The NHL trade deadline approaches, and various defensemen are emerging as likely trade candidates. Among them, David Savard of the Montreal Canadiens stands out as a right-shot D-man set to become a UFA. His reasonable $3.5 million salary may attract contending teams looking for depth. Luke Schenn of the Nashville Predators brings physicality to the table, making him a viable option for teams in need of grit on the blue line. Rasmus Ristolainen from the Philadelphia Flyers, while an injury risk, could be a valuable asset due to his size and skill.

Brian Dumoulin of the Anaheim Ducks could serve as a cost-effective rental, while Connor Murphy of the Chicago Blackhawks might attract attention due to his potential for a fresh start. Carson Soucy of the Vancouver Canucks is becoming an unwanted player following a roster change, making him a low-cost option for teams. Younger players like Mario Ferraro from the San Jose Sharks or Bowen Byram of the Buffalo Sabres could command a higher price but represent long-term investments.

The Dallas Stars have made some strategic moves leading up to the March 7 trade deadline, acquiring Mikael Granlund and Cody Ceci from the San Jose Sharks. However, with limited assets to offer, further trades may be challenging. General Manager Jim Nill, recognized for his expertise, is eyeing potential additions to bolster the blue line, particularly given the uncertainty surrounding Miro Heiskanen and Tyler Seguin's health. Key targets include Brian Dumoulin for defensive depth, Seth Jones for a top-four defenseman, and Brock Nelson as a forward option despite recently bolstered forward ranks.

On the potential blockbuster front, Mikko Rantanen could change teams again, making him an enticing option for a playoff push. The Dallas Stars are well-positioned in the market but must consider asset management as they pursue their Stanley Cup aspirations. Rasmus Ristolainen and David Savard also appear as rental options to enhance the roster.

Lukas Dostal delivered a stellar performance with 43 saves, leading the Anaheim Ducks to a 2-1 shootout victory over the Los Angeles Kings. Trevor Zegras and Leo Carlsson netted goals in the shootout, marking the Ducks' sixth win in seven games. Brian Dumoulin, who scored his first goal of the season, opened the scoring early in the third period. The Kings managed to tie it up with Adrian Kempe's goal late in the game, but fell short as David Rittich faced 24 shots in his first back-to-back starts.

This matchup saw minimal action in the first two periods, with Dumoulin finally breaking the deadlock as he scored after 54 games. The game, known as the Freeway Faceoff, was marked by defensive struggles, particularly for the Kings, who had previously scored 14 goals in their last three games. The Ducks head into the international break with a surge of momentum.

The Montreal Canadiens are weighing the future of Jake Evans, a defensive center whose offensive zone deployment is notably limited. With an offensive zone percentage of just 28.6%, significantly below his career average of 37.3%, questions arise about his potential effectiveness if given more opportunities to score. Currently, Evans has accumulated 23 points in 40 games, highlighting a notable scoring streak with 10 goals, although his shooting percentage sits at a remarkable 28.6% with less than one shot per game.

Despite his contributions, there are persistent trade rumors surrounding Evans, reflecting his recognized value in the league. Meanwhile, the Anaheim Ducks are likely to make moves, particularly with defenseman Brian Dumoulin, who they may look to trade following his acquisition from Seattle. Dumoulin's moderate cap hit and versatility on defense make him an attractive option for teams seeking depth as the playoff push intensifies.

The Winnipeg Jets are actively seeking to enhance their defensive lineup ahead of the NHL trade deadline, with a focus on acquiring experienced defensemen. The team is rumored to have interest in several players, including Ryan Lindgren of the New York Rangers and Rasmus Ristolainen of the Philadelphia Flyers. This comes as the Jets aim to bolster their roster, known for having a strong defensive core but looking for veterans who can contribute in high-pressure playoff situations.

Lindgren, a 26-year-old defenseman, is on an expiring contract and will enter unrestricted free agency at season's end, making him a significant target for teams looking to improve their defense. Ristolainen, meanwhile, is 30 and has a more physical playstyle, but the Flyers are hesitant to trade him given his multi-year contract. The Jets' pursuit could intensify as the trade deadline draws nearer, potentially leading to a bidding war for these players.