In the run-up to the trade deadline, St. Louis Blues center Robert Thomas’ reported availability continues to make the headlines. The Central Division team is currently dead last in its division and second-to-last in the Western Conference and has let it be known that it’s ready to move on from some of its veterans, including their first-line center, Thomas.

According to multiple reports, the Montreal Canadiens are very interested in the pivot, and they have been for some time, as RG.org writer Marco D’Amico reports. The Habs brass contacted the Blues' front office but backed off due to the steep asking price. Last month, Nick Kypreos reported that Doug Armstrong and co. were after the equivalent of three first-round picks to let go of the pivot. Today, D’Amico reports that the ask would be equivalent to four first-round picks.

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Canadiens’ Goaltending Dilemma Still An Issue

On the latest episode of The Sick Podcast, Sportsnet’s Eric Engels says he believes a deal for Thomas would likely look like the one between the Vancouver Canucks and the Minnesota Wild for Quinn Hughes in which Vancouver received defenseman Zeev Buium (12th overall pick at the 2024 draft), center Marco Rossi (9th overall pick at the 2020 draft), winger Liam Ohgren (19th overall pick at the 2022 draft) and Minnesota’s first-round pick at the upcoming draft. In other words, four first-round pick players.

If that’s the asking price, the Canadiens could definitely meet it, as they have the assets, but D’Amico believes Armstrong would want highly touted prospect Michael Hage to be part of the deal, and the Habs are reluctant to part with the youngster. As you might recall, the Canadiens traded up with the Los Angeles Kings at the 2024 draft to select Hage with the 21st overall pick, as they were quite high on the player.

Since then, the youngster has put two solid seasons together in the NCAA, recording 34 points in 31 games in his rookie season with the University of Michigan, and he now has 45 points in 34 games in his sophomore season. Furthermore, at the latest World Junior Championship, he led the scoring race with 15 points in just seven games. Whether the Habs’ brass likes it or not, right now, Hage has the wow factor to make that deal happen.

Michael Hage with the shootout winner against Penn St.

He's so damn smooth pic.twitter.com/jjXgZWBQ9z

— Cam Robinson (@Hockey_Robinson) February 14, 2026

At the end of the day, Tomas is an established first-line center in the NHL, and those rarely become available. President of hockey operations Jeff Gorton and GM Hughes have said in the past that they would be willing to overpay for the right piece that would make the Canadiens a contender. While some will say it’s still too early for that and the Habs may be in a better place a year from now, the fact is that Thomas is available now. He’s 26 years old and fits in the Canadiens’ core age group; he’s signed for another four seasons at just $8,125,000 per year. He’s coming off two 80+-point seasons, and while he’s having a disappointing season, who isn’t in St-Louis?

The dilemma then becomes, will Hage be a better center than Thomas if and when he reaches the NHL? There’s no way to know that. Winning the scoring race at the WJC doesn’t guarantee offensive success in the NHL. Ryan Poehling was second in scoring in 2019 and won the tournament MVP, and he’s currently the Anaheim Ducks’ third-line centre. Then again, Poehling didn’t benefit from the development team the Canadiens currently have.

If the Canadiens decided that Thomas is too good an opportunity to pass on, it looks like they will have to let Hage reluctantly go on top of adding multiple other pieces that may leave their prospect cupboard a bit bare. Ivan Demidov, Juraj Slafkovsky, and Cole Caufield are probably untouchables. Still, the likes of Oliver Kapanen (even though he was a second-round pick), David Reinbacher, and Alexander Zharovsky, who was an early second-round pick but is certainly worth a first now, could also be in play. It would take some serious magic from Hughes to manage to land Thomas without sacrificing Hage.

---

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Darren Raddysh has come out of nowhere and put forth one of the best offensive seasons among all defensemen.

My Lightning vs. Wild predictions expect him to have another active performance against a Minnesota team that bleeds shots to his position.

Let’s dive deeper into my NHL picks for Tuesday, March 3.

Lightning vs Wild prediction

Lightning vs Wild best bet: Darren Raddysh Over 2.5 shots on goal (-125)

Darren Raddysh ranks third among defensemen in shot attempts and second in shots on target over the past 10 games. He cleared 2.5 SOG in nine of them, missing by one shot against the Panthers.

The volume should remain high against the Minnesota Wild. They rank dead-last in suppressing shots from defensemen and 30th defending Raddysh’s primary shooting zone over the last 10 games.

Raddysh has excelled in similar matchups with or without Victor Hedman in the lineup. He has registered 3+ shots in 10 of his last 12 games against Bottom-10 teams in shots allowed to blueliners.

Lightning vs Wild same-game parlay

Raddysh has hit the scoresheet in 16 of his last 20 games, piling up 27 total points. He has put forth more than twice as many multi-point efforts (nine) as zeros (four). He has also picked up a point in eight of the last 10 in which he’s generated 3+ shots.

Tampa Bay Lightning center Brayden Point has averaged 0.7 assists per game on a line with Jake Guentzel compared to 0.4 without. He has also assisted in four straight games with Guentzel riding shotgun, tallying five along the way.

