The St. Louis Blues have placed veteran forward Brandon Saad on waivers, intending to send him to the minors. General Manager Doug Armstrong indicated that if Saad clears waivers, he will be assigned to the Springfield Thunderbirds of the AHL. With a $4.5 million cap hit for another year, his trade prospects appear slim, leading to his current waiver situation.

This season, Saad has struggled, failing to score in 40 out of 43 games, accumulating only 16 points through seven goals and nine assists. His production has led to minimal trade interest from other teams, prompting Armstrong to express a need to create space for younger players like Alexandre Texier.

The Boston Bruins are facing an unusual situation as the NHL trade deadline approaches, with team president Cam Neely acknowledging the possibility of becoming sellers. Despite offseason additions like Elias Lindholm and Nikita Zadorov, the Bruins have had an inconsistent season, leading to the firing of head coach Jim Montgomery after a rocky start of 8-9-3.

As of mid-January, Boston holds a tenuous playoff position but ranks 10th in points percentage among Eastern Conference teams. Neely's comments about potentially retooling the roster signal a need for the players to elevate their performance if they wish to retain a competitive team.

In a decisive matchup, the Edmonton Oilers triumphed over the Boston Bruins with a 4-0 victory, marking their fourth consecutive win. Adam Henrique was instrumental, netting two goals, while Connor McDavid contributed with a power-play goal in the second period. Stuart Skinner showcased his skills in goal, making 26 saves despite a first-period scare after a collision.

The Oilers' domination continues as they secured their 12th win in 15 games. Viktor Arvidsson capped off the score with an empty-net goal, overshadowing Leon Draisaitl's halted point streak at 14 games. The Bruins, now in a five-game losing streak, have struggled under interim coach Joe Sacco's leadership.

The Toronto Maple Leafs are positioned as strong Stanley Cup contenders with +1100 odds as the NHL season nears its midpoint. Despite historical playoff disappointments, they are currently sixth in the league, trailing only the Florida Panthers, Edmonton Oilers, Carolina Hurricanes, Dallas Stars, and New York Rangers. Their playoff chances are high at 96.4%, thanks to a solid start, leading the Atlantic Division ahead of the Panthers and Boston Bruins.

However, the Leafs face a significant challenge due to an injury to their captain, Auston Matthews, who has missed the last five games. His uncertainty regarding recovery adds unpredictability to the team's Cup aspirations. Meanwhile, the Boston Bruins, struggling with an 8-9-3 record, recently fired head coach Jim Montgomery, replacing him with Joe Sacco in hopes of revitalizing their season. The Bruins' Stanley Cup odds have plummeted to +2900.

In contrast, the New York Rangers, also seen as Cup favorites, have faced their own difficulties, losing four straight before a narrow win over the Bruins. Despite a strong performance from veteran goaltender Jonathan Quick, the Rangers need to improve their offensive consistency. As the season progresses, the Maple Leafs, Bruins, and Rangers will navigate their respective challenges in a competitive Eastern Conference.

In a thrilling Winter Classic held at Wrigley Field, the St. Louis Blues triumphed over the Chicago Blackhawks with a score of 6-2, marking their third consecutive victory in this outdoor event. The atmosphere was electric, with a crowd of 40,933 enjoying performances from The Smashing Pumpkins and Chance the Rapper, alongside celebrity appearances from Bill Murray and Jon Hamm. St. Louis coach Jim Montgomery reflected on the significance of playing an NHL game at such a historic venue, emphasizing the unique experience for both players and fans.

St. Louis captain Brayden Schenn expressed the joy of sharing this moment with friends and family, while Cam Fowler celebrated his 1,000th NHL game by scoring two goals, becoming the first player to achieve this milestone outdoors. Despite the celebratory mood for the Blues, the Blackhawks faced disappointment, having lost their fifth consecutive game. Chicago forward Connor Bedard lamented the team's performance, acknowledging the support of their fans who came out to cheer them on.

The day began with the Blackhawks showcasing their community spirit, wearing custom gear that honored local first responders. In contrast, the Blues paid tribute to Wayne Gretzky by donning apparel that featured his iconic number 99. With the Blues' victory and the festive spirit of the event, the Winter Classic at Wrigley Field proved to be a memorable occasion for all involved.