

Jack Eichel has hoisted the Stanley Cup, but he believes Thursday's looming 4 Nations Face-Off fi...

<p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4558" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4558">Jack Eichel</a> has hoisted the Stanley Cup, but he believes Thursday's looming 4 Nations Face-Off final between his United States and Canada could personally be the matchup of the highest magnitude.</p><p>"This is huge, it's the biggest game I've played in quite some time, maybe ever," the American forward told reporters, including the <a target="_blank" href="https://x.com/ConorRyan_93/status/1891708242188730621">Boston Globe's Conor Ryan</a>, about the championship matchup following a meaningless loss to Sweden on Monday night.</p><p>"I'm really looking forward to it. I think everyone in the room's looking forward to it. It's what we wanted, right?"</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The U.S. clinched a spot in the final with a 3-1 victory over Canada on Saturday. Canada earned its place in the decisive tilt with a 5-3 win over Finland on Monday.</p><p>Eichel is tied for second in the tournament with four points (all assists) in three games.</p><p>The Vegas Golden Knights center helped his NHL club win it all in 2022-23 with six goals and 20 assists over 22 playoff games. </p><p>He's on track to shatter his career-best regular-season point total of 82, which he set with the Buffalo Sabres in 2018-19. Eichel has 69 points, including 50 helpers, in 55 contests in 2024-25. He's on pace for 102 points in 81 games.</p><p>Team USA enters Thursday's 4 Nations final with numerous injury concerns. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/7845" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/7845">Brady Tkachuk</a> exited Monday's game and didn't return, while his brother <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/5591" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/5591">Matthew</a> along with <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/5586" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/5586">Auston Matthews</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/5599" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/5599">Charlie McAvoy</a> all sat out due to various ailments.</p><p>The highly anticipated clash with Canada is scheduled for Thursday at 8 p.m. ET in Boston.</p><p> </p><p> </p>

MONTREAL, QUEBEC - FEBRUARY 15: Jack Eichel #9 of Team United States controls the puck during the second period of the 4 Nations Face-Off game between the United States and Canada at Bell Centre on February 15, 2025 in Montreal, Quebec.

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Eichel: USA-Canada final might be biggest game of my career

Cale Makar suited up for Canada in a 5-3 win over Finland on Monday afternoon at the 4 Nations Fa...

<p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/8539" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/8539">Cale Makar</a> suited up for Canada in a 5-3 win over Finland on Monday afternoon at the 4 Nations Face-Off in Boston.</p><p>The superstar defenseman logged 23:57 in the victory. He was held off the scoresheet but registered four shots on goal and four blocked shots.</p><p>Makar <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3219199" href="https://thescore.com/news/3219199">missed</a> Canada's 3-1 loss to the United States on Saturday night in Montreal due to illness. Head coach Jon Cooper <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3217649" href="https://thescore.com/news/3217649">said</a> beforehand he was confident the 2021-22 Norris Trophy winner and four-time finalist would play before the blue-liner ultimately sat out.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/8659" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/8659">Thomas Harley</a> played in Makar's place in the defeat, pairing up with <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/560" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/560">Drew Doughty</a>, while <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4175" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4175">Travis Sanheim</a> slotted into Makar's spot alongside <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/5553" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/5553">Devon Toews</a>.</p><p>Makar rejoined his Colorado Avalanche teammate on Canada's top pairing Monday. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3161" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3161">Josh Morrissey</a> played alongside <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4482" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4482">Colton Parayko</a>, while Sanheim paired up with Doughty.</p><p>Makar led all skaters with 28:06 of ice time in Canada's overtime victory over Sweden in the tournament opener Wednesday night.</p><p>He took part in both of his team's optional skates over the weekend.</p><p>Makar was one of the first six players Canada named to its roster in June. He paces all NHL defensemen with 22 goals and 63 points while ranking third in average ice time (25:49) in 57 games with the Avalanche this season.</p><p>Canada <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3219497" href="https://thescore.com/news/3219497">had to win</a> Monday's matchup to advance to Thursday's final against the United States. The Canadians earned an immediate berth in the championship game with a victory in regulation.</p>

MONTREAL, QUEBEC - FEBRUARY 12: Cale Makar #8 of Team Canada skates behind the net during the first period of the 4 Nations Face-Off game between Canada and Sweden at Bell Centre on February 12, 2025 in Montreal, Quebec.

