NHL Hockey 3d Briefing
×Trade Deadline Moves
The Stars espn.com landed forward Michael Bunting from the Predators in exchange for a 2026 third-round pick. The Wild espn.com added veteran defenseman Jeff Petry from the Panthers for a conditional seventh-round pick in 2026. The Golden Knights espn.com acquired veteran center Nic Dowd from the Capitals, sending back prospect goaltender Jesper Vikman, a 2027 third-round pick and a 2029 second-round pick. The Maple Leafs espn.com traded center Nicolas Roy to the Avalanche for a conditional first-round draft choice in 2027 and a conditional fifth-round pick in 2026.
NHL Trade Deadline Developments
Blues defenseman Colton Parayko espn.com has invoked his no-movement clause to prevent a trade to the Sabres, according to multiple reports. The Canucks espn.com sent veteran defenseman Tyler Myers to the Stars, who are on a 10-game winning streak, receiving picks in 2027 and 2029. The Blackhawks espn.com made a second trade with the Oilers, sending forwards Jason Dickinson and Colton Dach to Edmonton. The Predators espn.com traded winger Cole Smith to the Golden Knights for prospect defenseman Christoffer Sedoff and a 2028 third-round pick. The Wild espn.com acquired veteran center Michael McCarron from Nashville for a 2028 second-round draft pick.
Contract Extensions
The Capitals espn.com signed forward Ethen Frank to a two-year, $4 million contract extension. Sharks forward Kiefer Sherwood espn.com has agreed to a five-year contract extension worth $5.75 million annually against the salary cap. The Mammoth espn.com acquired Calgary Flames defenseman Mac Kenzie Weegar, bolstering their blueline as they seek their first playoff berth.
League News and Analysis
Some NHL executives and player agents espn.com told ESPN they're frustrated by the impact that the new salary cap rules have had ahead of Friday's trade deadline. New York Rangers captain J.T. Miller espn.com was placed 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, who were playing their first game since firing coach Jim Hiller.
Women's Hockey Milestone
A PWHL game on April 4 espn.com between the New York Sirens and the 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 game.
Special Events
The April 5 Capitals-Rangers matchup espn.com 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.