Overview
- The Maple Leafs fell 5-2 in Seattle, matching their longest winless run since 2019 despite controlling five-on-five play; defensive breakdowns and Anthony Stolarz’s struggles persisted.
- Toronto sits near the bottom of the Atlantic with MoneyPuck modeling its playoff chances in the single digits and an eight-point gap to the second wild card.
- GM Brad Treliving is evaluating whether to sell before March 6 after limited outreach, including exploratory contact with Bobby McMann’s camp, with a Feb. 4–22 Olympic roster freeze limiting trade windows.
- Roster maneuvering included LTIR placements for Chris Tanev (groin, no firm timeline) and Dakota Joshua (kidney, unlikely before the break), creating cap flexibility; Marshall Rifai was recalled for depth.
- Colorado’s slide deepened in a 7–3 loss at Montreal, marking six defeats in eight games as the Avs’ power play slumped to 15.7% with a league-high nine shorthanded goals allowed and Scott Wedgewood yielding seven on 28 shots.