NHL Hockey 3d Briefing
×Trade Deadline Moves
Wild espn.com bolstered their blueline Thursday by acquiring veteran defenseman Jeff Petry from the Panthers for a conditional seventh-round pick in 2026. The Blues espn.com saw Colton Parayko block a trade to the Sabres by invoking his no-movement clause. Golden Knights espn.com added veteran center Nic Dowd in a deal with the Capitals, sending back prospect goaltender Jesper Vikman plus picks in 2027 and 2029. Maple Leafs espn.com traded center Nicolas Roy to the Avalanche for a conditional first-round choice in 2027 and a conditional fifth-round pick in 2026.
Recent Transactions
Oilers espn.com made a second trade with the Blackhawks this week, receiving forwards Jason Dickinson and Colton Dach on Wednesday. Utah Mammoth espn.com acquired Calgary Flames defenseman Mac Kenzie Weegar to bolster their blueline as they chase their first playoff berth. Capitals espn.com signed forward Ethen Frank to a two-year, $4 million contract extension. Sharks espn.com forward Kiefer Sherwood agreed to a five-year extension worth $5.75 million annually against the salary cap. Stars espn.com added veteran defenseman Tyler Myers while on a 10-game winning streak, sending picks to the Canucks in 2027 and 2029.
Game Highlights
Rangers espn.com placed captain J.T. Miller on injured reserve Tuesday with an upper-body injury. The Avalanche espn.com became the first NHL team with 40 wins this season, defeating the Kings in Los Angeles. The Kings were playing their first game since firing coach Jim Hiller and replacing him on an interim basis.
Women's Hockey Milestone
PWHL espn.com game on April 4 between the New York Sirens and Seattle Torrent has sold out Madison Square Garden, with a crowd expected to set a U.S. attendance record for a professional women's hockey match.
Special Events
Capitals-Rangers espn.com matchup on April 5 will feature players skating alongside Joy and Sadness in the "Inside Out Classic," a real-time animated alternative broadcast featuring characters from the hit Pixar film.
Deadline Analysis
New NHL espn.com salary cap rules have frustrated some executives and player agents ahead of Friday's trade deadline. Vincent Trocheck espn.com and aggressive Sabres moves were among topics as teams prepare for the 3 p.m. ET deadline. Predators espn.com traded winger Cole Smith to the Golden Knights for prospect defenseman Christoffer Sedoff and a 2028 third-round pick. Wild espn.com acquired veteran center Michael McCarron from the Predators for a 2028 second-round draft pick.
Recent Game Results
Sabres espn.com rode the wave of energy from a pregame celebration honoring U.S. hockey Olympians, with Tage Thompson scoring the decisive goal in their 3-2 victory.