With the Olympic roster freeze lifting soon, GMs across the league huddle over mock trade boards, eyeing top targets like Dawson Mercer and Dougie Hamilton from a restless New Jersey Devils squad desperate to jolt their locker room. Edmonton's pivot to defense has names like Connor Murphy and Justin Faulk circling their radar, while Los Angeles scouts replacements for the injured Kevin Fiala, whispering about a Stamkos reunion.

The Detroit Red Wings circle trade boards for second-pair defensemen and top-six forwards to bolster their push in the Atlantic, with names like Justin Faulk and Logan Stanley lighting up front-office chats. Meanwhile, every NHL team lays bare its deadline desperation, from the Bruins hunting right-shot D to the Wild scouring for a true No. 1 center.

GMs huddle in shadows as the Olympic roster freeze grips the league until February 22, leaving just 12 frantic days to wheel and deal before March 6. Whispers from Detroit to New York spotlight vets like Justin Faulk and Vincent Trocheck, with cap-strapped contenders eyeing every loose thread. Front offices know one savvy swap could flip a wildcard chase into a Cup run, and the post-break frenzy promises fireworks nobody sees coming.

The Boston Bruins cling to the East's second wild card spot with a 32-20-4 record, forcing GM Don Sweeney into a high-stakes calculus as the March 6 deadline looms. They missed out on Rasmus Andersson, who landed in Vegas, and now eyes turn to right-shot defensemen like Justin Faulk or Connor Murphy while whispers link them to Rangers center Vincent Trocheck for term beyond this year.

Toronto's blueline remains a glaring hole as the Olympics wrap up and the trade freeze lifts, with GM Brad Treliving eyeing upgrades before the March 6 deadline. Names like Dougie Hamilton from New Jersey and Justin Faulk out of St. Louis keep surfacing in backchannel talks, each bringing the size, shot, and stability the Leafs crave on the right side.

The Bruins cling to that second wild card spot in the East with a 32-20-4 mark, but insiders like Fluto Shinzawa scream they need a right-shot defenseman before the deadline hits. Names like Justin Faulk, Connor Murphy, and even Mackenzie Weegar from Calgary bubble up in trade chatter after Boston nearly landed Rasmus Andersson. Don Sweeney knows one more blueliner could turn this roster from playoff pretender to contender, especially with the Olympic freeze looming.