The Carolina Hurricanes are proactively exploring trade scenarios for Mikko Rantanen as the NHL trade deadline approaches. With Rantanen unlikely to sign an extension before the deadline, the Hurricanes have intensified discussions with his agent and other teams. They are weighing options for both rental and extended trades, considering the potential salary retention to facilitate a deal. Teams like the Toronto Maple Leafs, Dallas Stars, and Los Angeles Kings have expressed interest, though the Hurricanes may opt to keep Rantanen for a playoff push if offers don’t meet their expectations.

Meanwhile, the New Jersey Devils face significant injury setbacks with Jack Hughes out for the season and Dougie Hamilton sidelined for weeks. Despite this, GM Tom Fitzgerald is expected to remain active in the market, potentially inquiring about Rantanen. The ongoing developments with Rantanen are pivotal not only for the Hurricanes' future but could also reshape the playoff landscape if he moves to a contender.

The New Jersey Devils' coach Sheldon Keefe has been fined $25,000 for his unsportsmanlike conduct towards officials during a game against the Vegas Golden Knights. This incident followed the injury of star center Jack Hughes, who was taken off the ice after a collision that left him visibly in pain. Keefe expressed his frustration over the lack of a penalty call during Hughes' injury incident, which he described as more serious than a previous interference penalty called against his team.

Since that game, there has been no injury update provided by the Devils on Hughes, who leads the team in scoring. Additionally, the Devils have faced other injury challenges with key players, including Dougie Hamilton, who was injured in a recent match against the Dallas Stars, and they've just reinstated goaltender Jacob Markstrom after a prolonged absence due to injury.

Sheldon Keefe, head coach of the New Jersey Devils, received a hefty $25,000 fine from the NHL for unprofessional conduct towards officials that led to his ejection during a game against the Vegas Golden Knights. This incident occurred after star center Jack Hughes sustained a significant injury, which Keefe felt should have drawn a penalty from the referees. Keefe expressed his frustration, particularly regarding Hughes' injury, as he is the team's leading scorer this season.

The Devils have not provided an update on Hughes' condition, which remains a concern for the team as they navigate the season. Additionally, defenseman Dougie Hamilton suffered an injury in a recent game against Dallas, and starting goaltender Jacob Markstrom is only just returning from an extended absence. These injuries put further pressure on the Devils as they strive for playoff contention.

The Philadelphia Flyers secured a 4-2 victory over the New Jersey Devils, building a three-goal lead with goals from Bobby Brink, Joel Farabee, and Garnet Hathaway. Scott Laughton contributed with a goal and an assist, helping the Flyers break a two-game losing streak and achieve their fourth consecutive home win. Travis Konecny and Rasmus Ristolainen each added two assists, while Samuel Ersson made 31 saves in goal. The Devils managed to score twice but were unable to equalize, with Dougie Hamilton and Timo Meier finding the net. An empty-net goal from Laughton sealed the win for the Flyers.

Brink opened the scoring with a power-play goal late in the first period, quickly followed by Farabee's goal just 28 seconds later. Hathaway's goal extended the lead to three in the second period before Hamilton and Meier scored for New Jersey, who were missing captain Nico Hischier due to injury. The teams will face off again in New Jersey on Wednesday night.

Dawson Mercer scored two goals during a dominant second period for the New Jersey Devils, leading them to a 5-1 victory over the Boston Bruins. Nico Hischier contributed with a goal and two assists, while Dougie Hamilton and Stefan Noesen added goals for New Jersey. Timo Meier also made his mark with two assists, helping the Devils end a four-game losing streak. Bruins’ Morgan Geekie scored their lone goal, while Jeremy Swayman faced 25 shots before being substituted. In another matchup, Adam Fantilli scored a hat trick for the Columbus Blue Jackets in a 5-1 win against the Toronto Maple Leafs.