The NHL has seen several significant developments recently. The Winnipeg Jets have tied a franchise record with their eighth straight win, defeating the New York Islanders 4-3. Connor Hellebuyck made 32 saves, and Gabriel Vilardi scored two goals and picked up an assist. This victory keeps the Jets in sole possession of first place in the overall standings with 81 points.

In other news, Colorado Avalanche forward Nathan MacKinnon has widened his lead in the points race, now four points ahead of Edmonton Oilers forward Leon Draisaitl. MacKinnon had a goal and three assists in the Avalanche's 5-4 victory over the Oilers. Draisaitl, however, became the first player this season to reach 40 goals, scoring twice in the game.

The Chicago Blackhawks ended a three-game losing skid with a 6-2 victory over the Nashville Predators. Ryan Donato scored twice and picked up two assists, while Connor Bedard, Seth Jones, and Frank Nazar each had a goal and an assist.

On the injury front, Vegas Golden Knights center William Karlsson has been placed on long-term injury reserve due to a lower-body injury sustained on January 20. There is no timeline yet for his return.

In trade news, there are rumors that Carolina Hurricanes winger Mikko Rantanen could hit the trade block again before the March 7 deadline if he and the Hurricanes haven't agreed to a new contract. Rantanen is slated to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1 and carries an annual average value of $9.25 million on his current contract.

The St. Louis Blues are also considering moving players, with Pavel Buchnevich, Jordan Kyrou, and Brayden Schenn drawing interest. However, their expensive contracts could be deal breakers unless the Blues retain some salary or take back a hefty salary.

The New York Islanders have dismissed rumors that they are willing to entertain trade offers for defenseman Noah Dobson. Dobson is entering his playing prime, and his departure would create a major hole on the Isles' blueline.

In other NHL news, the league has announced the 2025 NHL 4 Nations Face-Off, an international tournament featuring NHL players from Canada, Finland, Sweden, and the United States. The tournament will take place in February 2025 in two North American cities and will consist of seven games played over a nine-day period.

Additionally, the Professional Women's Hockey League is planning to add two expansion franchises for the start of the 2025-26 season. The league will begin sending requests for proposals to several markets and accepting applications, with potential candidates including Detroit, Pittsburgh, Washington, D.C., Philadelphia, Denver, and Seattle.

The NHL has also introduced rule changes for the 2024-25 season, including adjustments to coach's challenges, line changes after dislodged nets, face-off procedures, and unsportsmanlike conduct penalties. These changes were unanimously approved by the League's Board Governors, NHL Managers, and NHL/NHLPA Competition Committee.