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.

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.

Valeri Nichushkin of the Colorado Avalanche is facing a potentially extended absence due to a lower-body injury after suffering a setback in recovery. Avalanche coach Jared Bednar expressed concern about the uncertainty surrounding Nichushkin’s return, indicating the process of rehabilitation will require patience and careful rebuilding.

On another note, Cole Sillinger from the Columbus Blue Jackets is classified as day-to-day with an upper-body injury and will be evaluated soon to assess his potential return to play against the Carolina Hurricanes. Meanwhile, the Minnesota Wild are hopeful for the returns of Kirill Kaprizov and Jared Spurgeon, both of whom have been sidelined due to lower-body injuries for multiple games. Coach John Hynes is optimistic about their participation in the upcoming game.

Other notable updates include David Perron of the Ottawa Senators, who is expected to rejoin his team's lineup after an absence since November 23rd, while Josh Norris may return later this weekend following his own recovery. The Toronto Maple Leafs placed Max Pacioretty on injured reserve due to his ongoing recovery, and Matthew Knies is also awaiting updates after leaving last game due to an upper-body injury.

From the Winnipeg Jets, Adam Lowry is facing a week-to-week timeline with an upper-body injury, but Mason Appleton has made a comeback following an 11-game absence.

The Columbus Blue Jackets achieved a thrilling 2-1 victory against the St. Louis Blues, marking their fourth successive win. Adam Fantilli opened the scoring with his third goal of the season late in the first period, thanks to a clever pass from Kirill Marchenko. Cole Sillinger added to the lead with a power-play goal in the second period after returning from illness.

Although Jet Greaves was on the verge of earning his first career shutout, Colton Parayko scored with just 10.5 seconds remaining, preventing that milestone. Greaves, who made 31 saves, was called up from the AHL for this game, while Jordan Binnington recorded 28 saves for the Blues before being pulled in the final minutes.

Nick Paul shone for the Tampa Bay Lightning, contributing a goal and two assists in their 5-3 win over the Columbus Blue Jackets. The Lightning scored three times in the second period, including a power-play goal, to pull ahead decisively.

Despite a late surge from the Blue Jackets, who scored twice in quick succession, Tampa Bay held on for the victory. This win marks the Lightning's fifth in six games, while Columbus struggles with just one win in their last nine outings.