NHL Hockey 3d Briefing
×Trade Deadline Moves
The Red Wings espn.com acquired 15-year veteran defenseman Justin Faulk from the rebuilding Blues in a trade deadline deal. Meanwhile, the Maple Leafs espn.com made multiple moves, dealing forward Bobby McMann to the Kraken and Scott Laughton to the Kings ahead of Friday's deadline. In another significant trade, the Islanders espn.com landed Blues captain Brayden Schenn for their playoff push, sending back Jonathan Drouin, two picks and a prospect.
Corey Perry espn.com is heading back to the Lightning after being traded from the Kings, while the Kraken espn.com secured their future by signing captain Jordan Eberle to a two-year extension worth $5.5 million annually. The Blackhawks traded forward Nick Foligno to the Wild, giving him a chance to play alongside his brother Marcus. The Ducks espn.com acquired veteran defenseman John Carlson from the Capitals in what might be the most surprising deadline move.
Contract Extensions
Several teams locked up key players with contract extensions. The Sharks espn.com agreed to a two-year deal with goaltender Alex Nedeljkovic, while the Ducks espn.com signed forward Ryan Poehling to a four-year, $15 million extension. The Capitals espn.com extended forward Ethen Frank for two years at $4 million, and the Sharks espn.com reached a five-year agreement with Kiefer Sherwood worth $5.75 million annually against the cap.
Injury Updates
Golden Knights captain Mark Stone espn.com was placed on injured reserve with an upper-body injury after being hurt in Sunday's loss to Pittsburgh. The oft-injured veteran's absence adds to Vegas's challenges as they push for playoff positioning.
Other Notable Moves
The Wild espn.com added veteran defenseman Jeff Petry from the Panthers for a conditional seventh-round pick in 2026. The Stars espn.com acquired Michael Bunting from the Predators for a 2026 third-round pick, bolstering their offense during a 10-game winning streak. The Canucks espn.com traded Tyler Myers to the Stars, receiving picks in 2027 and 2029 in return.
The Blues' Colton Parayko espn.com invoked his no-movement clause to prevent a trade to the Sabres, leaving Buffalo to pursue other options. They ultimately acquired defensemen Logan Stanley and Luke Schenn from the Jets. The Sabres espn.com saw Evgeni Malkin ejected for slashing Rasmus Dahlin in the head, potentially facing supplemental discipline.
Draft Pick Swaps
Toronto espn.com traded center Nicolas Roy to the Avalanche for a conditional first-round pick in 2027 and a conditional fifth-round pick in 2026. The Predators espn.com dealt Cole Smith to the Golden Knights for prospect defenseman Christoffer Sedoff and a 2028 third-round pick. The Wild espn.com acquired Michael McCarron from Nashville for a 2028 second-round draft pick.
League Developments
Utah Mammoth espn.com bolstered their blueline by acquiring Calgary Flames defenseman Mac Kenzie Weegar as they seek their first playoff berth. The Red Wings espn.com brought back David Perron in a deal with the Senators, parting with a conditional 2026 fourth-round pick.
Beyond the Ice
A PWHL game between the New York Sirens and Seattle Torrent on April 4 at Madison Square Garden is set to break the U.S. attendance record for professional women's hockey. Additionally, the April 5 Capitals-Rangers matchup will feature an "Inside Out Classic" with real-time animated characters from the Pixar film during the broadcast.
Power Rankings and Analysis
ESPN's NHL Power Rankings espn.com feature a new 1-32 poll with analysis of each team's top game in March, helping fans identify must-watch matchups as the season progresses toward the playoffs.