As the NHL's 2025 trade deadline approaches, teams weigh their decisions on whether to acquire or offload players in hopes of securing a playoff spot. However, not all trades yield the expected results. The deals from last season highlight the risks involved, as some teams paid steep prices for underwhelming performances.

The Vancouver Canucks' acquisition of Elias Lindholm from the Calgary Flames was particularly costly, involving multiple assets including a first-round pick. Lindholm's lackluster regular season and his subsequent departure to the Boston Bruins left Canucks fans questioning the move. In contrast, the Flames capitalized on the deal, selecting promising talent Matvei Gridin with Vancouver's draft pick.

Similarly, Sean Monahan's tenure with the Winnipeg Jets proved disappointing. Though initially appearing to be a great fit, he was unable to produce in the playoffs, leading to a costly first-round pick heading to Montreal without any return. Meanwhile, the Golden Knights' trade for Anthony Mantha saw him fail to impact the postseason, leading to a quick exit against the Dallas Stars.

On the flip side, some teams, like the Carolina Hurricanes, benefited from smart acquisitions that paid off in playoff scoring. The lessons learned from these trade deadline moves could significantly influence strategies as the deadline looms once more.

The Columbus Blue Jackets face a challenging road ahead in their playoff pursuit, having lost leading scorer Kirill Marchenko indefinitely due to jaw surgery. The injury occurred when he was struck by a puck while on the bench during a recent game against Dallas. Following this setback, Marchenko joins fellow forwards Boone Jenner and Sean Monahan on the injured reserve list.

Despite these injuries, the Blue Jackets have shown resilience, boasting a 5-2 record in their last seven games. They currently hold the Eastern Conference’s final playoff spot and are gearing up for a crucial game against the Buffalo Sabres. The team aims to capitalize on their recent performance before entering a two-week hiatus for the 4 Nations tournament.

The Columbus Blue Jackets face a significant setback in their playoff ambitions following the news that forward Kirill Marchenko is sidelined indefinitely due to surgery for a broken jaw. This injury occurred after he was struck by a puck while on the bench during a game against the Dallas Stars, where the Blue Jackets ultimately fell 5-3. Marchenko has been a crucial contributor to the team, leading them with 21 goals this season.

Currently, Columbus holds onto the eighth and final playoff position in the Eastern Conference. Unfortunately, they also need to cope without veteran forwards Boone Jenner and Sean Monahan, both of whom are dealing with injuries of their own. Despite these challenges, the team has demonstrated resilience, boasting a 5-2 record over their last seven games. As they prepare for the final leg of their four-game road trip, they are scheduled to meet the Buffalo Sabres next.

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.

Miles Wood has been activated from the injured reserve for the Colorado Avalanche after missing 27 games due to a back injury. Earlier this season, he also missed seven games with an upper-body injury.

In Columbus, Sean Monahan of the Blue Jackets is expected to be out for an additional six to eight weeks with a wrist injury. Meanwhile, Boone Jenner has returned to practice following shoulder surgery and is optimistic about progressing to full participation soon.

Linus Ullmark from the Ottawa Senators participated in morning skate but is not expected to return just yet. The Vancouver Canucks’ Dakota Joshua has been cleared for contact and may return soon.

Alex Pietrangelo of the Vegas Golden Knights has opted out of the 4 Nations Face-Off to focus on his recovery, while Team Sweden faces challenges after losing Jacob Markstrom and William Karlsson to injuries.