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Makar returns to Canada's lineup for win over Finland

Patrik Laine took a parting shot at Sweden after Finland edged its bitter rival 4-3 in overtime a...

<p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/5587" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/5587">Patrik Laine</a> took a parting shot at Sweden after Finland edged its bitter rival 4-3 in overtime at the 4 Nations Face-Off in Montreal on Saturday afternoon.</p><p>When ESPN's Emily Kaplan noted to Laine postgame that "sometimes they call you guys the little brothers," the quotable forward implied the tables had turned.</p><p>"Well, I feel like we're the big brother now," Laine said. "It feels good. It's always fun to play against them and especially (to) come out on top."</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/croSI6M04tM?si=G6h0eY-MppM7mZwW" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></figure><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/2567" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/2567">Mikael Granlund</a> buried the winner on an odd-man rush less than two minutes into the extra frame.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/I0UjW91dK9Y?si=Z9flrDowNU8FuAJw" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></figure><p>Finland captain <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3004" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3004">Aleksander Barkov</a> credited Granlund, who's usually more of a facilitator, with taking matters into his own hands.</p><p>"Honestly, I didn't expect Granny to shoot when he had a three-on-one, but I'm so glad he did because he has an amazing shot," Barkov said, per <a target="_blank" href="https://x.com/RussoHockey/status/1890871786314592484">The Athletic's Michael Russo</a>.</p><p>Sweden head coach Sam Hallam pulled <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/9896" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/9896">Filip Gustavsson</a> to start the second period after the goaltender allowed two soft goals on four shots in the first. However, Hallam clarified postgame that Gustavsson was merely dealing with an illness and that his benching wasn't performance-related, according to <a target="_blank" href="https://x.com/EricEngels/status/1890874726781681924">Sportsnet's Eric Engels</a>.</p><p>"Unfortunate for us, unfortunate for Gus," Hallam said.</p><p>Finland netminder <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/7694" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/7694">Kevin Lankinen</a> made 21 saves, while Sweden's <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3922" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3922">Linus Ullmark</a> turned aside 15 of 17 shots in relief of Gustavsson. </p><p>Barkov tied the game 3-3 with 2:55 left in the second period. Earlier in the frame, Sweden rallied with goals from <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/7216" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/7216">Rasmus Dahlin</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/864" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/864">Erik Karlsson</a> in under five minutes to take a 3-2 lead.</p><p>Finland led 2-1 after 20 minutes. Sweden's <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/2033" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/2033">Mika Zibanejad</a> opened the scoring 8:35 into the game, but <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/9200" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/9200">Anton Lundell</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4772" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4772">Mikko Rantanen</a> replied for the Finns. </p><p>The victors earned two points for the overtime victory, while the Swedes picked up their second single point of the tourney after dropping their opener 4-3 in overtime to Canada on Wednesday.</p><p>As a result, only the United States can clinch a berth in the final Saturday. The Americans will advance to the championship game if they defeat Canada in regulation in the evening's highly anticipated matchup.</p><p> </p>

MONTREAL, QUEBEC - FEBRUARY 15: Patrik Laine #92 of Team Finland talks with Finnish sports reporter Ville Touru during warm-up before the 4 Nations Face-Off game between Finland and Sweden at Bell Centre on February 15, 2025 in Montreal, Quebec.

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Finland's Laine: 'We're the big brother now' after beating Sweden

The start of the 4 Nations Face-Off break served as an early NHL trade deadline, with Mikko Ranta...

