The NHL trade deadline is approaching, marking the end of the season for many players as they face potential waiver placements. The Pittsburgh Penguins have opted not to make any waiver claims, but did place several players on waivers, including Matt Nieto, who is now with the AHL's Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins.

Former Penguins player Jesse Puljujarvi has found a new home with the Florida Panthers after being placed on waivers earlier. He recently signed a two-way deal and is currently on loan to the Charlotte Checkers, where he has tallied three assists in seven games. Additionally, Ryan Reaves of the Toronto Maple Leafs is now available after being placed on waivers, having contributed two assists and 35 penalty minutes this season.

The Boston Bruins and Brad Marchand are engaged in ongoing discussions regarding a potential contract extension, with a trade still on the table, but teams are reportedly being told 'no' for now. Chris Johnston commented that Marchand is likely to be moved to a Western Conference team, although no confirmation exists as of yet. Meanwhile, the New York Islanders have received substantial offers for Brock Nelson, including a first-round pick, while contemplating contract offers for him and Kyle Palmieri. Additionally, Ryan Reaves has been placed on waivers by the Toronto Maple Leafs to create cap space ahead of the trade deadline.

The Toronto Maple Leafs have made a significant roster move by placing veteran right winger Ryan Reaves on waivers, creating cap space for potential trades. Reaves' underwhelming performance, with only two assists in 35 games this season, led to his status as a healthy scratch. This decision reflects the team's foresight in signing him to a three-year deal at 37 years of age, an investment that was always seen as a gamble. The Leafs seem to be preparing for more impactful acquisitions, and this move mirrors their past with enforcer Kyle Clifford, who similarly found himself buried in the AHL after limited contributions.

Reaves, known more for his fighting ability than his scoring, has not adapted well to the modern NHL's pace and skill demands. The likelihood of his contract being offloaded to the AHL signifies a strategic pivot for the Leafs, as they continue to refine their roster for a playoff push. The landscape for traditional enforcers is shrinking, making Reaves' waiver placement a telling sign of the evolving game.

Several significant moves have taken place in the NHL as teams prepare for the upcoming trade deadline. The Nashville Predators have made headlines by claiming two players off waivers: left winger Jakub Vrana from the Washington Capitals and defenseman Jordan Oesterle from the Boston Bruins. Meanwhile, the Detroit Red Wings have placed Christian Fischer on waivers, only to see him claimed by the Columbus Blue Jackets. Fischer has struggled this season but adds depth to the Blue Jackets' roster.

Among the new players on waivers, veteran enforcer Ryan Reaves of the Toronto Maple Leafs stands out, having averaged limited ice time but still possessing notable penalty minutes. The trade deadline is a critical period for teams to assess their rosters and make necessary adjustments, and with new names entering the waivers, there's potential for further shake-ups.