Lightning vs Wild SGP

• Darren Raddysh Over 2.5 shots on goal
• Darren Raddysh Over 0.5 points
• Brayden Point Over 0.5 assists

Lightning vs Wild odds

• Moneyline: Tampa Bay -125 | Minnesota +105
• Puck line: Tampa Bay -1.5 (+190) | Minnesota +1.5 (-230)
• Over/Under: Over 6.5 (+110) | Under 6.5 (-130)

Lightning vs Wild trend

Darren Raddysh has gone Over 2.5 shots on goal in five consecutive road games. Find more NHL betting trends for Lightning vs. Wild.

How to watch Lightning vs Wild

Lightning vs Wild latest injuries

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Dougie Hamilton has been a one-man shooting gallery of late, clearing his 2.5 shot line in nine consecutive games.

My Panthers vs. Devils predictions expect the shots to continue flying against a Florida team he’s already gone Over twice against this season.

Let’s dive deeper into my NHL picks for Tuesday, March 3.

Panthers vs Devils prediction

Panthers vs Devils best bet: Dougie Hamilton Over 2.5 shots on goal (-140)

Dougie Hamiltonleads all NHL defensemen in both shots on goal (39) and shot attempts (79) over the last 10 games. He recorded at least three shots on target in nine of them.

While Luke Hughes returned to the New Jersey Devils lineup last time out, Hamilton still logged 21 minutes and maintained his role on the top power play.

That bodes well for his shot volume against the Florida Panthers. Hamilton has cleared 2.5 shots in 20 of the last 22 games when logging at least two minutes of power-play ice time, which is a common benchmark to clear skating on the top unit.

Panthers vs Devils same-game parlay

Arseny Gritsyuk is expected to skate on a line with Jack Hughes in tonight’s game. Gritsyuk hasn’t spent a ton of time on Jack’s wing, but his scoring chance rate with Hughes is higher than with any other player.

Gritsyuk is also playing on the top power play alongside Hughes and the team’s most dangerous weapons, making him a real threat to find the scoresheet.

Panthers vs Devils SGP

• Dougie Hamilton Over 2.5 shots on goal
• Arseny Gritsyuk Over 1.5 shots on goal
• Arseny Gritsyuk Over 0.5 points

Panthers vs Devils odds

• Moneyline: Panthers -110 | Devils -110
• Puck Line: Panthers +1.5 (-280) | Devils -1.5 (+225)
• Over/Under: Over 5.5 (-120) | Under 5.5 (+100)

Panthers vs Devils trend

Dougie Hamilton has generated 3+ shots in nine straight games against Florida. Find more NHL betting trends for Panthers vs. Devils.

How to watch Panthers vs Devils

Panthers vs Devils latest injuries

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The Los Angeles Kings have a lot to play for after recently firing their head coach, Jim Hiller, yesterday. Will this team turn it around? They have the easiest remaining schedule in the NHL, sitting last in remaining strength of schedule. 

Breaking News: Kings Fire Head Coach Jim HillerEarlier on March 1st, the Kings announced that they had fired head coach Jim Hiller.

With 60 games already in the books, the upcoming final weeks of the regular season pose a question: Can the Kings take advantage of their soft schedule? If they have a switch to flip, now is the best time to do it. 

The No. 3 seed in the Pacific Division is only five points ahead of the sixth seed, which is where Los Angeles sits right now, with a record of 24-22-14 and 62 points. Los Angeles' best option is to climb up to that fourth seed and overtake Edmonton and San Jose for the final playoff spot. 

With their recent skid coming out of the Olympic break, it's certain now that Los Angeles is far from having home-ice advantage in the first round, something they achieved last season. However, things can also go south despite having the easiest schedule remaining. Because following their brutal loss to the very shorthanded Vegas Golden Knights out of the Olympic Break and their blowout loss to the Edmonton Oilers 8-1, easy games don't seem to matter for the Kings. 

With little margin for error, the difference between a solid playoff standing position at that fourth spot and totally missing the postseason for the entire summer will be decided from every game here on out. 

But, if the Kings want the result to happen, they will need to do something that they’re not nearly consistent at doing this year - beat below .500 teams. Los Angeles is 11-9-3 against teams under .500 this season, one game below .500 against teams that they're supposed to defeat.  

Kings Strength of Schedule

Despite Los Angeles'  strength of schedule, the Kings will face some stiff competition on the way to having the easiest remaining schedule.  There are a handful of teams in the Western Conference who can spoil their hopes of qualifying for the playoffs. The Kraken, Mammoth, Oilers, and Nashville are all teams jockeying for playoff position. 

The two teams in that division sandwiching them, the third seed and fourth seed, Edmonton and Seattle, are the only tough tests they will face. Now, meanwhile, in the central division, they will play Utah and Nashville twice, two teams also fighting for a playoff spot. 

All five of those teams are bunched up in the Pacific and Central Divisions, so likely only two teams will get in, and four will remain out. The tiebreakers against Utah, Nashville, and Edmonton will play a critical role in deciding Los Angeles' fate. 

For example, despite still having one game remaining against Seattle, the Kings have already lost the season series to the Kraken, so their final meeting won't mean much. Controversially, thanks to their wins against the Oilers and the Mammoth earlier in the season, those two games against Utah, and one remaining game against Edmonton, will all be critical. 

The Oilers just blew out the Kings on Thursday, 8-1, to tie the season series 1-1. The final matchup will be on April 11 at home. Los Angeles beat Utah in their first matchup on Dec. 8, and will play them twice in a span of one week, beginning March 22 and March 28, with both matchups split between home and away. 

