Whispers around Chris Tanev heat up as teams circle the veteran blueliner with his contract ticking down. The Avalanche quietly gauge options to bolster their Cup push, while Fibigr's name pops in late-night calls from scouts eyeing depth. Front offices know these threads can unravel fast with the deadline looming, and one GM's bold ask could shift the board overnight.

Chris Tanev hits the ice on his own for the Maple Leafs, testing that stubborn groin injury that's sidelined him since late December against Detroit. Coach Craig Berube keeps it cautious, saying the veteran blueliner skates solo this week to gauge his progress after practices reveal no full-group reps yet. With Tanev's brutal injury history this season - including a stretcher exit earlier - every stride carries weight for a Toronto blue line that's leaned too hard on waiver-wire types.

Chris Tanev hits the ice alone at Maple Leafs practice, a sight that has Leafs Nation buzzing after months of groin injury gloom. The veteran blueliner, who's battled everything from concussions to upper-body woes this season, skips the surgeon's knife for now and tests rehab instead. Coach Craig Berube confirms he'll skate solo all week to gauge his status, and with Toronto clawing for that wild-card spot just six points back, every minute Tanev logs could tip the playoff scales.

Vancouver's fire sale mode kicks into high gear after dumping Quinn Hughes and Kiefer Sherwood, and now Evander Kane sits on the block with Patrik Allvin ready to retain salary for the right price. Toronto scouts see a gritty fit for Craig Berube's system, especially with Chris Tanev sidelined and cap room opening up from other moves.