NHL Hockey 3d Briefing
×Trade Deadline Buzz
NHL trade projections espn.com highlight six potential win-win deals ahead of Friday's 3 p.m. ET deadline. The Oilers fortified their defense espn.com by acquiring Blackhawks defenseman Connor Murphy for a 2028 second-round pick. Meanwhile, Rangers center Vincent Trocheck placed West Coast teams on his no-trade list espn.com, limiting potential destinations.
Coaching Changes
The Kings fired coach Jim Hiller espn.com after two seasons and named D.J. Smith interim coach. Los Angeles is three points out of a wild-card spot. The Kings lost their first game under Smith espn.com to the Avalanche, who became the first NHL team with 40 wins this season.
Olympic Celebrations
Columbus honored Zach Werenski espn.com before Saturday's game against the Islanders for his role in Team USA's Olympic gold medal. Meredith Gaudreau thanked U.S. men's hockey espn.com following their gold medal victory, reflecting on her Olympic trip.
Injury Updates
Golden Knights captain Mark Stone left Sunday's game against the Penguins espn.com due to an undisclosed injury. The injury occurred during what was otherwise a competitive matchup between the two teams.
Fantasy Focus
Weekly fantasy hockey pickups espn.com highlight Evander Kane and Luke Hughes as key additions before the trade deadline. Fantasy managers are advised to make strategic moves to strengthen their rosters for the stretch run.