While the Kings lost to the Predators back on October 25th in a shootout, their next two meetings will be in a span of four days, on April 2 and April 6, both at Crypto.com Arena.  

It may sound like hyperbole, but this is why the Kings' entire season comes down to how they fare in those games against respected Western Conference teams. A proposition that feels ominous because on one hand, they have the easiest schedule remaining, but still struggle to beat below .500 teams and have those tough five Western Conference matchups that will most likely decide their outcome of reaching the playoffs.

But, despite their poor record, the Kings have shown the ability to beat contending teams in the league, including the Oilers, Vegas, and Dallas, but their inability to build on that success has been a problem. 

Regardless of the reality of their situation, the Kings are about to be presented with an opportunity to change their narrative and, in the process, restore their belief that they can actually make it to the postseason. 

While the Kings were never likely to make a deep run in the playoffs this year, if they got there, they could still give themselves the best odds by finding their groove right now. The very same teams they will have to leap in the standings are coming their way. 

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If the Winnipeg Jets have any hopes of finding their way into the playoffs, they’re going to have to make serious hay as they kick off an eight-game homestand against the Chicago Blackhawks.

My Blackhawks vs. Jets predictions and NHL picks have Winnipeg taking care of road-weary Chicago on Tuesday, March 3.

Blackhawks vs Jets prediction

Blackhawks vs Jets best bet: Jets moneyline (-155)

The Winnipeg Jets face the reeling Chicago Blackhawks, who are wrapping up a five-game road trip with just a single win to show for it.

Chicago has just two wins in its last 10, and despite beating Winnipeg 2-0 on Jan 19, the Jets have owned this head-to-head, taking eight of the last 10.

The Hawks are 26th in scoring on the road, setting Winnipeg up for a promising start to this homestand.

Blackhawks vs Jets same-game parlay

Kyle Connor is just outside the Top 10 in shots on goal and should be busy peppering the Chicago net. He’s put up at least four shots on goal in four of his last eight against the Hawks, missing the Over by a single shot on goal on two other occasions.

Connor Bedard has scored five goals in his last seven and has lit the lamp twice in his last three games against the Jets. Even in a losing effort, I like the budding superstar to find twine, as his 55 points are 10 clear of his closest teammate (Tyler Bertuzzi) despite playing 10 fewer games.

Blackhawks vs Jets SGP

• Jets moneyline
• Kyle Connor Over 3.5 shots on goal
• Connor Bedard anytime goal

Blackhawks vs Jets odds

• Moneyline: Blackhawks +135 | Jets -155
• Puck Line: Blackhawks +1.5 (-180) | Jets -1.5 (+155)
• Over/Under: Over 5.5 (-115 | Under 5.5 (-105)

Blackhawks vs Jets trend

The Blackhawks have only covered the Puck Line in 6 of their last 15 games (-9.35 Units / -38% ROI). Find more NHL betting trends for Blackhawks vs. Jets.

How to watch Blackhawks vs Jets

Blackhawks vs Jets latest injuries

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The Calgary Flames welcome the Dallas Stars to Scotiabank Saddledome this evening for a 9:00 p.m. ET puck drop. 

Matt Coronato has been getting pucks on net lately, and I’m targeting him to create chances in my Stars vs. Flames predictions. 

Read more in my NHL picks for Tuesday, March 3. 

Stars vs Flames prediction

Stars vs Flames best bet: Matt Coronato Over 2.5 shots on goal (+100)

Matt Coronato has been solid for the Calgary Flames this season, contributing 30 points overall. He’s averaging 2.53 shots on goal per game. 

The 23-year-old is making things happen in the offensive end right now, despite the lack of points. Coronato has cashed the Over in shots on net in four of his last five appearances. 

Coronato had four shots on target in a loss to the Ducks on Sunday. He also had another four shots on goal on Saturday against the Kings. Coronato is averaging 2.60 shots on goal per contest at home in 2025-26. 

Stars vs Flames same-game parlay

Nazem Kadri has hit the Over in shots on goal in three straight contests. During that span, he’s notched 17 shots on target, including seven on Sunday in Anaheim. 

Kadri is averaging 2.91 shots on goal this season. 

Kadri has three points across his previous five outings, and considering just how many opportunities he’s creating, there’s a good chance he either scores or tallies an assist tonight. 

He’s already registered two helpers in one game against the Dallas Stars this season. 

Stars vs Flames SGP

• Matt Coronato Over 2.5 shots on goal
• Nazem Kadri Over 2.5 shots on goal
• Nazem Kadri Over 0.5 points

Stars vs Flames odds

• Moneyline: Stars -137 | Flames +114
• Puck Line: Stars -1.5 | Flames +1.5
• Over/Under: Over 5.5 | Under 5.5

Stars vs Flames trend

The Flames have covered the puck line in 17 of their last 25 games at home (+12.60 Units / 30% ROI). Find more NHL betting trends for Stars vs. Flames.

How to watch Stars vs Flames

Stars vs Flames latest injuries

This article originally appeared on Covers.com, read the full article here and view our best betting sites or check out our top sportsbook promos.

The Florida Panthers are looking to pick up points as they try to make a late-season push toward a spot in the Stanley Cup Playoffs.

Time is running short for Florida, with only 22 games remaining in the regular season and an eight-point deficit to try and overcome.

