The Vancouver Canucks are at a critical juncture with pending unrestricted free agent Brock Boeser. Despite ongoing discussions, they remain far from reaching an agreement on a contract extension, with Boeser reportedly preferring a seven- or eight-year deal rather than the Canucks' five-year offer. The trade market for Boeser appears limited; playoff teams interested in him are often strapped by salary cap constraints and hesitant to part with a first-round pick.

As the deadline approaches, pressure mounts for the Canucks to either sign, trade, or retain Boeser. His commitment to stay in Vancouver is clear, yet the lack of progress over the past eight months raises concerns. There’s little guarantee the team will make the playoffs, which complicates their decision-making on whether to risk losing a valuable player like Boeser for nothing if they fail to secure a contract before the UFA period.

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.

The Vancouver Canucks are securing their playoff hopes with timely goals from unexpected players, edging the Anaheim Ducks 3-2. Teddy Blueger ended a lengthy goal drought with a shot from the faceoff circle, while Carson Soucy added a crucial second goal, both underscoring the significance of depth scoring. Coach Rick Tocchet emphasized the necessity for contributions from all players, particularly as the team's leading scorers struggle. This win comes after a rough stretch, reinforcing the importance of collective scoring efforts as they navigate the final weeks of the season.

The Vancouver Canucks are on the hunt for a playoff spot, and they displayed their determination with a hard-fought 3-2 victory over the Anaheim Ducks. Teddy Blueger, breaking a long scoring drought, and Carson Soucy provided crucial depth goals, showcasing the importance of contributions beyond the team's star players.

Blueger’s goal marked his first since December, while Soucy netted his second in 31 games, proving that depth scoring is vital for the Canucks. Coach Rick Tocchet emphasized the need for multiple players to contribute offensively, especially as the season approaches its climax. With star players like Elias Pettersson and Brock Boeser struggling recently, the emergence of role players like Blueger and Soucy could be pivotal for the Canucks' playoff aspirations.