Boston Bruins' coach Joe Sacco confirmed that defenseman Charlie McAvoy and forward Mark Kastelic are both out for the season, which could significantly impact the team's playoff chances. Meanwhile, the Carolina Hurricanes are dealing with Shayne Gostisbehere, who missed a recent game due to an upper-body injury. On the Columbus Blue Jackets front, goaltender Elvis Merzlikins has also missed a game due to injury.

In New York, the Islanders' Ilya Sorokin is uncertain for the remainder of the season following a lower-body injury. However, fellow defenseman K’Andre Miller has returned to the Rangers' lineup after a brief absence due to illness. The Ottawa Senators’ Brady Tkachuk expects to soon resume skating, aiming for a timely return ahead of the playoffs.

The Penguins are facing a tough period, losing Tommy Novak, Blake Lizotte, Noel Acciari, Matt Nieto, and Rutger McGroarty for the season. Lastly, Jakob Chychrun of the Capitals was a late scratch due to illness, highlighting the ongoing injury challenges faced by teams as they approach critical late-season games.

The Pittsburgh Penguins face late-season challenges with the announcement that rookie winger Rutger McGroarty, along with four other players, will not participate due to injuries. As the team has been eliminated from playoff contention, McGroarty's absence is particularly disappointing given his promising performance in recent games. He is sidelined with a lower-body injury sustained in a game against the Chicago Blackhawks. McGroarty, who was playing alongside superstar Sidney Crosby, has recorded one goal and two assists in just eight games this season.

In addition to McGroarty, forwards Tommy Novak, Blake Lizotte, Noel Acciari, and Matt Nieto will also miss the remaining games. Coach Mike Sullivan expressed hope that McGroarty could recover in time to assist the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins in their playoff run. This situation places further stress on a Penguins roster that has struggled throughout the season, culminating in a disappointing standings position with only three games left to play.

Pittsburgh Penguins President Kyle Dubas made significant moves just before the March 7 NHL trade deadline, trading forward Michael Bunting and a 2026 fourth-round pick to the Nashville Predators for defenseman Luke Schenn and forward Tommy Novak. The Penguins also sent defenseman Vincent Desharnais to the San Jose Sharks for a 2028 fifth-round pick. Dubas highlighted Novak's youth, cap-friendly contract, and playmaking ability as key factors in acquiring him, while Schenn's experience and toughness were seen as critical for the team's playoff push.

Novak, 27, is expected to serve as a valuable third-line center, boasting 13 goals and 22 points in 52 games this season. Meanwhile, Schenn, a two-time Stanley Cup champion, brings leadership and defensive skills, having a cap hit of $2.75 million through the end of the 2025-26 season. These transactions mark the beginning of a busy trade period for Dubas, who is confident in making further impactful adjustments as the Penguins aim to return to contention.

The Pittsburgh Penguins made significant roster moves by trading forward Michael Bunting to the Nashville Predators and defenseman Vincent Desharnais to the San Jose Sharks. In exchange for Bunting, who has a respectable 29 points this season, the Penguins acquired defenseman Luke Schenn and forward Tommy Novak. Bunting, currently recovering from appendectomy surgery, has shown promise but his recent injury raises questions about his future contributions.

Luke Schenn, a seasoned defenseman, adds depth to the Penguins' blueline, although his recent performances have not been particularly impactful. Novak's inclusion in the trade brings a younger perspective, and his scoring potential could provide needed support to the Penguins’ offense.

Desharnais' trade to the Sharks was more of a move to clear space, as he struggled to make a mark in Pittsburgh. Overall, these trades highlight the Penguins' strategy to retool their lineup with an eye towards maximizing their playoff chances while managing the salary cap effectively.

The Pittsburgh Penguins bolstered their roster ahead of the playoff push by acquiring veteran defenseman Luke Schenn and forward Tommy Novak from the Nashville Predators, sending left wing Michael Bunting and a future fourth-round draft pick in return. Schenn, 35, is expected to add depth on defense, although his offensive contribution has been minimal, with only one goal this season. His experience and reliability on the penalty kill will be essential as the Penguins navigate the stretch run.

In addition, the Penguins traded defenseman Vincent Desharnais to the San Jose Sharks for a fifth-round pick in 2028. This transaction highlights the Penguins' strategy of reinforcing their blue line while offloading players who may not fit into their long-term plans.