The Cats have a great opportunity to quickly make up some ground in the coming days, but it won’t be easy as they’ll play three road games in the next four days, starting Tuesday in New Jersey.

Over the past month, the Devils have not had an easy stretch, winning just two of their past nine outings.

The Devils’ recent struggles have dropped them to next-to-last in the Eastern Conference, with 60 points through 60 games despite being a divisional playoff team last season.

Florida arrives in Newark coming off consecutive crushing defeats, one on home ice to the Buffalo Sabres in which a controversial goal was allowed and one on Long Island where the Panthers tied the game late only to give up a backbreaking goal in the final seconds.

One big positive for the Panthers was that they welcomed defenseman Dmitry Kulikov back into the lineup against the Islanders. Kulikov was hurt during the second game of the season and had been working his way back for several months.

Several other injured players, to include Tomas Nosek, Seth Jones and Jonah Gadjovich, are all on the road trip with the Panthers and could crack the lineup at any time.

Whether there is enough time for the Cats to make a final run at a playoff spot remains to be seen, but if they’re going to give it the old college try, they have to start making progress as soon as possible.

Here are the Panthers projected lines and pairings for Tuesday’s joust in New Jersey:

Carter Verhaeghe – Evan Rodrigues – Sam Reinhart

Mackie Samoskevich – Sam Bennett – Matthew Tkachuk

Eetu Luostarinen – Anton Lundell – Brad Marchand

A.J. Greer – Jesper Boqvist – Sandis Vilmanis

Gus Forsling – Aaron Ekblad

Niko Mikkola – Dmitry Kulikov

Donovan Sebrango – Jeff Petry

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Photo caption: Nov 20, 2025; Sunrise, Florida, USA; Florida Panthers defenseman Niko Mikkola (77) moves the puck behind the net of New Jersey Devils goaltender Jake Allen (34) during the second period at Amerant Bank Arena. (Sam Navarro-Imagn Images)

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We have 11 games on the NHL schedule this evening, and I’ve done my research to find the best NHL player props. I’ll include Martin Necas, Matt Boldy, and Matt Duchene. 

Read more in my NHL picks for Tuesday, March 3. 

Best NHL player prop bets today

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(not available in Ontario)

Our best NHL player props for Tuesday, March 3

Take a look at our best bets and expert analysis below.

Prop #1: Martin Necas Over 0.5 assists

-130 at BET99

Martin Necas has been a stud for the Colorado Avalanche this season. He’s supplied 45 assists, which ranks Top 15 in the league.

Necas has compiled five helpers across his last four games, cashing the Over in assists in all but one contest since the break. The 27-year-old had two helpers on Monday evening in a victory over the Kings. 

He has 20 assists in 28 road games, and the Avs visit the Ducks tonight. 

• Time: 10:00 p.m. ET
• Where to watch: ALT, Victory+

Prop #2: Matt Boldy anytime goal

+125 at BET99

Matt Boldy scored Team USA’s opening goal in the gold medal game against Canada, and that was only fitting considering the type of campaign he’s having. The Minnesota Wild star is sitting second in the NHL in goals with 35. 

The 24-year-old has found the back of the net in two of his last three appearances, and he’s already scored three goals since the Olympic break, building on his huge goal in the final. 

The Wild welcome the Lightning to town this evening, and Boldy has netted 15 goals in 30 home games. 

• Time: 9:30 p.m. ET
• Where to watch: TNT

Prop #3: Matt Duchene Over 0.5 assists

+135 at BET99

Matt Duchene hasn’t put up huge numbers this season, but in fairness, he’s only suited up 35 times.

Regardless, Duchene has 12 goals and 12 assists. He’s cashed the Over in helpers in four of his last five outings dating back to the start of February. 

The veteran had a goal and an assist in a huge win over the Canucks on Monday night. The Stars are in Calgary this evening to face the Flames. 

Last season, Duchene had three assists in three meetings with Calgary. 

• Time: 9:00 p.m. ET
• Where to watch: Victory+, SN1

These props are available now at BET99, one of our best betting sites.

This article originally appeared on Covers.com, read the full article here and view our best betting sites or check out our top sportsbook promos.

Since the Olympics ended, the Blackhawks are 1-2-0. A lot has been made of the Chicago Blackhawks' scoring depth during this stretch.

In the two losses, they scored a combined 3 goals, two of which came off the stick of Connor Bedard. In the one win, they scored four, and Bedard had none of them.

In all of the games, win or lose, the goaltending has been excellent. In the first game against the Nashville Predators, Spencer Knight allowed 3 goals on 25 shots.

Against Colorado on Saturday, he allowed 2 goals on 34 shots. One day later, Arvid Soderblom blanked the Utah Mammoth, the first shutout of his NHL career. In the victory, Soderblom made 22 saves. 

Nashville and Colorado each had an empty-net goal, which is obviously not placed on the goaltenders. Knight and Soderblom combined to allow just 5 goals on 81 shots.

That type of goaltending performance between two guys will cut it in the NHL. Lack of scoring is the reason the Blackhawks went 1-2-0 with this level of goalie play. 

Moving forward, the Blackhawks need this to continue from their goalies. That much pressure shouldn’t be put on them, but it’s the reality of the situation. This young team relies on the netminders more than a veteran team that is seasoned to winning. 

