NHL Hockey 3d Briefing
×Trade Deadline Frenzy
John Carlson's trade espn.com to the Ducks marked the first major move as the Capitals shipped their veteran defenseman to Anaheim. The Sabres espn.com pivoted quickly after missing out on Colton Parayko, landing Logan Stanley and Luke Schenn from the Jets instead. Parayko's no-trade clause espn.com blocked the Blues' attempt to send him to Buffalo, leaving St. Louis to explore other options. The Blue Jackets espn.com bolstered their playoff push by acquiring Conor Garland from Vancouver. The Red Wings espn.com brought back David Perron, sending a conditional 2026 fourth-round pick to Ottawa. The Golden Knights espn.com added veteran center Nic Dowd from Washington, parting with prospect goaltender Jesper Vikman and multiple draft picks. The Stars espn.com strengthened their defense by trading for Michael Bunting from Nashville. The Wild espn.com acquired Jeff Petry from the Panthers for a conditional 2026 seventh-round pick. The Maple Leafs espn.com traded Nicolas Roy to the Avalanche for conditional picks in 2026 and 2027. The Canucks espn.com sent Tyler Myers to the Stars, receiving picks in 2027 and 2029. The Predators espn.com traded Cole Smith to Vegas for prospect defenseman Christoffer Sedoff and a 2028 third-round pick. The Wild espn.com added Michael McCarron from Nashville for a 2028 second-round pick.
Player Extensions & Injuries
Ryan Poehling espn.com agreed to a four-year, $15 million extension with the Ducks during his first season with the team. Ethen Frank espn.com signed a two-year, $4 million extension with the Capitals. Kiefer Sherwood espn.com locked in a five-year deal worth $5.75 million annually against the cap with the Sharks. Mark Stone espn.com was placed on injured reserve with an upper-body injury after being hurt in Sunday's loss to Pittsburgh. J.T. Miller espn.com joined the injured list with an upper-body injury, dealing a blow to the Rangers' playoff push.
On-Ice Developments
Evgeni Malkin espn.com received a five-minute major and game misconduct for slashing Rasmus Dahlin in the head during Thursday's game against Buffalo. The Penguins forward could face supplemental discipline and a potential ban. Tage Thompson espn.com scored the decisive goal in the Sabres' 3-2 win over the Rangers, riding the momentum from a pregame celebration honoring U.S. Olympic hockey players. The sold-out crowd generated significant energy for Buffalo's victory.
League & Business News
New salary cap rules espn.com have frustrated NHL executives and player agents ahead of the trade deadline, complicating deal-making. The PWHL espn.com game between the New York Sirens and Seattle Torrent at Madison Square Garden on April 4 will set a U.S. attendance record for professional women's hockey. The Capitals-Rangers matchup espn.com on April 5 will feature the "Inside Out Classic," a real-time animated broadcast with characters from the Pixar film. The Oilers espn.com made a second trade with the Blackhawks this week, acquiring Jason Dickinson and Colton Dach. The Mammoth espn.com bolstered their blueline by acquiring Mac Kenzie Weegar from the Flames as they chase their first playoff berth.