<p>The start of the 4 Nations Face-Off break served as an early NHL trade deadline, with Mikko Rantanen and J.T. Miller among the impact players who were dealt leading up to it.</p><p>However, plenty of names on the market could be shipped out before 3 p.m. ET March 7, the actual final day to make swaps for players who will still be eligible for the playoffs.</p><p>This list weighs the chances of a player being traded more heavily than simply highlighting talent alone, so an impact player might be lower on the list if he's less likely to be dealt for one reason or another.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Here are the best players who are most likely to be sent packing ahead of the deadline.</p><h3>1. Brock Nelson</h3><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Position</th>
<th>Age</th>
<th>Contract</th>
<th>Cap Hit</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>C</td>
<td>33</td>
<td>Pending UFA</td>
<td>$6M</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p><em>*Has 16-team no-trade list</em></p><p>Nelson is the hottest commodity by virtue of being a consistently potent scorer on an expiring contract. The New York Islanders forward is coming off three consecutive seasons of 30-plus goals, and he's on pace for his eighth 20-goal campaign in 12 years.</p><h3>2. Rickard Rakell</h3><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Position</th>
<th>Age</th>
<th>Contract</th>
<th>Cap Hit</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>RW</td>
<td>31</td>
<td>Signed through 2027-28</td>
<td>$5M</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p><em>*Has eight-team no-trade list</em></p><p>Rakell isn't a rental, but the Pittsburgh Penguins would be wise to shop the Swedish winger, considering their place in the standings. He's been streaky in the past, but the forward is piling up goals on a lackluster team. That production has significantly bolstered his trade value.</p><h3>3. Carson Soucy</h3><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Position</th>
<th>Age</th>
<th>Contract</th>
<th>Cap Hit</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>LD/RD</td>
<td>30</td>
<td>Signed through 2025-26</td>
<td>$3.25M</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p><em>*Has full no-trade clause that modifies to 12-team no-trade list in 2025-26</em></p><p>Soucy is a proven shutdown defenseman who became expendable when the Vancouver Canucks acquired and extended Marcus Pettersson for six more years. Soucy's NTC could be a hurdle, but he can always waive it for the right opportunity. </p><h3>4. Rasmus Ristolainen</h3><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Position</th>
<th>Age</th>
<th>Contract</th>
<th>Cap Hit</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>RD</td>
<td>30</td>
<td>Signed through 2026-27</td>
<td>$5.1M</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>Ristolainen has taken a lot of heat in his career. But the 6-foot-4, 208-pound Philadelphia Flyers blue-liner could still garner interest because of his size, his ability to log more than 20 minutes per night, and his improved defensive play of late.</p><h3>5. Brayden Schenn</h3><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Position</th>
<th>Age</th>
<th>Contract</th>
<th>Cap Hit</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>C</td>
<td>33</td>
<td>Signed through 2027-28</td>
<td>$6.5M</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p><em>*Has full no-trade clause that modifies to 15-team no-trade list in 2025-26</em></p><p>The St. Louis Blues <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3211703" href="https://thescore.com/news/3211703">reportedly</a> evaluated the market on Schenn in early February, and general manager Doug Armstrong has never been shy about making big moves. Schenn, the Blues' captain, brings a championship pedigree and can still contribute at both ends. </p><h3>6. Mikko Rantanen</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/771883/cropped_GettyImages-2197487881.jpg?ts=1740276702" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/771883/w220xh124_GettyImages-2197487881.jpg?ts=1740276702 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/771883/w320xh180_GettyImages-2197487881.jpg?ts=1740276702 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/771883/w640xh360_GettyImages-2197487881.jpg?ts=1740276702 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/771883/w768xh432_GettyImages-2197487881.jpg?ts=1740276702 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/771883/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2197487881.jpg?ts=1740276702 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Ellen Schmidt / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Position</th>
<th>Age</th>
<th>Contract</th>
<th>Cap Hit</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>RW</td>
<td>28</td>
<td>Pending UFA</td>
<td>$4.625M</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p><em>*Has nine-team no-trade list, Chicago Blackhawks retained 50% of his $9.25M cap hit</em></p><p>Rantanen is on the board even after the Colorado Avalanche shockingly sent him to the Carolina Hurricanes in late January's three-way swap. The two-time 100-plus point winger hasn't yet committed to sticking with the Canes long term, though he was blindsided by the deal and has needed time to gel with his new team. Rantanen would be much higher on this list if it were clear Carolina planned to flip him, but that uncertainty justifies labeling him a trade candidate.</p><h3>7. Dylan Cozens</h3><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Position</th>
<th>Age</th>
<th>Contract</th>
<th>Cap Hit</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>C</td>
<td>24</td>
<td>Signed through 2029-30</td>
<td>$7.1M</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>Cozens has underachieved since he collected 31 goals and 37 assists in 2022-23, but teams have <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3190713" href="https://thescore.com/news/3190713">reportedly</a> expressed <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3210583" href="https://thescore.com/news/3210583">interest</a> in him amid the Buffalo Sabres' disappointing season. The Yukon product is still relatively young, and a change of scenery could help him rediscover his form. </p><h3>8. Ryan Donato</h3><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Position</th>
