New York Islanders

NHL Today: Flames Strike Deal With Stars For Tanev; Gearing Up For Islanders & Red Wings

Published

2 months ago

February 29, 2024

Good morning, my name is Andrew Fantucchio. It’s Thursday, February 29, and here’s what’s happening around the NHL today.

Flames And Stars Strike Deal For Tanev:

Another big name has come off the NHL trade board, and it’s once again coming from Calgary.

On Wednesday night, the Flames shipped defenseman Chris Tanev to the Dallas Stars for defense prospect Artem Grushnikov, a second-round pick in 2024 and a conditional third-round pick in 2026.

The New Jersey Devils were also involved in the deal. They and the Flames will split the cost of Tanev’s remaining $4.5 million salary. The Devils acquired a fourth-round pick in 2026 from Dallas for their troubles.

Nashville Not Likely To Move Saros:

The Nashville Predators will continue to have teams interested in goalie Juuse Saros, but general manager Barry Trotz is unlikely to trade him as long as they remain in the playoff hunt.

“That is the case,” Trotz told 102.5 The Game. “I’m going to leave a little window open if there’s a crazy deal that comes out and knocks me out of my chair. … I expect us to be fighting for that playoff spot. My job is to keep the balance between the long-term and the short-term.”

Although a Saros is unlikely to materialize, that doesn’t mean Trotz will stay quiet at the deadline.

It seems Tommy Novak has little time left in Nashville while he and the Predators remain far apart in negotiations over a new contract.

Red Wings Not Overlooking Islanders:

Despite holding a 10-point lead over the New York Islanders in the wildcard race, the Detroit Red Wings aren’t overlooking their opponents as the two teams meet tonight at Little Caesars Arena.

It was at this time last year that the Islanders made their push for the playoffs, eventually punching their ticket to the dance in the final game of the season.

“I can see why that was a playoff team last year,” Red Wings head coach Derek Lalonde said of the Islanders. “It was about this time last year that they made a push and got over that line. I think they’ll make that push again this year. They create a lot of issues in all different situations on the ice.”

If the Islanders are going to make the postseason again, they cannot leave the Motor City with anything less than two points.

More From National Hockey Now:

Philadelphia: Acquiring a first-round pick is still possible for the Philadelphia Flyers if they trade Sean Walker.

Pittsburgh: Losing in overtime to the Islanders last week seemed to spell the end of the Penguins playoff hopes. It turns out there’s still hope in Pittsburgh.

Boston: Contract negotiations between Jake DeBrusk and the Boston Bruins have hit a wall as he approaches free agency.

Colorado: Many expect the Colorado Avalanche to acquire a center at the NHL trade deadline. However, don’t be surprised if they’re also involved in the goalie market.