NHL Playoffs Daily: Islanders seek to eliminate Bruins

With the trade deadline looming, here’s an ultra-preliminary look at potential transactions from a fantasy standpoint. While a lot can change between now and Feb. 26, this rough and speculative assessment pegs all 31 NHL clubs as buyers, sellers or other/undecided. Note: “Undetermined”

Entering the second year of a five-year contract signed last summer in free agency Boston Bruins forward David Backes is feeling some pressure heading into the 2017-18 season. Backes struggled so much through his first year in Boston that team president Cam Neely had to publicly defend the deal. This past week it was Backes’ turn to talk about his first season in Boston and what he has to prove heading into a new season.