Spencer Knight, whom the Blackhawks acquired in the Seth Jones trade, has emerged as a number-one goalie in the NHL. He still has some things to improve in his game, but the tools are there for him to be a star. The team in front of him getting better certainly won’t hurt either. 

As for Soderblom, he has had an up-and-down season. The low points were not great, but there have been some really good outings as well, including his first career shutout over the weekend. For the rest of the year, you can expect him to play one of every three games or one half of any back-to-back situation. 

Drew Commesso is doing well in the AHL, but he is unlikely to carve out a role in the NHL full-time this season. He should be allowed to compete for Knight’s backup job next year.

They could also use him as trade bait at some point as well. Either way, the Blackhawks haven’t had super-elite goaltending all year, but it is far from the problem, especially when Knight is on top of his game. 

If this post-Olympic run continues, the Blackhawks will have a strong record-wise finish, which will spark expectations coming into next year. 

Visit The Hockey News Chicago Blackhawks team site to stay updated on the latest news, game-day coverage, player features, and more.

For action-packed issues, access to the entire magazine archive and a free issue, subscribe to The Hockey News at THN.com/free. Get the latest news and trending stories by subscribing to our newsletter here. And share your thoughts by commenting below the article on THN.com or creating your own post in our community forum.

The Columbus Blue Jackets are back at home to play the Nashville Predators tonight at 7 PM.   

Nashville Predators - 27-25-8 - 62 Points - 3-3-4 in the last 10 - Lost 1 - 5th in the Central.

Columbus Blue Jackets - 30-21-8 - 68 Points - 8-1-1 in the last 10 - Won 1 - 5th in the Metro.

Team Notes Per CBJ PR

• Columbus began its 12th back-to-back set of the season with a 5-4 OT win at the NY Rangers on Monday. The club is 15-5-3 (.717 pts. pct.) in back-to-backs this season.

• CBJ, who play four-straight at home, have recorded points in nine of 10 games played at Nationwide Arena in 2026 (7-1-2).

• Last night's contest at New York began a stretch of eight games in 13 days, including two back-to-back sets, through Mar. 14.

• Since Dec. 22, the Blue Jackets have gone 16-6-2 (34 pts, .708 points pct.) and rank fourth in the NHL in points percentage (.708) and penalty kill pct. (84.1), sixth in points (34), seventh in save percentage (.906) and goals-against/game (2.71) as well as 10th-T in goals for/game (3.46).

• The club has scored the opening goal in 13 of the past 15 games and has scored first 37 times in 2025-26 (25-7-5).

Player Notes Per CBJ PR

• Charlie Coyle posted two assists at New York and has tallied 5-10-15 and five multi-point efforts in the last nine games.

• Adam Fantilli, who registered 1-1-2 at the Rangers, has recorded goals in three consecutive games (3-2-5), points in four-straight (3-3-6), and has totaled 4-7-11 in the past nine contests.

• Kirill Marchenko notched his team-leading fourth multi-goal outing of the season with 2-1-3, including the OT winner, at the Rangers. He has collected points in six of his past seven contests since Jan. 24 (4-5-9).

• Mason Marchment scored his 10th goal as a Blue Jacket on Saturday vs. the Islanders and required the fewest games by any player to reach the mark with the franchise (10-6-16, 16 GP).

• Mathieu Olivier has totaled 5-2-7 in the last eight contests.

• Zach Werenski, who missed last night's game due to illness, set a franchise record for defensemen with points in nine- straight games (2-11-13). He also has points in 22 of his past 24 games played since Dec. 11 (11-24-35, 11 multi-point efforts).

Blue Jackets Stats

• Power Play - 20.1% - 16th in the NHL
• Penalty Kill - 77.6% - 22nd in the NHL
• Goals For - 184 - 17th in the NHL
• Goals Against - 188 - 22nd in the NHL 

Predators Stats

• Power Play - 22.6% - 10th in the NHL
• Penalty Kill - 80.0% - 13th in the NHL
• Goals For - 172 - 22nd in the NHL
• Goals Against - 207 - 30th in the NHL

Series History vs. ThePredators     

• Columbus is 32-58-1-13 all-time, and 23-21-0-6 at home vs. Nashville.
• CBJ have also won four of the last five games played at Nationwide Arena and picked up points in seven of the past nine at home since Jan. 10, 2019 (6-2-1).

• The home team in the series has won four consecutive meetings and gone 17-3-1 in the last 21 matchups since Apr. 7, 2018.

• Four of the past six meetings have been decided by a single goal.

• The winning team in the series has scored four goals or more in three of the last four meetings and eight of the previous 11 matchups (including SO goals).

• Columbus has killed off 21-of-24 Nashville power play attempts over the last seven contests (87.5 pct.) and gone 27-of-32 on the penalty kill in the last 10 matchups overall (84.4 pct.).

Who To Watch For ThePredators

• Steven Stamkos leads the Preds with 30 goals
• Ryan O'Reilly leads the team with 37 assists and 58 points.
• Juuse Saros is 21-18-6 with a SV% of .892.
• Back-up Justus Annunen is 6-7-2 with a SV% of .893. His last start was on February 26th.

CBJ Player Notes vs.Predators

• Jet Greaves is 0-2-0 with a GAA of 4.04 vs. the Predators.
• Boone Jenner has 14 points in 25 games.
• Mason Marchment has 12 points in 17 games against Nashville.