<th>Age</th>
<th>Contract</th>
<th>Cap Hit</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>C/RW</td>
<td>29 on April 9</td>
<td>Pending UFA</td>
<td>$2M</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>Donato is in the midst of a career year, and it comes at a perfect time for the Blackhawks, who'll be looking to capitalize on that in combination with his expiring contract. The versatile forward has done nearly all of his scoring at even strength in 2024-25.</p><h3>9. John Gibson</h3><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Position</th>
<th>Age</th>
<th>Contract</th>
<th>Cap Hit</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>G</td>
<td>31</td>
<td>Signed through 2026-27</td>
<td>$6.4M</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p><em>*Has 10-team no-trade list</em></p><p>Gibson has been on the block for ages, but he'll remain there as long as the Anaheim Ducks are rebuilding. The American netminder still has term on his contract, but he's enjoying a resurgent campaign and could provide stability in the crease for a team with postseason aspirations.</p><h3>10. Trent Frederic</h3><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Position</th>
<th>Age</th>
<th>Contract</th>
<th>Cap Hit</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>C/LW</td>
<td>27</td>
<td>Pending UFA</td>
<td>$2.3M</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>Frederic isn't producing at the rates he established over the previous two campaigns, but the Boston Bruins forward would be coveted for his ability to play a physical game with some offensive abilities. A team-friendly contract and Boston's questionable playoff hopes make Frederic a logical trade candidate. </p><h3>11. David Savard</h3><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Position</th>
<th>Age</th>
<th>Contract</th>
<th>Cap Hit</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>RD</td>
<td>34</td>
<td>Pending UFA</td>
<td>$3.5M</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>Savard is a defensive defenseman whose palatable cap hit and experience make him a prime candidate to be shipped out. The Montreal Canadiens blue-liner won the Stanley Cup with the Tampa Bay Lightning as a rental in the abbreviated 2021 season. </p><h3>12. Brandon Tanev</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/772982/cropped_GettyImages-2201504517.jpg?ts=1740879068" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/772982/w220xh124_GettyImages-2201504517.jpg?ts=1740879068 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/772982/w320xh180_GettyImages-2201504517.jpg?ts=1740879068 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/772982/w640xh360_GettyImages-2201504517.jpg?ts=1740879068 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/772982/w768xh432_GettyImages-2201504517.jpg?ts=1740879068 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/772982/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2201504517.jpg?ts=1740879068 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Eliot J. Schechter / National Hockey League / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Position</th>
<th>Age</th>
<th>Contract</th>
<th>Cap Hit</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>RW/LW</td>
<td>33</td>
<td>Pending UFA</td>
<td>$3.5M</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p><em>*Has 10-team no-trade list</em></p><p>Tanev is a bottom-six grinder, but he plays with high energy and doesn't shy away from blocking shots. Competitive teams looking for a glue guy could do far worse than the Seattle Kraken winger, who has 46 playoff games on his resume.</p><h3>13. Ryan O'Reilly</h3><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Position</th>
<th>Age</th>
<th>Contract</th>
<th>Cap Hit</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>C</td>
<td>34</td>
<td>Signed through 2026-27</td>
<td>$4.5M</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>O'Reilly's playoff experience and responsible two-way game should inspire contenders to inquire about his services. The Nashville Predators would be wise to shop the 2019 Conn Smythe Trophy winner, who's still playing well despite his age and his team's struggles. </p><h3>14. Kyle Palmieri</h3><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Position</th>
<th>Age</th>
<th>Contract</th>
<th>Cap Hit</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>RW</td>
<td>34</td>
<td>Pending UFA</td>
<td>$5M</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p><em>*Has 16-team no-trade list</em></p><p>Palmieri has buried at least 24 goals in a season six times. He has two 30-goal campaigns under his belt, having done so as recently as 2023-24. The Islanders forward has slowed down this season but is still producing at a decent clip.</p><h3>15. Ivan Provorov</h3><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Position</th>
<th>Age</th>
<th>Contract</th>
<th>Cap Hit</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>LD</td>
<td>28</td>
<td>Pending UFA</td>
<td>$6.75M</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>The Columbus Blue Jackets have been surprisingly competitive, but they might be tempted to get what they can for Provorov rather than risking losing him for nothing this summer. The Russian, who plays on the right side for the Jackets despite shooting left, doesn't appear to be close to inking an extension.</p><h3>16. Ryan Strome</h3><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Position</th>
<th>Age</th>
<th>Contract</th>
<th>Cap Hit</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>C</td>
<td>31</td>
<td>Signed through 2026-27</td>
<td>$5M</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>Strome's contract isn't ideal, nor has his play been particularly inspiring of late. But much of that can be attributed to playing for the lackluster Ducks. Strome has proven he can make plays and serve as a middle-six center at this stage of his career.</p><h3>17. Casey Mittelstadt</h3><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Position</th>
