As the NHL Trade Deadline approaches this Friday, several teams are positioned on the playoff bubble, making the upcoming games crucial. Among them, the Nashville Predators are fighting for a wild-card spot, while the Dallas Stars aim to continue their winning streak. Meanwhile, coaching changes are unfolding, notably with the Los Angeles Kings introducing a new head coach in hopes of improving their chances.
New Leadership Steps In for the Los Angeles Kings
The Los Angeles Kings made a significant coaching change on Sunday, replacing Jim Hiller with D.J. Smith. Hiller, who compiled a 93-58-24 record over three seasons, was relieved of his duties as the team seeks to elevate its performance. Smith, previously the associate coach under Hiller and the former Ottawa Senators head coach from 2019 to 2023, will lead the Kings in his debut against the league-leading Colorado Avalanche at Crypto.com Arena. General Manager Ken Holland emphasized the need for this shift, stating,
“At this point in the season, we believe a change in leadership is necessary to give our group the best opportunity to reach its potential and compete at the level we expect. These decisions are never made lightly, but our responsibility is to position this team for success now and moving forward.”
Predators’ Playoff Chances Hinge on Upcoming Matches
The Nashville Predators have defied expectations by closing the gap to within three points of the Seattle Kraken for the second Western Conference wild-card berth. Once expected to be active sellers at the deadline, the Predators’ recent surge has complicated their outlook. They face a challenging schedule with three games remaining before the deadline, beginning with a critical home matchup against the Detroit Red Wings, who are engaged in a tight fight for a playoff spot from the Eastern Conference. The outcome of these contests will heavily influence decisions about key players like Steven Stamkos and Ryan O’Reilly.
Dallas Stars Seek to Extend Franchise Best Winning Streak
The Dallas Stars are the NHL’s hottest team, riding an eight-game winning streak that matches their franchise record set earlier this season. On Monday night at Rogers Arena, they will look to secure a ninth consecutive victory against the Vancouver Canucks. The Stars continue to thrive despite missing key players such as Mikko Rantanen, Roope Hintz, and Tyler Seguin due to injury. Leading the charge is Jason Robertson, whose overtime goal secured a recent win against Nashville. Robertson currently holds 68 points this season, just behind injured forward Rantanen.
Zach Werenski’s Impressive Point Streak Continues
Defenseman Zach Werenski remains an instrumental figure for the Columbus Blue Jackets as they chase a playoff spot. Werenski, who earned a gold medal assisting Jack Hughes’ decisive goal for Team USA at the Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026, is now on a nine-game point streak with two goals and eleven assists. This streak stands as both a personal career high and the longest ever for a Blue Jackets defenseman. Columbus, sitting five points behind the Boston Bruins for the second Eastern Conference wild card, faces the New York Rangers at Madison Square Garden, where Werenski will aim to build on his remarkable run.
Toronto Maple Leafs Face Critical Final Home Game Before Deadline
The Toronto Maple Leafs play their last home game prior to the trade deadline Monday night against the Philadelphia Flyers. The Leafs, tied for the third-fewest points in the Eastern Conference, are currently eight points behind the Bruins for the second wild-card spot, creating uncertainty over the roster’s stability. This matchup at Scotiabank Arena may mark the final appearances for some players in Toronto before potential trades. Auston Matthews, however, is expected to remain with the team, currently riding a six-game point streak with six assists.
Monday’s NHL Matchup Schedule to Watch
Monday’s slate includes six games with significant playoff implications and television coverage across the United States and Canada. The afternoon session opens with the Detroit Red Wings visiting the Nashville Predators at 2 p.m. ET. The evening features the Columbus Blue Jackets against the New York Rangers at 7 p.m. ET, followed by the Philadelphia Flyers hosting the Toronto Maple Leafs at 7:30 p.m. ET. Late-night action begins with the Dallas Stars playing the Vancouver Canucks and the Carolina Hurricanes facing the Seattle Kraken, both starting at 10 p.m. ET. The final game of the day sees the Colorado Avalanche take on the Los Angeles Kings at 10:30 p.m. ET.
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