The Calgary Flames are at a crossroads as the NHL trade deadline approaches on March 7th. Recent moves by General Manager Craig Conroy, including the acquisition of Morgan Frost and Joel Farabee, suggest a potential shift from a rebuild to a more competitive strategy. However, the franchise is still in search of a right-shot center capable of winning face-offs to bolster their disappointing stats in that area.

Additionally, the Flames need to address a long-term need on defense, particularly to support MacKenzie Weegar. They are in search of a top-four defenseman who can complement Weegar's style effectively while allowing him to play on the right side. Despite these immediate needs, the Flames seem committed to not compromising their future for short-term gains, especially with a new arena on the horizon for 2027.

Nathan MacKinnon continues to shine as one of the leading players in the NHL, with accolades that have sparked comparisons to legends like Peter Forsberg. Forsberg, who watched MacKinnon's performance closely, praises his speed and scoring ability, likening him to the elite skater Connor McDavid. MacKinnon respects Forsberg's contributions to the Avalanche, recognizing the impact of injuries on Forsberg’s legacy.

As MacKinnon approaches 1,000 career points, he is also a top contender for the Hart and Art Ross trophies this season, aiming to replicate Forsberg's two Stanley Cup wins. With key players like Gabriel Landeskog potentially returning, Forsberg provides insights into the Avalanche's chances, noting their strong skills and power play. The recent Mikko Rantanen trade surprised him, yet he sees potential in the players acquired. Forsberg enjoys his role as a commentator, bringing insight to major tournaments while balancing family life.

The Los Angeles Kings secured a decisive 6-3 victory over the Montreal Canadiens, powered by a stellar performance from Kevin Fiala, who netted two goals. Warren Foegele contributed further with a penalty shot goal as the Kings continued their impressive home form, winning 11 of their last 12 games. The scoring spree included contributions from Vladislav Gavrikov, Brandt Clarke, and Trevor Moore, with Darcy Kuemper making 18 saves. For the Canadiens, Mike Matheson and Alexandre Carrier found the net, but the team has faced struggles, losing six of their last seven games.

Fiala’s goals both came during the third period, showcasing his lethal one-timer from the right circle, while Clarke's early slap shot in the third helped the Kings regain momentum. Fiala's impressive form has seen him reach the 20-goal mark for the sixth consecutive season. The Kings will look to extend their winning streak as they prepare for a six-game homestand.

The Montreal Canadiens are actively evaluating their options as the NHL trade deadline approaches, particularly regarding their unrestricted free agents. General Manager Kent Hughes continues to keep his phone lines open for potential trades, despite the team's recent struggles, losing five straight games and falling six points back from a playoff spot.

While they're contemplating the possibility of making trades, Hughes is committed to their long-term plan, focusing on acquiring controllable players in their mid-20s. The Canadiens are open to both buying and selling, depending on the right offers that fit their strategy. The team aims to gather draft picks and possibly package them to move into higher rounds or bring in established players, similar to recent acquisitions like Kirby Dach and Alex Newhook.

Coach Joe Sacco of the Boston Bruins confirmed that defenseman Hampus Lindholm is unlikely to return before the All-Star break, focusing on a cautious approach to his recovery. Meanwhile, Columbus Blue Jackets' Kirill Marchenko suffered a broken jaw after being hit by a puck on the bench. His return date is still to be determined, along with fellow teammates Boone Jenner, Sean Monahan, and Erik Gudbranson, who are all recovering from injuries. Additionally, Jeff Petry from the Detroit Red Wings will be sidelined for six to eight weeks following surgery.

Other notable injury updates include New York Islanders' Mathew Barzal, who is out indefinitely, while Ottawa Senators' Linus Ullmark is nearing a return after a prolonged absence. The Philadelphia Flyers report Rasmus Ristolainen as day-to-day with an upper-body injury, and Evgeni Malkin of the Pittsburgh Penguins was seen on the ice before practice but his status remains unchanged. Toronto Maple Leafs coach Craig Berube expressed uncertainty regarding Mitch Marner's participation against the Calgary Flames.