Injured Reserve

• Brendan Smith - Lower Body - Missed 21 Games IR - Out for the rest of the regular season.

***Zach Werenski missed the last game due to illness. 

TOTAL MAN GAMES LOST: 159

How to Watch & Listen: Tonight's game will be on FANDUEL SPORTS NETWORK. The radio broadcast will be on 97.1 The Fan, with Bob McElligott behind the mic doing the play-by-play.  

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ST. PAUL, Minn. — The NHL announced on Monday the three stars of the week. New York Islanders defenseman Matthew Schaefer, Pittsburgh Penguins goaltender Arturs Silovs and Minnesota Wild winger Matt Boldy have been named the NHL’s “Three Stars” presented by GEICO for the week ending March 1.

Boldy, 24, fresh off winning a gold medal with the United States at the Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026, led the NHL with three goals, four assists and seven points in three games for the Wild.

Boldy has points in nine consecutive games dating to Jan. 24 (8-10—18). He is second in the NHL with 35 goals and sits ninth with 69 points through 57 games this season (35-34—69).

Right before the Olympic break, Boldy was named the NHL's first star of the week when he had three goals and three assists in just two games.

For action-packed issues, access to the entire magazine archive and a free issue, subscribe to The Hockey News at THN.com/free. Get the latest news and trending stories by subscribing to our newsletter here. And share your thoughts by commenting below the article on THN.com.

Recent Wild Stories

'Nothing's Going To Ruin This': USA General Manager Bill Guerin Speaks On Olympic Celebration ControversyUSA Hockey GM Bill Guerin deflects criticism of Olympic celebration, prioritizing the gold medal victory over public opinion.

- Wild's Kirill Kaprizov Ties Marian Gaborik's All-Time Goals Record.

- 'I'm Usually Seeing Ghosts': Wild's Quinn Hughes Embraces Viral Stare Reputation.

- Wild Goalie Prospect Steals The Show In Slovakia's Upset Win In Olympic Opener.

- From The Crease: Gustavsson On The 'Swagger' Quinn Hughes Has Brought.

- 'We Want To Compete For The Stanley Cup': Why Bill Guerin Went All In.

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With the NHL fully back in action, the next milestone ahead of us is the NHL Trade Deadline, set for this Friday (March 6).

There have been several big names moved already, but there are still plenty of big fish available to land for Stanley Cup odds favorites — and I'll help you stay on top of everything you need for effective NHL Trade Deadline betting.

Read on for my 2026 NHL Trade Deadline tracker, with real-time trade analysis, a look at the top deadline targets remaining, and how NHL betting odds are affected by each deal. 

Trade deadline at a glance

Notable completed trades in 2026

*3rd-round pick becomes a 2nd-round pick if Kings win a playoff round.

Stanley Cup odds favorites

Latest 2026 NHL Trade Deadline tracker

Trade: acquire Connor Murphy from for a 2028 second-round pick and 50% salary retention 

The betting shift: The Edmonton Oilers' outright price moved from +1200 to +1100 following the trade, but their divisional outright stayed put at +700

Trade analysis: Everyone knew the Oilers needed goaltending, but bolstering the blue line at a reasonable cost with a right-shot, stay-at-home defenseman to pair with Darnell Nurse is a strong move. It addresses a key structural need and should pay dividends once they solidify the crease.

With one or two more additions, this roster is capable of getting back to the Finals. If Edmonton continues to improve, I’ll be looking to add more Connor McDavid MVP exposure and take a position on them to win the Pacific at +700.

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Top NHL Trade Deadline targets remaining + betting outlook

• Robert Thomas (STL): Young, legitimate top-two center signed long term with a no-trade clause. If moved, he would significantly impact line combinations and market prices.
  
  
• Vincent Trochek (NYR): Adds strong depth down the middle. Excellent in the faceoff circle and reliable on the penalty kill. Projects as a high-end No. 2 center who would improve both playoff outlook and outright odds.
  
  
• Nazem Kadri (CGY): If slotted as a No. 2 center, his impact would be similar to Trocheck’s. If acquired as a No. 3 center, that team is extremely well-positioned down the middle.
  
  
• Jordan Binnington (STL): A move to Montreal could shift numbers, but he doesn’t move the needle much for me. His club numbers this season have been underwhelming, and I wouldn’t price him purely off his Team Canada performance. That said, Montreal’s outright odds would shorten if he lands there.
  
  
• Steven Stamkos (NAS): Trending upward in 2026, but it’s hard to see him landing in a situation where he runs a PP1 unit for a true contender. Even if he goes to Detroit, I wouldn’t view their scoring group as strong enough to change their ceiling.

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Popular NHL futures markets

• Stanley Cup odds
• Rocket Richard odds
• Hart Trophy odds
• Calder Trophy odds
• Vezina Trophy odds

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How to bet the NHL Trade Deadline

• Fading the "New Arrival" Bump
  Don't be surprised if a brand-name player doesn't stuff the statsheet on his first day with a new club. There is an adjustment period, and waiting a couple of games might bring the best value before backing them.
  
  
• Player Prop Hunting
  Players moving to better teams might not have the same role they had previously. If a player goes from a top-line role and PP1 to line two and PP2, his prop projections should drop. Usage is everything.
  
