The NHL trade deadline is upon us. On March 7, teams will decide whether they’re ready to compete for the Stanley Cup or pack it in for the season and sell off assets. Trade season is always ripe for some fascinating discussion,

With the calendar flipped to January, all NHL eyes shift to the March 7th trade deadline, where players like San Jose Sharks forward Mikael Granlund could be at the forefront of trade rumors.

BOTTOM LINE: The Boston Bruins host the San Jose Sharks in a non-conference matchup. Boston has gone 13-7-3 at home and 22-19-6 overall. The Bruins have a 7-11-3 record when they serve more penalty minutes than their opponent.

The Sharks and general manager Mike Grier could potentially attempt to extend pending free-agent Mikael Granlund rather than deal him away.

Welcome back to NHL Predictions! Today, like every day, Last Word on Hockey looks at the games happening and gives our predictions for each. We’ll also break down head-to-head matchups and other factors that may play in.

Mathew Barzal and Brock Nelson each had a goal and an assist and the New York Islanders beat the San Jose Sharks 4-1

Mathew Barzal and Brock Nelson each had a goal and an assist and the Islanders beat the San Jose Sharks 4-1 Saturday night.

Will Smith is still Will Smith. He’s still making plays that only Will Smith can make, a good sign halfway through a decidedly up-and-down campaign for the 19-year-old rookie. This play was a bright spot in the San Jose Sharks’ 4-1 loss to the New York Islanders.

Noah Dobson and Ryan Pulock also scored, Marcus Hogberg made 18 saves and the Islanders snapped a two-game skid.

ELMONT, N.Y. -- Mathew Barzal and Brock Nelson each had a goal and an assist for the New York Islanders in a 4-1 win against the San Jose Sharks at UBS Arena on Saturday.