The Nashville Predators and Pittsburgh Penguins are set to face off in Stockholm on November 14 and 16, as part of the NHL's Global Series. This marks the 47th and 48th games hosted in Sweden, showcasing the NHL's commitment to expanding its reach beyond North America. Notably, these matches could be among the last opportunities for veteran players like Sidney Crosby and Erik Karlsson to compete in Scandinavia. The Predators boast Swedish star Filip Forsberg, while goaltender Juuse Saros adds Finnish flair.

This event also reflects Nashville's growing international fan base, as CEO Sean Henry emphasized the excitement surrounding the Predators' participation. With Stockholm being a frequent host of NHL games, the upcoming series promises to bring energy and enthusiasm from fans eager to witness top-level hockey in their homeland.

The New York Islanders are progressing towards a contract extension for Kyle Palmieri, which could solidify their roster for the upcoming seasons. Meanwhile, the Chicago Blackhawks are expected to resume discussions with Ryan Donato, potentially extending his time with the team as they navigate their rebuilding process.

In other news, the Pittsburgh Penguins are eyeing a possible trade for Mitch Marner, although concerns regarding their future trajectory and salary cap might hinder a significant acquisition. The Penguins appear poised to trade Erik Karlsson without needing to attach additional assets, while Tristan Jarry's performance this season could influence his fate as well. Meanwhile, the Florida Panthers are contemplating extensions for Sam Bennett and Aaron Ekblad, which could impact their cap space and roster decisions for next season.

The Pittsburgh Penguins are gearing up for a pivotal offseason, armed with an impressive 30 draft picks over the next three drafts. General Manager Kyle Dubas faces critical decisions, particularly around salary cap management. The likelihood of trading defenseman Erik Karlsson increases, considering his hefty $10 million cap hit and no-movement clause. Simultaneously, the Penguins aim to offload the contracts of goaltender Tristan Jarry and defenseman Ryan Graves—potentially freeing up nearly 20% of their salary cap.

Meanwhile, the Montreal Canadiens have been actively seeking a top-six center but fell short at the trade deadline despite making numerous inquiries. General Manager Kent Hughes expressed frustration over the inability to secure a suitable asset without relinquishing quality players for short-term solutions. The Canadiens reportedly rejected a second-round pick for Joel Armia, valuing the player more than the draft selection.

The NHL trade deadline approaches, and various defensemen are emerging as likely trade candidates. Among them, David Savard of the Montreal Canadiens stands out as a right-shot D-man set to become a UFA. His reasonable $3.5 million salary may attract contending teams looking for depth. Luke Schenn of the Nashville Predators brings physicality to the table, making him a viable option for teams in need of grit on the blue line. Rasmus Ristolainen from the Philadelphia Flyers, while an injury risk, could be a valuable asset due to his size and skill.

Brian Dumoulin of the Anaheim Ducks could serve as a cost-effective rental, while Connor Murphy of the Chicago Blackhawks might attract attention due to his potential for a fresh start. Carson Soucy of the Vancouver Canucks is becoming an unwanted player following a roster change, making him a low-cost option for teams. Younger players like Mario Ferraro from the San Jose Sharks or Bowen Byram of the Buffalo Sabres could command a higher price but represent long-term investments.