The Columbus Blue Jackets have not engaged in serious trade discussions with the Vancouver Canucks regarding star players Elias Pettersson or J.T. Miller. Despite some initial conversations, the Blue Jackets are focused on developing their young centers, including Adam Fantilli, Cole Sillinger, and promising prospect Cayden Lindstrom.

With the NHL salary cap projected to rise significantly by 2027, players like Dylan Cozens may become more attractive trade targets due to their cost certainty. The Canucks have Carson Soucy available, with speculation surrounding potential interest from teams like the Calgary Flames, who are keen on assessing Ilya Solovyov's performance.

Further, the trade landscape is shifting, with various teams like the New Jersey Devils and Toronto Maple Leafs exploring options to bolster their rosters ahead of significant contract negotiations.

Tony DeAngelo scored just 33 seconds into overtime, securing a thrilling 3-2 victory for the New York Islanders against the Tampa Bay Lightning. This win marked the Islanders' impressive seventh consecutive victory. Kyle Palmieri and Adam Boqvist also found the net for New York, while goaltender Ilya Sorokin made 28 saves to maintain the lead. The Lightning's Nikita Kucherov equalized with less than a minute left in regulation, after Jake Guentzel had opened the scoring earlier in the game. Guentzel's strong performance continues as he collects his 26th goal of the season.

Guentzel's initial goal came from a tip-in following Erik Cernak's shot. Boqvist, making his debut with the Islanders after being claimed off waivers, tied the game late in the second period with a follow-up after a breakaway attempt by Mat Barzal. Palmieri's goal in the third had put New York ahead, but Kucherov's late equalizer forced overtime. The Islanders continue their strong season as they prepare for their next matchup against the Florida Panthers.

Cole Sillinger returned to the lineup after an upper-body injury to score the game-winning goal just 52 seconds into overtime, leading the Columbus Blue Jackets to a 2-1 victory over the Vegas Golden Knights. Adam Fantilli, in his 100th NHL game, also scored for Columbus, while Elvis Merzlikins made 25 saves. Tomas Hertl netted his 20th goal of the season for Vegas, extending his point streak to 11 games. Despite a strong start from the Golden Knights, Columbus held strong defensively and secured a crucial win, maintaining their competitive edge with points in 10 of their last 12 games.

The Golden Knights and the Edmonton Oilers are now tied for first place in the Pacific Division with 68 points. Meanwhile, Merzlikins' victory marked his 87th career win, tying him with Joonas Korpisalo for third-most in Blue Jackets history. Columbus now prepares to face Utah, while Vegas heads to New York to take on the Rangers.

In an unexpected twist this NHL season, the New York Islanders and Columbus Blue Jackets have emerged as strong contenders for playoff spots in the Eastern Conference. The Islanders are currently riding a six-game winning streak, which has propelled them into fifth place in the Metropolitan Division. This surge has been fueled by exceptional goaltending from Ilya Sorokin, who recently recorded his third shutout of the season against the Philadelphia Flyers. Additionally, Simon Holmstrom's scoring prowess and Kyle Palmieri's return to form on the power play have significantly bolstered the team's offensive capabilities.

Meanwhile, the Columbus Blue Jackets, initially viewed as a rebuilding team, hold a Wild Card position, surprising analysts with their high-powered offense. They rank fourth in the league in goals per game, thanks to contributions from both veterans and young talent, including Sean Monahan and Yegor Chinakhov. The coaching of Dean Evason has also seen defensive improvements, allowing the Blue Jackets to capitalize efficiently on their scoring opportunities.

As the March 7 trade deadline approaches, both teams face pivotal decisions. The Islanders may seek to enhance their forward depth, while the Blue Jackets, amidst their unexpected success, might consider adding veteran players to support their playoff ambitions. With multiple teams in close contention, maintaining their current level of play will be crucial for both franchises as they pursue postseason berths.

Adam Fantilli achieved his first NHL hat trick, propelling the Columbus Blue Jackets to the first Wild Card position in the Eastern Conference. With a crowd including his family supporting him, Fantilli's performance marked a significant milestone as he became the first Blue Jackets player to score a hat trick since Alexander Nylander in March 2024. His age of 20 years and 102 days makes him one of the youngest players in franchise history to achieve such a feat.

Meanwhile, Adrian Kempe scored the decisive goal for the Los Angeles Kings, continuing their strong home performance with a 10-1-0 record in their last 11 games at Crypto.com Arena. The Kings are now closely chasing the Edmonton Oilers for second place in the Pacific Division. The team's efforts will also contribute to charity with the upcoming 'Skate for LA Strong' event, aimed at aiding the LA Fire Relief Fund.