The San Jose Sharks are in a state of flux as the March 7 NHL Trade Deadline approaches, actively looking to move players. Cody Ceci and Mikael Granlund have recently been traded, while Luke Kunin's stock is rising, especially after recovering from ACL surgery. Mario Ferraro is also a hot topic, as his defensive skills make him attractive to potential suitors. With just one year left on Ferraro's contract, the Sharks might consider trading him for a significant return.

Meanwhile, the Edmonton Oilers are struggling, primarily due to injuries, especially to Darnell Nurse. They are in urgent need of a reliable top-four defender, with trade talks swirling around several players, including Ferraro, who could alleviate their defensive woes. The pressure is on both teams as they navigate the trade landscape.

Sidney Crosby has been named captain of Team Canada for the upcoming 4 Nations Face-Off tournament, an event marking the return of NHL players to international competition. His selection comes as no surprise, with Connor McDavid previously stating that Crosby's name should be the only one considered for the role. Crosby expressed gratitude for the opportunity, emphasizing the honor of leading a team filled with great leaders.

The tournament, which runs from February 12 to 20, features teams from the USA, Sweden, and Finland, serving as a precursor to the NHL's Olympic participation in 2026. Crosby's extensive experience includes leading Canada to gold medals in multiple international competitions, including the Olympics and World Cup.

Filip Forsberg's outstanding performance saw him score twice, extending his goal streak to an impressive seven games. The Nashville Predators triumphed over the San Jose Sharks with a thrilling 6-5 victory, marking their fifth consecutive win. Forsberg made history by being the first player in NHL history to score in seven straight games after going through a goal drought of at least 18 games. Luke Schenn contributed significantly with three assists, while Justin Barron and Roman Josi each netted a goal. Despite a shaky third period where they let a three-goal lead slip, the Predators managed to secure the win.

Macklin Celebrini shone for the Sharks, scoring his NHL rookie-leading 15th goal, alongside contributions from Mario Ferraro, Henry Thrun, and Walker Duehr. Goalie Yaroslav Askarov made 32 saves against his old team, but it wasn’t enough to stop the Sharks from experiencing their fifth straight loss, further extending their difficult season.

Juraj Slafkovsky expressed excitement about the Montreal Canadiens' significant win over the Tampa Bay Lightning, securing their 13th victory in 17 games and pushing them into a wild-card playoff spot. Jake Evans scored the game-winning goal, leading Montreal to a comeback from a 2-0 deficit. Slafkovsky noted how he is now keenly following the standings, a stark contrast to earlier in the season when the team struggled. Canadiens head coach Martin St. Louis emphasized the importance of consistency as the season progresses.

The Canadiens' victory improved their record to 24-19-4, placing them just a point behind the Lightning for third in the Atlantic Division. St. Louis highlighted the need for continued focus and avoiding bad stretches as the playoff race heats up. Despite the loss, Lightning forward Jake Guentzel reflected positively on their gameplay, though he acknowledged the sting of not earning points.

The latest updates on ESPN's fantasy hockey rankings reveal significant shifts among players, with notable risers and fallers since the last review on November 5. Drew Doughty of the Los Angeles Kings has made a remarkable jump from 279 to 55 as he nears his return from injury, reclaiming his power play quarterback role with the Kings. Marco Rossi of the Minnesota Wild is also on the rise, moving from 357 to 169, capitalizing on Kirill Kaprizov's absence to average 2.18 fantasy points per game. Jackson LaCombe has surged from 328 to 146 while taking on a pivotal role alongside Radko Gudas. Conversely, Adin Hill of the Vegas Golden Knights has plummeted from 80 to 236 due to a poor save percentage, while Mario Ferraro of the San Jose Sharks has fallen from 180 to 276, struggling for relevance this season.

In goalie news, players like Darcy Kuemper of the Los Angeles Kings and Spencer Martin of the Carolina Hurricanes have shown marked improvements, whereas veterans like Frederik Andersen are returning to form following injury recovery. The power-play dynamics have also shifted, with players like Darren Raddysh and Mason Lohrei emerging as key contributors for their respective teams.

Fantasy managers must reassess their rosters as certain players showcase new potential while others fall from grace, highlighting the ever-evolving landscape of fantasy hockey.