NHL Hockey 3d Briefing
×Trade Deadline Moves
John Carlson espn.com was traded from the Capitals to the Ducks in a surprising move ahead of Friday's NHL trade deadline. The Sabres addressed their blueline by acquiring Logan Stanley espn.com and Luke Schenn from the Jets after being spurned by Colton Parayko, who invoked his no-movement clause to prevent a trade to Buffalo. The Blue Jackets added Conor Garland espn.com from the Canucks as they seek their first playoff berth since 2020. Detroit brought back David Perron espn.com from Ottawa, while the Golden Knights acquired veteran center Nic Dowd espn.com from Washington in a multi-pick deal.
On-Ice Developments
Penguins forward Evgeni Malkin espn.com was ejected for slashing Rasmus Dahlin in the head, potentially facing supplemental discipline. The Ducks signed Ryan Poehling espn.com to a four-year, $15 million extension during his first season with the team. Tage Thompson espn.com scored the decisive goal in the Sabres' 3-2 win over the Flyers, riding the energy from a pregame celebration honoring U.S. hockey Olympians. The Stars continued their 10-game winning streak by acquiring Michael Bunting espn.com from Nashville for a 2026 third-round pick.
Injury Updates
Vegas Golden Knights captain Mark Stone espn.com was placed on injured reserve with an upper-body injury after being hurt in Sunday's loss at Pittsburgh. The Rangers also placed captain J.T. Miller espn.com on injured reserve Tuesday with an upper-body injury. These moves significantly impact both teams' playoff positioning.
Additional Transactions
The Wild added veteran defenseman Jeff Petry espn.com from the Panthers for a conditional seventh-round pick in 2026. The Stars acquired Tyler Myers espn.com from the Canucks, bolstering their defense during their winning streak. The Maple Leafs traded center Nicolas Roy espn.com to the Avalanche for conditional picks in 2026 and 2027. The Blackhawks sent Jason Dickinson espn.com and Colton Dach to Edmonton in a second trade with the Oilers this week.
Contract Extensions
The Capitals signed forward Ethen Frank espn.com to a two-year, $4 million extension. Sharks forward Kiefer Sherwood espn.com agreed to a five-year deal worth $5.75 million annually against the salary cap. The Ducks' Ryan Poehling also signed a four-year, $15 million extension.
Other Notable Moves
The Predators traded winger Cole Smith espn.com to the Golden Knights for prospect defenseman Christoffer Sedoff and a 2028 third-round pick. The Wild acquired veteran center Michael McCarron espn.com from Nashville for a 2028 second-round draft pick. The Utah Mammoth bolstered their blueline by acquiring Mac Kenzie Weegar espn.com from the Flames.
The NHL trade deadline approaches Friday with teams making final pushes for playoff positioning. The new salary cap rules have frustrated some executives and agents, according to multiple reports. Meanwhile, the 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. The Capitals-Rangers matchup on April 5 will feature an "Inside Out Classic" with animated characters from the hit Pixar film.