<th>Age</th>
<th>Contract</th>
<th>Cap Hit</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>C</td>
<td>26</td>
<td>Signed through 2026-27</td>
<td>$5.75M</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>Mittelstadt is underperforming for the Avalanche, but they will surely look to upgrade their top six after trading Rantanen. The relatively young pivot still has some value and has been centering Colorado's second line.</p><h3>18. Yanni Gourde</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/768279/cropped_GettyImages-2192325638.jpg?ts=1738364649" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/768279/w220xh124_GettyImages-2192325638.jpg?ts=1738364649 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/768279/w320xh180_GettyImages-2192325638.jpg?ts=1738364649 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/768279/w640xh360_GettyImages-2192325638.jpg?ts=1738364649 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/768279/w768xh432_GettyImages-2192325638.jpg?ts=1738364649 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/768279/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2192325638.jpg?ts=1738364649 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Christopher Mast / National Hockey League / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Position</th>
<th>Age</th>
<th>Contract</th>
<th>Cap Hit</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>C</td>
<td>33</td>
<td>Pending UFA</td>
<td>$5.17M</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p><em>*Has 23-team trade list</em></p><p>Gourde isn't likely to play before the deadline because he's still out with a sports hernia. However, he should be back later in March, so that shouldn't significantly impact his trade value. Gourde plays a strong 200-foot game and helped the Lightning with back-to-back titles in 2020 and 2021.</p><h3>19. Jake Evans</h3><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Position</th>
<th>Age</th>
<th>Contract</th>
<th>Cap Hit</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>C/RW</td>
<td>28</td>
<td>Pending UFA</td>
<td>$1.7M</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>Evans would likely have some appeal as a depth rental. The Canadiens forward can skate, effectively kills penalties, and wouldn't be a financial burden for cap-constrained clubs. </p><h3>20. Connor Murphy</h3><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Position</th>
<th>Age</th>
<th>Contract</th>
<th>Cap Hit</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>RD</td>
<td>32 on March 26</td>
<td>Signed through 2025-26</td>
<td>$4.4M</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p><em>*Has 10-team no-trade list</em></p><p>Murphy returned to the lineup Feb. 1 after missing 13 games with a groin injury. The 6-foot-4, 212-pound blue-liner plays well defensively, especially considering how porous his Blackhawks are.</p><h3>21. Mario Ferraro</h3><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Position</th>
<th>Age</th>
<th>Contract</th>
<th>Cap Hit</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>LD</td>
<td>26</td>
<td>Signed through 2025-26</td>
<td>$3.25M</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>Ferraro blocked 195 shots last season, and he's averaging more than one per night in 2024-25. The San Jose Sharks defenseman plays top-four minutes, kills penalties, and can move the puck, too. </p><h3>22. Nick Bjugstad</h3><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Position</th>
<th>Age</th>
<th>Contract</th>
<th>Cap Hit</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>C/RW</td>
<td>32</td>
<td>Pending UFA</td>
<td>$2.1M</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>Bjugstad has been dealt at the deadline before - by the same franchise he plays for. It could happen again, given there's always interest in veteran centers for whom teams won't need to break the bank to acquire.</p><h3>23. Jordan Greenway</h3><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Position</th>
<th>Age</th>
<th>Contract</th>
<th>Cap Hit</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>LW</td>
<td>28 on Feb. 16</td>
<td>Pending UFA</td>
<td>$3M</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p><em>*Has eight-team no-trade list</em></p><p>Greenway has been significantly limited by injuries this season and hasn't played since mid-December. However, the Sabres said back then that they don't expect him to be out all season. The 6-foot-6, 231-pound winger has played up and down the lineup and would provide a contender with some figurative sandpaper. </p><h3>24. Nick Robertson</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/471841/cropped_GettyImages-1227885613.jpg?ts=1631404558" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/471841/w220xh124_GettyImages-1227885613.jpg?ts=1631404558 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/471841/w320xh180_GettyImages-1227885613.jpg?ts=1631404558 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/471841/w640xh360_GettyImages-1227885613.jpg?ts=1631404558 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/471841/w768xh432_GettyImages-1227885613.jpg?ts=1631404558 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/471841/w1080xh607_GettyImages-1227885613.jpg?ts=1631404558 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Mark Blinch / National Hockey League / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Position</th>
<th>Age</th>
<th>Contract</th>
<th>Cap Hit</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>LW</td>
<td>23</td>
<td>Pending RFA</td>
<td>$875K</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>Remember when Robertson asked for a trade last summer, didn't get his wish, and then re-signed with the Toronto Maple Leafs? That seemed to resolve the situation, but the winger still hasn't carved out a regular role under head coach Craig Berube. So it stands to reason the club could dangle Robertson to address its needs.</p><p>(Salary source: <a target="_blank" href="https://puckpedia.com/">PuckPedia</a>)</p>

