Bryan Rust Is In High Demand. But Is Trading Him The Right Call?

The Nashville Predators announced that forward Cole Smith will be out for three to six weeks due to an upper-body injury sustained against the Calgary Flames, while captain Roman Josi has been placed on injured reserve with a week-to-week timeline for his own injury. Smith's absence will impact the team's strong penalty kill, with Ryan O'Reilly and possibly younger players like Fedor Svechkov or Ozzy Wiesblatt stepping up to fill the void. Want More Context? 🔎

San Jose Sharks defenseman Timothy Liljegren left Saturday's game against the Colorado Avalanche after being hit in the face by a deflected puck but is not expected to be out long-term, according to head coach Ryan Warsofsky. Meanwhile, Pierre-Luc Dubois of the Washington Capitals is day-to-day with a lower-body injury, and Domenick Fensore was sent back to the AHL as K’Andre Miller nears his return from injury. Want More Context? 🔎

Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Chris Tanev was stretchered off during a game against the Philadelphia Flyers after a collision with Matvei Michkov, marking a concerning setback as it was his first game back from a concussion. Following Tanev's injury, the team may call up Dakota Mermis from the AHL, while other NHL updates include Taylor Makar being assigned to the AHL and goalie prospect Chase Wutzke traded in the WHL. Want More Context? 🔎