The Boston Bruins find themselves on the cusp of playoff contention, sitting just a point outside a playoff spot, but their inconsistent performance raises questions about whether they will become sellers as the trade deadline approaches. Reports suggest that players like Brad Marchand, Trent Frederic, and Justin Brazeau may attract interest from contenders due to their contract status and potential upside.

General manager Don Sweeney's strategy seems to involve a cautious approach, assessing their position and the competition before making any decisions. With Frederic and Brazeau generating significant interest, the team will observe their playoff prospects closely before determining if they will part ways with key assets. Marchand’s situation is especially complex, as he is seen as a cornerstone of the franchise, and any trade involving him would necessitate an extraordinary offer.

Samuel Ersson, goaltender for the Philadelphia Flyers, is stepping in for Jacob Markstrom on Team Sweden for the upcoming 4 Nations tournament, following Markstrom's placement on injured reserve due to an MCL sprain. Markstrom, who suffered the injury from a collision with Boston's Justin Brazeau, is expected to recover in 4-6 weeks. Ersson, 25, has been in excellent form, recording an 8-2 win-loss record with a .930 save percentage over his last 10 games.

Ersson is not the only concern for Sweden's roster, as fellow goaltender Linus Ullmark's availability is uncertain due to a back injury. The 4 Nations tournament, featuring Canada, the USA, Sweden, and Finland, is scheduled for February 12-20.

New Jersey Devils goaltender Jacob Markstrom is sidelined for 4-6 weeks due to a sprained MCL sustained during a game against the Boston Bruins. Markstrom's injury occurred when Bruins forward Justin Brazeau collided with him, and as a result, he will miss the games leading up to the Four Nations break.

In 36 appearances this season, Markstrom has recorded a 21-9-5 record with a solid 2.20 goals-against average and a .912 save percentage. His absence puts his participation in the upcoming Four Nations Face-Off in jeopardy, where he was slated to represent Sweden.

Jake Allen is expected to step up as the primary goalie during Markstrom's recovery, having previously started 14 games this season. Isaac Poulter has been recalled from the AHL to provide additional support, as he has yet to make his NHL debut.

New Jersey Devils' goaltender Jacob Markstrom is set to miss 4-6 weeks due to a sprained MCL sustained during a recent game against the Boston Bruins. This injury occurred when Boston forward Justin Brazeau collided with him in the second period of the Devils' convincing 5-1 victory. Markstrom's absence comes at a crucial time as the Devils prepare for the Four Nations Face-Off tournament, where he was slated to represent Sweden.

The Devils confirmed that Markstrom will miss all games leading up to the Four Nations break and will undergo a rehabilitation program managed by the team’s athletic care staff. Currently, Markstrom holds a record of 21 wins, 9 losses, and 5 overtime losses, with an impressive goals-against average of 2.20 and a save percentage of .912 over 36 games this season.

With Markstrom sidelined, Jake Allen is expected to step up as the primary goaltender for the Devils. Allen has started 14 games but has only seen action in two games since January 1. The team has also recalled Isaac Poulter from the AHL's Utica Comets to provide additional depth in goal. The Devils look to maintain their competitive edge in the Metropolitan Division, particularly as they face the Montreal Canadiens in their next match.

Jacob Markstrom is set to miss 4-6 weeks due to a sprained MCL sustained during a collision with Justin Brazeau of the Boston Bruins. During the second period of a recent game, Markstrom fell and required assistance to leave the ice but was reported to be in good spirits afterward. This injury is particularly concerning as it will exclude him from the Devils' upcoming games and potentially affect his participation in the 4 Nations Face-Off tournament, where he was named among Sweden's roster of goalies.

In Markstrom's absence, Jake Allen has stepped up, successfully blocking all 16 shots he faced in the game against the Bruins and expected to be the primary goaltender when the Devils face the Montreal Canadiens next. The team has also brought in Isaac Poulter from the AHL to provide additional support in goal. The Devils, currently performing well with Markstrom's impressive season stats, will need to adapt quickly to maintain their momentum without him.