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<p>Dallas Stars defenseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/8659" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/8659">Thomas Harley</a> got the green light to join Canada at the 4 Nations Face-Off, NHL deputy commissioner Bill Daly confirmed to <a target="_blank" href="https://x.com/PierreVLeBrun/status/1890444367111831601">TSN's Pierre LeBrun</a> on Friday.</p><p>Daly said the league and the NHLPA agreed Harley can be with the squad in case <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/8539" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/8539">Cale Makar</a> is unable to play against the United States on Saturday night. Makar missed Friday's practice due to illness.</p><p>Canada head coach Jon Cooper is optimistic about Makar's availability.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>"Expect is a big word, but I'm confident," he said, according to <a target="_blank" href="https://x.com/reporterchris/status/1890450409849852153">TSN's Chris Johnston</a>. "I'm confident he'll be there."</p><p>It was <a target="_blank" href="https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6135565/2025/02/13/thomas-harley-4-nations-canada-injury-sub/">reported</a> Thursday that Harley was already on standby and was scheduled to travel to Boston on Friday in the wake of <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3232" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3232">Shea Theodore</a>'s tournament-ending injury.</p><p>Canada will play one more game in Montreal - Saturday's showdown against the U.S. - before heading to Boston for the rest of the tournament.</p><p>Theodore suffered an <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3216976" href="https://thescore.com/news/3216976">apparent wrist injury</a> in the second period of Canada's 4-3 overtime victory over Sweden on Wednesday and is considered week-to-week. </p><p>Philadelphia Flyers rearguard <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4175" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4175">Travis Sanheim</a> is set to enter the lineup in Theodore's absence, but Canada no longer has a spare blue-liner on its roster. Squads could only bring one extra player at each position, totaling 20 skaters and three goalies.</p><p>Initially, the 4 Nations teams could only add new players if there were fewer than 18 healthy skaters or two able netminders remaining on their rosters, but that rule has been adjusted in light of Canada's jam. </p><p>"We have told them they can identify and notify a player that he would be next up," Daly told The Athletic. "But they know they have to play with the six (defensemen) they have left until they drop below that.</p><p>"Can't add anyone to the team or have him participate in any team activities until that happens."</p><p>Harley has amassed nine goals and 29 points in 53 games so far this campaign while averaging 22:39 minutes of ice time per contest. He's also a team-leading plus-26, and he's been seeing 25 minutes per game since <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/6612" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/6612">Miro Heiskanen</a> was injured Jan. 28.</p><p>The 23-year-old helped Canada win silver at the 2021 World Junior Championship. </p>

