Oliver Ekman-Larsson's journey from drafted captain of the Arizona Coyotes to his current position with the Toronto Maple Leafs illustrates a significant trend in NHL contracts—trade protection clauses. Initially signed with an eight-year deal in 2018, Ekman-Larsson faced trade rumors by 2020, leading to his eventual move to the Vancouver Canucks. Now, with a four-year contract with the Leafs, he is part of a growing group of NHL players who possess some form of trade protection, which has surged by 480% since the 2013-14 season.

Trade clauses have evolved, offering players varying degrees of control over their destinies. While a full no-trade clause prevents any trades without the player’s consent, a modified approach allows players to specify teams they can be traded to or from. The growing trend of these clauses indicates a shift in player negotiations, where agents are increasingly advocating for more security for their clients. As the March trade deadline approaches, the analysis of trade protections will be critical for both players and teams navigating the complex landscape of NHL contracts.

In a dominant performance, Sergei Bobrovsky secured his 47th career shutout, stopping 23 shots as the Florida Panthers defeated the Calgary Flames 3-0. The victory marked Florida's eighth win in their last ten games, showcasing their strong form as they prepare for a critical matchup against Tampa Bay. Goals from Jonah Gadjovich and Evan Rodrigues in the second period, along with a late insurance goal by Mackie Samoskevich, ensured the Panthers' success. Despite a valiant effort from Calgary's Dan Vladar, who made 39 saves, the Flames struggled offensively, facing back-to-back shutouts for the first time since November 2019.

Florida played without Matthew Tkachuk, still recovering from an injury, yet they found a way to rally as a team. The Panthers are notably finding scoring from a variety of players, with their first 11 goals post-4 Nations break coming from different contributors. A poignant moment from the game included a warm welcome for Ryan Lomberg, a former Panther, who received an ovation during a video tribute.

Andrei Vasilevskiy delivered a stellar performance with 27 saves, securing his fourth shutout of the season and 38th of his career, leading the Tampa Bay Lightning to a 3-0 win over the Calgary Flames on Thursday night. This victory marked the Lightning's seventh consecutive win, the longest streak since early 2020. Nikita Kucherov opened the scoring late in the first period, with Erik Cernak and Brandon Hagel adding to the tally. Despite a strong showing from Calgary's Dustin Wolf, the Flames faced their third shutout of the season.

Key moments included a critical save from Vasilevskiy early in the second period, denying a rebound chance from Jonathan Huberdeau while the Flames were on a power play. This win emphasizes Tampa Bay's dominance when leading after two periods, improving their record to 20 consecutive victories in such scenarios.

In a pivotal matchup, the Calgary Flames defeated the Washington Capitals 3-1, with Matt Coronato netting a goal to support the team's playoff aspirations. Despite the loss, Alex Ovechkin scored his 30th goal of the season, moving closer to Wayne Gretzky's all-time record of 894 goals, now just 12 away. This achievement marks Ovechkin's 19th season reaching this milestone, further solidifying his legacy as one of the game's greats.

The Capitals' home point streak ended at 16 games, while the Flames seized the final playoff spot in the West, showcasing their resilience as they head into their next game against Tampa Bay.

A spirited performance saw the Calgary Flames defeat the Washington Capitals 3-1, with standout contributions from Matt Coronato, who scored his 15th goal of the season, and Jonathan Huberdeau. The Flames' victory clinched them a playoff spot, leapfrogging the Vancouver Canucks for the Western Conference's second wild card position. Meanwhile, Alex Ovechkin netted his 30th goal of the season, inching closer to Wayne Gretzky's all-time goals record with his 883rd career goal.

The Capitals, despite Ovechkin's efforts, couldn't close the gap after trailing 2-0. Their goaltender Logan Thompson faced 25 shots and saved 22, while Flames’ Dan Vladar made 26 saves. This game marked a breaking point for the Capitals, ending their impressive 16-game home point streak that dated back to November.