  
• The "Addition by Subtraction" Angle
  Winning for bad teams is not rewarded at this time of the year. If a team is in the market to move a key player, beating the books to some point totals and/or other future markets can be profitable. Everyone wants to bet the Over on teams making additions, but don't forget about the subtractions.
  
  
• Open opportunities: There will always be more eyes (and bets) on the big-name player moving to another team in the prop market, but, like above, don't forget what the subtraction will do to the lesser team, which will likely have to fill key roles with new names. Find those names. 

This article originally appeared on Covers.com, read the full article here and view our best betting sites or check out our top sportsbook promos.

Adam Fantilli(16), Kirill Marchenko(21-PPG,22-GWG), Sean Monahan(11-SHG), and Mathieu Olivier(9) scored the goals for Columbus in a wild game at Madison Square Garden on Monday night. Elvis Merzlikins stopped 27 of 31 Rangers shots to help the Jackets pick up a much-needed two points. 

This could've been disaster!

First Period - SOG 10-4 Columbus - CBJ Goals Fantilli, Marchenko

Adam Fantilli got the party started at MSG when he tipped a puck by Igor Shesterkin to collect his 16th goal of the season. The goal came with 14:10 left in the first period. Kirill Marchenko sent a beautiful pass to Fantilli, who was in on Shesterkin's left and had no chance at saving it. 

Mo never misses in Manhattan 💥

CBJ x @FanaticsBookpic.twitter.com/OWcy7OyQTM

— Columbus Blue Jackets (@BlueJacketsNHL) March 3, 2026

The rest of the first period was fairly ho-hum with a lot of back and forth between the two teams. Each team had a few chances, but nothing significant. 

The Rangers were called for Unsportsmanlike conduct with 5:25 left in the first period. The power play represents their first power play since last Thursday against the Boston Bruins. For the last couple of days, Rick Bowness has mentioned to the media that he's shocked the Jackets haven't earned a power play.

Kirill Marchenko wasted no time putting the Jackets up 2-0 when he launched a rocket from Shesterkin's right side. The puck was tipped by a Ranger defenseman on its way in, but no one will argue about how they go in. 

The Jackets would take a two-goal lead into the first intermission. Kirill Marchenko mentioned how nice it was to actually have a power play. 

The Rangers were held without a shot for over 13 minutes of the first period. 

Second Period - SOG 11-9 Rangers - CBJ Goals Monahan, Olivier

Boone Jenner gave NYR a power play when he was called for tripping Matthew Robertson at 2:14 of the first. J.T. Miller scored a goal, but it was looked at for goalie interference. After a quick review, it was determined that there was goalie interference, and the goal would be disallowed.

Just seconds after the Ranger goal was called back, Sean Monahan would rip a shot through Shesterkin's five hole to push the score to 3-0 in favor of Columbus. It was the 4th shorthanded goal for Columbus this season.  

Mathieu Olivier ripped a one-time off the right post and passed Igor Shesterkin to make it 4-0 with 11:54 left in the second period.  At this point, the Blue Jackets are scoring at will and in all situations. 

The Rangers were pushing hard to this point, but just couldn't get anything by Elvis. 

Third Period - SOG 16-7 Rangers - No CBJ Goals

Vladislav Gavrikov scored just 30 seconds into the third period to spoil Elvis's shutout bid.  Gabe Perreault scored just 24 seconds later after Denton Mateychuk coughed up a puck in the defensive zone, giving Perreault a prime opportunity. 

The Blue Jackets, to this point in the third period, were under siege by New York. After the second NYR goal, Rick Bowness called his time out to settle everything down. You could see him telling his team to "calm down" and to "breathe." 

The next 8 minutes still made everyone watching nervous, but they withstood the Ranger onslaught and had their own chances on Shesterkin. 

Will Borgen scored on a delayed penalty to cut the lead to 4-3. They're absolutely falling apart at this point, and there's nothing the Jackets can really do about it, as the Rangers are pummeling them in possession and physically. 

Gabe Perreault scored his 2nd goal of the game at 15:14 of the third to complete the Blue Jackets' collapse. 

After being outshot 16-7 in the third period and outscored 4-0, the two teams would go into overtime. 

In overtime, Kirill Marchenko scored his second goal of the game to avoid a loss that would've been absolutely devastating to this team. A loss after leading 4-0 in the third period is unacceptable. 

Final Stats

Player Stats

• Adam Fantilli scored his 16th goal of the season. He now has 4 goals in 5 games at MSG.
• Kirill Marchenko scored his 21st and 22nd goals and picked up his 28th assist.
• Sean Monahan scored his 11th goal of the season while shorthanded.
• Mathieu Olivier scored his 9th goal.
• Denton Mateychuk recorded his 14th assist of the season.
• Ivan Provorov picked up his 15th assist.
• Charlie Coyle got his 29th and 30th assists.
• Damon Severson recorded his 18th and 19th assists.
• Isac Lundeström won 50% of his faceoffs.

Team Stats

• The Jackets went 1-for-1 on the power play.
• The Columbus PK stopped both of the Ranger man advantages.
• Columbus won 50% of the faceoffs - 33/66
• The Blue Jackets had 15 hits and 19 blocks.

Next Up For Columbus: The Blue Jackets are back at home on Tuesday to face the Nashville Predators. 

Stay updated with the most interesting Blue Jackets stories, analysis, breaking news, and more!

