Buffalo Sabres forward JJ Peterka is currently day-to-day with an undisclosed issue, while teammate Jiri Kulich has returned from an illness. In contrast, Calgary Flames' Mikael Backlund left a recent game with an upper-body injury and is also day-to-day. Dallas Stars coach Peter DeBoer provided an optimistic update on Roope Hintz, suggesting he could play Sunday after recovering from a facial injury.

Meanwhile, the Montreal Canadiens welcomed back Patrik Laine to their roster but were without Joel Armia, who missed a game due to a hand injury. The Pittsburgh Penguins face ongoing injury concerns with defensemen Ryan Shea and Pierre-Olivier Joseph remaining week-to-week. Additionally, Toronto Maple Leafs’ Chris Tanev is on the verge of returning after being sidelined since February, providing a potential boost ahead of a critical matchup against the Florida Panthers.

Vancouver Canucks' Quinn Hughes recently resumed play, yet Elias Pettersson's status is uncertain after he exited a game early due to an undisclosed injury. The NHL trade deadline has heightened anticipation around player availability and the potential impact on fantasy teams. Monitoring these injuries closely will be crucial for fantasy managers as they prepare for the playoffs.

The Montreal Canadiens, despite a quiet trade deadline, are poised for an impactful summer, according to NHL insider Dave Pagnotta. He addressed speculation around key players like David Savard and Joel Armia, noting that the offers were underwhelming. Rather than making hasty moves, the Canadiens remain focused on maintaining competitive play as they approach the end of the season, giving younger players valuable experience.

Pagnotta anticipates that General Manager Kent Hughes will actively engage in the upcoming NHL Draft, suggesting that significant trades could emerge, similar to past years where the Canadiens successfully acquired talents like Kirby Dach and Alex Newhook. The focus now shifts to the draft in Los Angeles, where a more substantial move may be in the works, pointing to a strategic build-up for the future.

In a thrilling overtime finish, the Edmonton Oilers defeated the Montreal Canadiens 3-2, ending a rough stretch of six losses in their last seven games. Evan Bouchard stood out, scoring the game-winner and contributing an assist, while Leon Draisaitl continued his scoring prowess with a goal and an assist, marking his 46th goal of the season. Connor McDavid also played a crucial role, assisting twice in the match.

The Canadiens, who had a five-game winning streak snapped, saw Cole Caulfield and Joel Armia find the net, but fell just short in the end. Notable performances included Stuart Skinner, who made 26 saves for the Oilers, outpacing Sam Montembeault’s 29 saves for Montreal. Both forwards Draisaitl and Caulfield showcased their scoring skills, being the only players in the NHL with over 20 even-strength and 10 power-play goals this season.

With the NHL trade deadline approaching, the Winnipeg Jets are eyeing potential targets to strengthen their roster. Brock Nelson of the New York Islanders tops their list as a possible second-line center. However, Nelson's willingness to waive his no-trade clause for Winnipeg remains uncertain. If negotiations stall, Joel Armia could be a viable option as a versatile bottom-six forward capable of stepping into a top-six role.

Meanwhile, the Edmonton Oilers focus on bolstering their defense rather than seeking a goaltender. With their current performance faltering, they are cautious not to make impulsive trades that could hurt their long-term plans.

Several teams, including the Boston Bruins and Los Angeles Kings, are also looking for key additions, with the Bruins potentially parting ways with Brandon Carlo to acquire younger assets and draft picks. The Kings have expressed interest in acquiring offensive talent, notably Mikko Rantanen from Colorado. However, the market for Rickard Rakell remains high, potentially limiting the Penguins' willingness to trade him.

The Montreal Canadiens face a pivotal moment as they approach the trade deadline. With their playoff aspirations alive, sitting just one point out of a playoff spot, the temptation to retain veteran players is strong. However, the organization must prioritize future gains over short-term success. The Habs' decision to re-sign Jake Evans suggests a commitment to their competitive window, but the urgency of trading older assets like David Savard and Joel Armia should not be underestimated.

Both Savard and Armia, while valuable in the current season, represent opportunities to acquire future assets through trade. Holding onto them in hopes of a playoff push may lead to a loss of these assets to free agency without compensation. The Canadiens have already demonstrated resilience and growth in their young core, proving they can maintain competitiveness even in the absence of these veterans.