The Pittsburgh Penguins made significant roster moves by trading forward Michael Bunting to the Nashville Predators and defenseman Vincent Desharnais to the San Jose Sharks. In exchange for Bunting, who has a respectable 29 points this season, the Penguins acquired defenseman Luke Schenn and forward Tommy Novak. Bunting, currently recovering from appendectomy surgery, has shown promise but his recent injury raises questions about his future contributions.

Luke Schenn, a seasoned defenseman, adds depth to the Penguins' blueline, although his recent performances have not been particularly impactful. Novak's inclusion in the trade brings a younger perspective, and his scoring potential could provide needed support to the Penguins’ offense.

Desharnais' trade to the Sharks was more of a move to clear space, as he struggled to make a mark in Pittsburgh. Overall, these trades highlight the Penguins' strategy to retool their lineup with an eye towards maximizing their playoff chances while managing the salary cap effectively.

The Pittsburgh Penguins bolstered their roster ahead of the playoff push by acquiring veteran defenseman Luke Schenn and forward Tommy Novak from the Nashville Predators, sending left wing Michael Bunting and a future fourth-round draft pick in return. Schenn, 35, is expected to add depth on defense, although his offensive contribution has been minimal, with only one goal this season. His experience and reliability on the penalty kill will be essential as the Penguins navigate the stretch run.

In addition, the Penguins traded defenseman Vincent Desharnais to the San Jose Sharks for a fifth-round pick in 2028. This transaction highlights the Penguins' strategy of reinforcing their blue line while offloading players who may not fit into their long-term plans.

As the NHL trade deadline approaches, the Nashville Predators are receiving inquiries about Ryan O'Reilly, who has two years left on his contract at an average annual value of $4.5 million. Despite his lack of no-trade protection, the Predators are handling trade talks cautiously, indicating a preference for significant returns. O'Reilly's trade value remains high, and the franchise is open to offers but not actively shopping him.

Other potential trade candidates from the Predators include Luke Schenn, Michael McCarron, and Colton Sissons. Meanwhile, the Seattle Kraken are expected to be active sellers, with Brandon Tanev and Jamie Oleksiak among those likely to be moved. Tanev's interest has spiked among playoff contenders, and the Kraken may retain some salary to facilitate trades. The Vegas Golden Knights could pursue affordable depth options like Tanev or Ryan Donato.

In New York, the Rangers have been busy, trading key players and may now be looking to move Reilly Smith, who has recently been scratched for roster management. The Tampa Bay Lightning, known for deadline deals, might also be in the market for a depth forward to bolster their top six as they sit with over $6 million in projected cap space.

The Detroit Red Wings are facing a critical moment in their season, particularly regarding their center depth, as Andrew Copp's injury has left them in need of immediate reinforcement. With trade rumors swirling, the team must identify a suitable candidate to fill this gap while considering the long-term success of the franchise. One of the top trade targets is veteran Ryan O'Reilly of the Nashville Predators. O'Reilly, known for his versatility and experience, could serve as an ideal second-line center.

At 34 years old and under contract until 2026-27, O'Reilly is a seasoned player who can significantly impact the game. His stats this season show 16 goals and 23 assists in 58 games, alongside a 56.6% faceoff win rate, underscoring his reliability. He is capable of playing on the powerplay and penalty kill, making him a valuable asset for any contending team. While the Red Wings are still in a playoff hunt, acquiring O'Reilly would send a message about their intentions to compete now, despite mixed signals given his age.