Edmonton’s front office is again probing the waiver wire and contemplating late-summer moves to deepen the roster after rolling the dice on Kasperi Kapanen and Alec Regula last season. The Oilers could pursue a handful of waiver targets or swing a September trade as insurance for depth at forward, defense, and goaltending.

Projected targets include goaltenders Mike DiPietro and Colton Ellis, plus forward options Samuel Fagemo and Matej Blumel, with William Villeneuve providing right-handed defensive depth. Matt Grzelcyk surfaces as the marquee UFA defenseman the Oilers could chase, potentially shaping a third pairing or power-play role. The piece also flags Colorado, Chicago, and Calgary as logical bidders should Grzelcyk hit the open market, while noting Edmonton’s cap constraints as it weighs deals and possible restructures.

The Minnesota Wild are staying the course with their long-term strategy, resisting the temptation for a major trade ahead of the deadline. GM Bill Guerin acknowledged the addition of Gustav Nyquist and Justin Brazeau, but reiterated it's not their time yet, emphasizing that a four-year plan is in place to not jeopardize the team's future. With significant contracts looming for stars like Kirill Kaprizov, and other potential free agents like Brock Nelson and Mitch Marner, the Wild are prioritizing stability over short-term gains.

Limited cap space has constrained their options, particularly in acquiring more penalty-killing assets. The team has made recent trades to bolster their roster, yet must navigate the complexities of roster management. The Penguins, for their part, opted against moving defenseman Matt Grzelcyk, indicating they are also considering the long-term implications of their decisions.

The NHL trade deadline approaches, and various defensemen are emerging as likely trade candidates. Among them, David Savard of the Montreal Canadiens stands out as a right-shot D-man set to become a UFA. His reasonable $3.5 million salary may attract contending teams looking for depth. Luke Schenn of the Nashville Predators brings physicality to the table, making him a viable option for teams in need of grit on the blue line. Rasmus Ristolainen from the Philadelphia Flyers, while an injury risk, could be a valuable asset due to his size and skill.

Brian Dumoulin of the Anaheim Ducks could serve as a cost-effective rental, while Connor Murphy of the Chicago Blackhawks might attract attention due to his potential for a fresh start. Carson Soucy of the Vancouver Canucks is becoming an unwanted player following a roster change, making him a low-cost option for teams. Younger players like Mario Ferraro from the San Jose Sharks or Bowen Byram of the Buffalo Sabres could command a higher price but represent long-term investments.

The Pittsburgh Penguins have faced a significant setback during their current road trip, suffering three consecutive losses, including a narrow defeat to the struggling San Jose Sharks. The team's performance against non-playoff teams has been disappointing, culminating in a goal differential of 11-3 over these games. This downturn has led to the Penguins holding one of the worst points percentages in the NHL.

Despite some promising moments, critical errors have cost the Penguins in close games, as highlighted by a crucial turnover by Marcus Pettersson that led to the game-winning goal against the Sharks. Goaltender Alex Nedeljkovic expressed frustration over the team's inability to find the urgency needed to compete consistently.

The Colorado Avalanche have sent shockwaves through the NHL by trading star winger Mikko Rantanen to the Carolina Hurricanes ahead of the trade deadline. While this move has stirred speculation about the Penguins, particularly regarding their own superstars, the focus remains clear: Sidney Crosby is not on the market, as confirmed by GM Kyle Dubas.

Despite ongoing trade chatter, Crosby’s no-movement clause and allegiance to Pittsburgh ensure he remains a Penguin. Meanwhile, Marcus Pettersson, a pending UFA and standout defenseman, is drawing interest from various teams. His strong defensive play is offsetting a dip in metrics, suggesting he could be a key asset for buyers looking to bolster their blue line.

The Penguins are also exploring options for forwards Drew O'Connor and Anthony Beauvillier, both pending UFAs, who could be appealing for teams needing depth. O'Connor’s forechecking prowess and Beauvillier’s scoring capability could attract attention from teams like the Ottawa Senators or Montreal Canadiens.

On the blue line, Matt Grzelcyk has emerged as a name to watch, given his impact on the Penguins' revitalized power play. Florida could be one of the teams interested in acquiring his services to enhance their power play unit ahead of the playoffs.