TORONTO, ON - JANUARY 14: Dallas Stars Defenceman Thomas Harley (55) skates with the puck during the NHL regular season game between the Dallas Stars and the Toronto Maple Leafs on January 14, 2025, at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto, ON, Canada.

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<p>The Dallas Stars inked forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/5615" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/5615">Sam Steel</a> to a two-year contract extension with a $2.1-million average annual value, the club announced Friday.</p><p>Steel has a $1.2-million cap hit this season, per <a target="_blank" href="https://puckpedia.com/player/sam-steel">PuckPedia</a>.</p><p>The 27-year-old has four goals and 13 assists while averaging 14:45 of ice time over 54 games in 2024-25.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>He's in his second campaign and second one-year pact with the Stars, who re-signed him July 1.</p><p>Steel spent 2022-23 with the Minnesota Wild, setting career highs in goals (10), assists (18), and points. Before that, he played four seasons with the Anaheim Ducks, who drafted him 30th overall in 2016.</p>

OTTAWA, CANADA - JANUARY 12: Sam Steel #18 of the Dallas Stars skates against the Ottawa Senators at Canadian Tire Centre on January 12, 2025 in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.

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<p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/5586" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/5586">Auston Matthews</a> isn't surprised that he got a chilly reception from fans at the Bell Centre at the 4 Nations Face-Off on Wednesday night.</p><p>The Toronto Maple Leafs captain, who's also wearing the "C" for Team USA at the ongoing event, was vigorously booed by the Montreal faithful when he was introduced during the opening ceremony before Canada's win over Sweden.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/wwvSgO2wPhw?si=lpKkRzpRorCt1oM5" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></figure><p>Matthews shrugged it off when asked about it Thursday.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>"It's something you just embrace and have fun with," he said, according to <a target="_blank" href="https://x.com/markhmasters/status/1890115797290484048">TSN's Mark Masters</a>. "I mean, if you're getting booed you must be doing something right. ... I take it as a good thing or maybe as a sign of respect."</p><p>Matthews has 28 goals and 18 assists in 36 career regular-season games against the Canadiens. </p><p>The three-time "Rocket" Richard Trophy winner and 2022 MVP posted one tally and four helpers in seven contests versus the Habs during the 2021 playoff series in which Montreal prevailed.</p><p>The U.S. meets Finland at the 4 Nations Face-Off on Thursday night at 8 p.m. ET.</p><p> </p>

MONTREAL, QUEBEC - FEBRUARY 11: Auston Matthews #34 of Team United States looks on prior to a team photo during media day at the 2025 NHL 4 Nations Face-Off at Bell Centre on February 11, 2025 in Montreal, Quebec.

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Josh Gold-Smith

Senior News Editor

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