NHL Hockey 3d Briefing
×Trade Deadline Buzz
New NHL cap rules espn.com are frustrating teams as Friday's deadline approaches, with executives and agents citing significant impact on trade negotiations. Vincent Trocheck espn.com has placed Western Conference clubs on his 12-team no-trade list, preferring destinations close to the East Coast if moved by the Rangers. Meanwhile, ESPN's projections espn.com suggest six win-win trades could reshape the league before 3 p.m. Friday.
Coaching Carousel
The L.A. Kings espn.com fired coach Jim Hiller after two seasons and named D.J. Smith interim coach. Los Angeles, three points out of a wild-card spot, lost their first game under Smith. The Avalanche espn.com capitalized with a 40th win, becoming the first NHL team to reach that milestone this season.
Injury Updates
Rangers captain J.T. Miller espn.com was placed on injured reserve Tuesday with an upper-body injury. Golden Knights captain Mark Stone espn.com left Sunday's game against the Penguins due to an undisclosed injury. The Oilers espn.com bolstered their defense by trading for Blackhawks' Connor Murphy, sending a 2028 second-round pick to Chicago.
Olympic Celebrations
Columbus fans espn.com honored Zach Werenski before Saturday's game against the Islanders for his role in Team USA's Olympic gold medal. Meredith Gaudreau espn.com thanked U.S. men's hockey following their Olympic victory, reflecting on the trip that resulted in gold.