NHL Hockey 3d Briefing
×Trade Deadline Moves
Red Wings espn.com brought back David Perron in a deal with the Senators, parting with a conditional 2026 fourth-round draft pick. Stars espn.com landed Predators forward Michael Bunting for a 2026 third-round pick in their second deadline deal. Wild espn.com added veteran defenseman Jeff Petry from the Panthers in exchange for a conditional seventh-round pick in 2026. Golden Knights espn.com acquired longtime Capitals center Nic Dowd, sending back prospect goaltender 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 first-round draft choice in 2027 and a conditional fifth-round pick in 2026.
Contract Extensions
Ducks espn.com agreed to a four-year, $15 million contract extension with forward Ryan Poehling during his first season with the team. 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 contract extension worth $5.75 million annually against the salary cap.
Injuries & Roster Moves
Vegas espn.com placed oft-injured captain Mark Stone on injured reserve Thursday after an upper-body injury sustained in Sunday's loss at Pittsburgh. Rangers espn.com captain J.T. Miller was placed on injured reserve Tuesday with an upper-body injury. Penguins espn.com forward Evgeni Malkin received a five-minute major penalty and game misconduct for slashing Sabres defenseman Rasmus Dahlin in the head during Thursday's game, potentially facing a ban.
Trade Deadline Drama
Blues espn.com defenseman Colton Parayko invoked his no-movement clause to prevent a trade to the Sabres, according to multiple reports. Oilers espn.com acquired forwards Jason Dickinson and Colton Dach from the Blackhawks in their second trade of the week. Mammoth espn.com bolstered their blueline by acquiring Flames defenseman Mac Kenzie Weegar, seeking their first playoff berth. New NHL salary cap rules have frustrated teams ahead of Friday's deadline, with executives and agents expressing concerns about their impact.
Game Highlights
Thompson espn.com scored the decisive goal in the Sabres' 3-2 win over the Flyers, riding the wave of energy from a pregame celebration honoring U.S. hockey Olympians. Avalanche espn.com became the first NHL team with 40 wins this season, defeating the Kings in Los Angeles' first game since firing coach Jim Hiller. Wild espn.com acquired veteran center Michael McCarron from the Predators for a 2028 second-round draft pick.
Women's Hockey Milestone
The PWHL game on April 4 between the New York Sirens and Seattle Torrent sold out espn.com Madison Square Garden, expected to set a U.S. attendance record for professional women's hockey. The April 5 Capitals-Rangers matchup 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.
With the trade deadline set for Friday, activity has been relatively quiet this week, but executives anticipate things could accelerate quickly. Some teams are exploring win-win trade scenarios before the 3 p.m. ET deadline, while others navigate the complexities of new salary cap regulations affecting their ability to make moves.