NHL Hockey 3d Briefing

Trade Deadline Buzz

NHL trades espn.com are heating up as the deadline approaches Friday. The Oilers fortified their defense espn.com by acquiring Blackhawks' Connor Murphy for a 2028 second-round pick. Meanwhile, Rangers' Vincent Trocheck put West Coast teams on his no-trade list espn.com, preferring an East Coast destination if moved.

Coaching Changes

The L.A. Kings espn.com fired coach Jim Hiller after two seasons, naming D.J. Smith as interim coach. The team sits three points out of a wild-card spot. The Kings lost their first game espn.com under new leadership to the Avalanche, who became the first NHL team to reach 40 wins this season.

Player Updates

Golden Knights captain Mark Stone left Sunday's game espn.com against the Penguins with an undisclosed injury. The Blue Jackets honored Zach Werenski espn.com before their game against the Islanders for his Olympic gold medal with Team USA.

Off-Ice News

Meredith Gaudreau thanked U.S. men's hockey espn.com following their Olympic gold medal victory. The widow of NHL player Johnny Gaudreau reflected on the trip that resulted in Team USA's championship.

Fantasy Hockey

Evander Kane and Luke Hughes espn.com are among the key pickups to consider before the trade deadline. Fantasy managers should make moves now to prepare for the final stretch of the season.