NHL Hockey 3d Briefing
×Trade Deadline Moves
Blues defenseman Colton Parayko espn.com blocked a trade to the Sabres by invoking his no-movement clause. The Golden Knights espn.com bolstered their center depth by acquiring Nic Dowd from the Capitals in exchange for Jesper Vikman, a 2027 third-round pick, and a 2029 second-round pick. Maple Leafs espn.com traded center Nicolas Roy to the Avalanche for a conditional 2027 first-round pick and a conditional 2026 fifth-round selection. The Oilers espn.com made another trade with the Blackhawks, adding forwards Jason Dickinson and Colton Dach. Utah's Mammoth espn.com acquired Calgary's Mac Kenzie Weegar to strengthen their blue line. Stars espn.com added veteran defenseman Tyler Myers from the Canucks for picks in 2027 and 2029. The Wild espn.com picked up center Michael McCarron from the Predators for a 2028 second-round pick. Predators espn.com sent winger Cole Smith to the Golden Knights for prospect defenseman Christoffer Sedoff and a 2028 third-round pick.
Contract Extensions
The Capitals espn.com signed forward Ethen Frank to a two-year, $4 million extension. Sharks forward Kiefer Sherwood espn.com agreed to a five-year contract extension worth $5.75 million annually against the salary cap.
Game Results & Standings
The Avalanche espn.com became the first NHL team to reach 40 wins this season with a victory over the Kings, who were playing their first game under new interim coach. Sabres forward Tage Thompson espn.com scored the decisive goal in a game that featured a pregame celebration honoring U.S. Olympic hockey players. Rangers captain J.T. Miller espn.com was placed on injured reserve with an upper-body injury.
Upcoming Events
The PWHL game between the New York Sirens and Seattle Torrent on April 4 at Madison Square Garden is sold out espn.com, expected to set a U.S. attendance record for professional women's hockey. The April 5 Capitals-Rangers matchup will feature the "Inside Out Classic," a real-time animated broadcast with characters from the hit Pixar film.
Deadline Analysis
Some NHL executives and player agents told ESPN they're frustrated by new salary cap rules espn.com ahead of Friday's deadline. With the trade deadline set for Friday, activity has been relatively quiet, though one major deal could trigger a flurry of moves. Analysts have projected six potential win-win trades espn.com before the 3 p.m. ET deadline.