Several star players pulled from lineups ahead of tonight’s games

When star players suddenly disappear from a lineup ahead of a game, fans often assume a trade could be looming. Today, that assumption is even more understandable: after 3 p.m. ET, no trades can occur, and the NHL will enter a roster freeze until February 22 at 11:59 p.m. ET.

However, not all absences are trade-related. Some players are simply being rested ahead of the Olympics. Earlier today, Colorado Avalanche head coach Jared Bednar confirmed that both Gabriel Landeskog and Martin Necas are healthy for the Games, but neither will play tonight as Colorado hosts the San Jose Sharks.

When it comes to Brad Marchand and Team Canada, the Florida Panthers forward remains out of action tonight, though the new addition to Canada’s roster will face the visiting Boston Bruins.

However, Bruins' Charlie McAvoy and Panthers' Matthew Tkachuk, a pair of American stars who will team up in international play next week, will play tonight.

Meanwhile, one huge star player is inactive for a different reason. The New York Rangers removed Artemi Panarin from their lineup last week amid ongoing trade talks ahead of today’s deadline. The Rangers worked the phones overnight Tuesday into Wednesday morning in a push to move the Russian forward, but the blockbuster deal has not yet materialized. An extension is a key part of any trade, with insider Chris Johnston reporting that at least one team has already offered $40 million, while Elliotte Friedman suggests the real target is closer to $50 million.

More insiders have reported shortly after noonET that Panarin is very close to being traded, and will be before today's roster freeze deadline.

As the day unfolds, more star players could be given a rest, with 10 games scheduled tonight and seven tomorrow, the final NHL action before the Olympic break.

We’ll keep this post updated throughout the day with all lineup changes and Olympic-related rests, so check back for the latest information on who will sit, who will play, and any potential trade surprises:

More to come…