The Montreal Canadiens are strategically considering a 'hockey trade' to align with their long-term goals, with GM Kent Hughes indicating that Joel Armia and David Savard are not untouchable unless the right offer arises. Meanwhile, the Toronto Maple Leafs continue their pursuit of a center, highlighting interest in Brayden Schenn of the St. Louis Blues, with options such as Brock Nelson and Scott Laughton also on the table. The Leafs are contemplating trading young prospects including Easton Cowan, Fraser Minten, and Ben Danford for Schenn, but it remains uncertain if this would meet the Blues' expectations.

In the West, the Vancouver Canucks are weighing their options as potential buyers and sellers at the deadline, particularly regarding Brock Boeser, who is attracting market interest. The Canucks aim to assess their strategy with several players, including Mikko Rantanen and Rickard Rakell, while focusing on the long-term potential rather than immediate gains.

The NHL schedule features five games today, headlined by two prime-time matchups: the Washington Capitals facing off against the New York Rangers at 7:30 p.m. ET, followed by the Toronto Maple Leafs and Vegas Golden Knights at 10 p.m. ET. The Maple Leafs, coming off a heartbreaking shootout loss to the San Jose Sharks, will seek redemption against the Golden Knights, who recently secured a win against the New Jersey Devils. The Ducks also look to keep their momentum against the Canucks, capitalizing on recent form. The St. Louis Blues aim to rebound against the Los Angeles Kings, who are struggling offensively.

Brayden Schenn's potential trade from the St. Louis Blues to the Toronto Maple Leafs is heating up as the trade deadline approaches. Leafs GM Brad Treliving acknowledges that while the Leafs have assets to make a deal, they haven't yet formulated a compelling offer. Schenn, the Blues captain, would be a valuable addition for the Leafs, though his hefty $6.5 million cap hit complicates matters for a team already lacking cap space.

The Blues are reportedly asking for a steep price, including three top prospects and a first-round pick, which the Leafs are hesitant to meet. Treliving hinted at the need for a targeted approach, emphasizing that not all improvements must come from blockbuster trades. With other Atlantic Division rivals bolstering their rosters, the urgency to act increases, although the Leafs might consider alternative targets if Schenn's price remains too high.

The St. Louis Blues are in trade talks regarding their captain, Brayden Schenn, with the Toronto Maple Leafs as the trade deadline approaches. Schenn is seen as a potential fit for Toronto, but the Leafs’ limited cap space complicates any deal. GM Brad Treliving indicated that while the Leafs have the pieces to make a trade, no package has been finalized. Schenn, who has a $6.5 million cap hit for three more seasons, is a declining asset, making St. Louis’ high asking price difficult for Toronto.

Treliving has suggested that any improvement might be incremental rather than a blockbuster move, leaving fans curious about the Leafs' plans. As the deadline nears, Schenn's future remains uncertain, especially with other teams in the Atlantic Division bolstering their rosters. The Blues, aiming for a playoff push, are reluctant to lower their asking price, leading to a situation where both parties are searching for a middle ground.

The Toronto Maple Leafs are in pursuit of a centerman, but a trade for Brayden Schenn from the St. Louis Blues appears unlikely as the Blues remain competitive in the playoff race. Despite the Leafs' willingness to offer above market value, a deal hinges on the Blues receiving an impressive package. Alternatives like Scott Laughton of the Philadelphia Flyers could be viable options, especially with Brock Nelson from the New York Islanders unlikely to be extended.

Meanwhile, the Minnesota Wild's salary cap situation complicates any potential trades as they navigate injuries and the return of Kirill Kaprizov. General manager Bill Guerin has stated that the Wild lack flexibility, which might limit their chances to make impactful trades. They acquired Gustav Nyquist but will need to balance their roster financially to make any further moves, considering players like Marcus Johansson and Ryan Hartman have trade clauses that may restrict their movements.