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Unless something drastic changes, it appears unlikely that Scott Laughton will be a Toronto Maple Leafs player once the NHL trade deadline comes to a close on Friday.

According to TSN's Chris Johnston on Monday morning, Laughton's days in Toronto could be numbered as the Maple Leafs fall further and further out of the playoff picture.

"It feels that way," Johnston said. "And look, I think some of this will depend on where the offers end up, but look at what Scott Laughton is. When he was traded, ironically, by the Philadelphia Flyers to Toronto, they kept half of his salary at that point in time.

"So the Leafs are in a situation now where they're able to retain further salary potential in a trade, and so you'd be getting a fourth line centerman — who could maybe play a little bit up the lineup, we haven't seen that a lot in Toronto — and at a bargain basement price.

"I think that's really important for teams ahead of this deadline."

Johnston did say, however, that Laughton, a pending unrestricted free agent like Bobby McMann, could still re-sign with Toronto if both sides can come to a resolution.

"At this point, it does seem as though his desires, in terms of the next contract, exceed what Toronto's willing to pay," Johnston continued. "But we're still in that point where one phone call, one conversation, one change of stance can change the direction of things."

The Maple Leafs acquired Laughton from the Flyers at last season's trade deadline in exchange for Nikita Grebenkin and a conditional 2027 first-round pick. Since joining his hometown team, the 31-year-old has scored 10 goals and 16 points in 63 games.

Report: Maple Leafs Have Kicked Tires On Blues' Robert Thomas Ahead Of NHL Trade DeadlineThomas primarily centers St. Louis' top line and has tallied 35 points in 43 games this season.

One year later, he finds himself in the same predicament.

"It's hard. We have a veteran team, though. I think you show up to work every day and you put your best foot forward," said Laughton about the trade deadline, before Toronto's game against the Flyers.

"We're all still here, right? It's not up to us. It's out of our control. Everyone's in their own situation, has to deal with their own things. But you have to come on the ice and be a unit together.

"It's hard sometimes, but at the end of the day, you're in the NHL and one of the best franchises. It's a very humbling opportunity to play here and it's a special place."

Who's Most Likely To Be Traded Away From Maple Leafs At 2026 NHL Trade Deadline?While McMann and Laughton are at the top of the list, there still seems to be the possibility that both get re-signed.

Laughton is one of several Maple Leafs in trade rumors. Other players include McMann as well as defenseman Oliver Ekman-Larsson, who, on Monday, also expressed his desire to remain in Toronto.

The Oakville, Ontario-born forward centered the Maple Leafs' fourth line on Monday night, with Easton Cowan and Steven Lorentz on his wings. He had two shots and registered 11:51 of ice time in the shootout loss.

Laughton's current cap hit is $1.5 million, and that can be lowered further if the Maple Leafs retain salary in a trade.

"I've loved it here and I've loved my time (as a Maple Leaf). That's all I really can control," Laughton said. "I don't get into conversations too much. I'm a Leaf and that's where I want to be. We'll see where it goes."

If the Philadelphia Flyers were hoping to come away from Friday's NHL trade deadline with a haul, the latest Edmonton Oilers trade poured some cold water on that.

On Monday, the Oilers swung an important trade for their Stanley Cup contention hopes, sending a 2028 second-round pick to the Chicago Blackhawks in exchange for defenseman Connor Murphy at 50% salary retention.

Murphy, 32, has one year remaining on his contract at a $4.4 million cap hit, so he's a pure rental for the Oilers for the cost of just $2.2 million after Chicago's retention.

For the Flyers, that doesn't bode well for Rasmus Ristolainen's trade value coming into Friday.

Ristolainen, 31, has two years remaining, including this one, on his contract at a $5.5 million cap hit, so his extra year of term won't offer contending teams the flexibility they might need, like Edmonton did.

Flyers Big Defenseman Linked To CanadiensThe Canadiens are one of the teams reportedly interested in Flyers defenseman Rasmus Ristolainen.

And, while both Murphy and Ristolainen are 6-foot-4 right-handers, Murphy has not suffered a season-ending injury two years in a row.

Despite not having those question marks, carrying a cheaper salary, and coming with no strings attached, Murphy's value was still just a second-round pick two drafts away.

It's been long said that the Flyers desire a first-round pick or player/prospect equivalent in exchange for their defenseman, but the current market now indicates this won't be the case.

And, it was only last week that Brett Kulak fetched Sam Girard and a second-round pick.

Flyers Flip Recent Trade Acquisition for New ForwardAhead of Friday's March 6 NHL trade deadline, the <a href="https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/philadelphia-flyers">Philadelphia Flyers</a> have officially made their first move.

Based on Edmonton's trade for Murphy, Colorado sending Girard to Pittsburgh for Kulak was more or less a throw-in to make the deal work.

The Flyers, winners of three straight at the time of this writing, may just opt to keep Ristolainen if this is the market for him and re-assess once again in the offseason, much to the chagrin of fans eagerly awaiting a true rebuild.

Aside from Owen Tippett, who has historically generated a good amount of trade buzz himself, the Flyers don't have much to sell ahead of the trade deadline this year.

Christian Dvorak was tied down and rewarded with a five-year contract, and depth forwards like Nick Deslauriers, Garnet Hathaway, and Carl Grundstrom more than likely won't be worth the squeeze for contenders.

That could leave the Flyers in a bind over the course of the next three days.