As the NHL trade deadline approaches, several teams are evaluating their playoff hopes and potential trades. The Boston Bruins made a critical move, trading center Trent Frederic to the Edmonton Oilers, recognizing their slim chances for a postseason berth. With injuries to key players and a need for future assets, they may also consider trading Justin Brazeau while retaining star Brad Marchand for a competitive retool.

The New York Islanders, currently near the bottom of the Eastern Conference, must face reality and move veteran players like Brock Nelson and Kyle Palmieri. Holding onto these assets risks losing them for nothing in free agency, while the Seattle Kraken, underperforming this season, should trade pending UFAs Yanni Gourde and Brandon Tanev to focus on long-term strategies. Meanwhile, the St. Louis Blues should consider dealing captain Brayden Schenn to maximize value and build for future competitiveness.