NHL Hockey 3d Briefing
×Trade Deadline Moves
Ryan Poehling espn.com secured his future with the Ducks signing a four-year, $15 million extension during his first season with the team. The Predators traded Michael Bunting espn.com to the Stars for a 2026 third-round pick while also dealing Cole Smith to the Golden Knights for prospect defenseman Christoffer Sedoff and a 2028 third-round selection. The Wild acquired Jeff Petry espn.com from the Panthers for a conditional seventh-round pick in 2026, adding veteran depth to their blue line. The Maple Leafs sent Nicolas Roy espn.com to the Avalanche for a conditional first-round pick in 2027 and a conditional fifth-round selection in 2026. The Capitals landed Nic Dowd espn.com in a trade with the Capitals, sending back prospect goaltender Jesper Vikman, a 2027 third-round pick and a 2029 second-round selection. The Stars added Tyler Myers espn.com from the Canucks, who receive picks in 2027 and 2029, while the Wild picked up Michael McCarron espn.com from the Predators for a 2028 second-round draft pick.
Contract Extensions
Colton Parayko espn.com blocked a trade to the Sabres by invoking his no-movement clause. The Capitals signed Ethen Frank espn.com to a two-year, $4 million extension while the Sharks locked up Kiefer Sherwood espn.com with a five-year deal worth $5.75 million annually against the salary cap.
Injury Updates
Mark Stone espn.com joined the injured reserve after being hurt in Sunday's loss at Pittsburgh. The Rangers placed J.T. Miller espn.com on injured reserve Tuesday with an upper-body injury.
Game Results
The Avalanche reached 40 wins espn.com becoming the first NHL team to hit that mark this season by defeating the Kings, who were playing their first game under interim coach. The Sabres beat the Capitals espn.com riding the energy from a pregame celebration honoring U.S. hockey Olympians, with Tage Thompson scoring the decisive goal.
League News
Some NHL executives and player agents expressed frustration espn.com with the impact of new salary cap rules ahead of Friday's trade deadline. The Blackhawks and Oilers completed their second trade espn.com this week with Edmonton receiving forwards Jason Dickinson and Colton Dach. The Mammoth acquired Mac Kenzie Weegar espn.com from the Flames bolstering their blue line as they seek their first playoff berth.
Women's Hockey Milestone
The PWHL set an attendance record espn.com as the April 4 game between the New York Sirens and Seattle Torrent sold out Madison Square Garden, expected to set a U.S. record for a professional women's hockey event.
Special Events
The Capitals and Rangers will feature an "Inside Out" theme espn.com for their April 5 matchup, with players skating alongside Joy and Sadness in a real-time animated alternative broadcast featuring characters from the hit Pixar film.