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 Pittsburgh Penguins are reportedly open to trading Erik Karlsson, indicating it might happen sooner rather than later, although likely during the offseason. While Karlsson has showcased skill, his inconsistency raises questions about his fit within the team. His hefty $10 million cap hit and no-movement clause complicate matters, especially with the Penguins facing defensive issues. General Manager Kyle Dubas is seeking to refresh the team while contending alongside Sidney Crosby. Observers suggest trading Karlsson may be easier as the cap space improves in the offseason.

Other trade discussions highlight various NHL teams, notably the Winnipeg Jets, who are exploring options for depth forwards and mobile defenders, though the center market is not deep this season. The New Jersey Devils are expected to be active in acquiring a center before the trade deadline, while the Vancouver Canucks are looking to extend Brock Boeser amidst scoring challenges.

Erik Karlsson's recent performances with Team Sweden have raised his trade value, but a disconnect with the Pittsburgh Penguins hints at his potential departure. The Penguins are in a rebuilding phase, and Karlsson, owed $10 million over the next two seasons, might not fit into their plans. General Manager Kyle Dubas is open to trades as the Penguins are unlikely to make the playoffs. Meanwhile, the Edmonton Oilers are also at a crossroads, needing to address their goaltending situation. Stuart Skinner's inconsistent play has led to talks of acquiring a more reliable goalie, with names like John Gibson and Karel Vejmelka emerging as options. However, acquiring a quality goaltender will require careful financial planning, particularly with the Oilers' aspirations for a Stanley Cup run.

The Pittsburgh Penguins turned a potential disaster into a thrilling 5-4 overtime victory against the Philadelphia Flyers on Thursday, showcasing resilience after falling behind 3-0. The pivotal moment came when head coach Mike Sullivan pulled goaltender Alex Nedeljkovic for rookie Joel Blomqvist after the second Flyers goal. Nedeljkovic's emotional reaction, slamming his stick and expressing frustration, seemed to ignite his teammates. Shortly after, Philip Tomasino scored, followed by Erik Karlsson, bringing the Penguins within striking distance.

Even after falling 4-2, the Penguins rallied in the third period. Evgeni Malkin, who scored twice, assisted on the game-winning goal in overtime, wrapping up the night with four points. Karlsson also stood out, contributing significantly to the offense. The win was crucial, not just for points but to restore confidence following a series of poor performances. The Flyers' rookie Matvei Michkov continued to shine, leading the league in rookie scoring.