As the NHL regular season winds down, savvy fantasy managers are eyeing the playoff push and ways to maximize their rosters. With many teams inactive at times, identifying the most active squads can provide a tactical edge. The New Jersey Devils lead the charge with seven games in March when others are off, making their players highly valuable.

The Minnesota Wild, Anaheim Ducks, and Toronto Maple Leafs also show promise with six games each. For those looking to bolster their rosters, players like Logan Cooley and Barrett Hayton from the Utah Hockey Club and Ryan Donato from the Chicago Blackhawks offer intriguing options for scoring boosts. As the season intensifies, even underperforming players like Stefan Noesen from the Devils can regain form with increased ice time.

The Detroit Red Wings are facing a significant setback with Andrew Copp's season-ending surgery, complicating their playoff hopes for the first time since the 2015-16 season. To compensate for Copp's absence, Detroit is considering a trade for Chicago Blackhawks' Ryan Donato as they look for an affordable replacement.

While Donato's role will differ from Copp's, he could provide valuable contributions to the Red Wings' playoff push. The Blackhawks may seek a third-round pick for Donato, but if he doesn't secure a new contract, they must act before the trade deadline to maximize his value. This scenario creates an interesting dynamic for both teams as they navigate their rosters amidst playoff aspirations and rebuilding efforts.

As the NHL trade deadline approaches on March 7, anticipation builds among teams and fans alike. General managers are strategizing based on midseason scouting meetings, identifying players for trade to either enhance their rosters or unload underperformers. Among several candidates, Trent Frederic of the Boston Bruins, who hasn't matched his previous offensive output but remains a physical presence, stands out as a potential trade piece due to his favorable contract.

Similarly, Toronto Maple Leafs' Nick Robertson may be on the chopping block after failing to secure a consistent role, while Bowen Byram of the Buffalo Sabres, despite being young and talented, could attract interest given the Sabres' struggles. Ryan Donato of the Blackhawks is also generating buzz; he's on track for a career-high points total and could fetch a solid return as a rental. Rasmus Ristolainen from the Flyers is likely to be moved as Philadelphia starts restructuring. Lastly, Yanni Gourde's playoff experience may make him an appealing rental for contending teams.

As the NHL's trade deadline approaches on March 7, several players are speculated to benefit from a change of scenery. John Gibson of the Anaheim Ducks, who has struggled for years, is having a career revival with a .915 save percentage this season. His $6.4 million contract might require the Ducks to retain some salary for a trade to a competitive team needing a starting goalie.

Ryan Donato of the Chicago Blackhawks is expected to be moved as the team rebuilds. At just $2 million, he could score 25-30 goals on a playoff-bound roster, enhancing his future contract prospects. Likewise, Brock Nelson of the New York Islanders, a pending UFA, could thrive on a contender, especially if the Islanders falter in their playoff chase.

Dylan Cozens of the Buffalo Sabres has underperformed this season, warranting consideration for a trade to a more offensive team to revitalize his career. With his $7.1 million cap hit, a trade remains complex but could yield significant rewards if the Sabres can find the right deal.

Interest is brewing around Edmonton Oilers as they eye potential additions in the form of John Gibson and Ryan Donato. The search for a number one goalie has intensified, especially given Gibson's history of trade rumors. While Gibson has expressed a desire to be the clear-cut starter, the Oilers' current goalie situation with Stuart Skinner may not align with those ambitions. Meanwhile, Ryan Donato, coming off a productive season with 19 goals, presents a more tangible option with a manageable salary.

The Oilers' trade strategies hinge on Gibson's fit within their roster dynamics. He has shown preference for Edmonton, but the question remains of whether the opportunity to claim the starting role is genuinely viable in this setup. If Edmonton secures a top goalie or a talented forward like Donato, the team could regain traction in their playoff pursuits.