NHL Hockey 3d Briefing
×Trade Deadline Buzz
Vincent Trocheck espn.com has placed Western Conference clubs on his 12-team no-trade list as the NHL trade deadline approaches Friday. The Predators espn.com made their first significant move, dealing Cole Smith to the Golden Knights for prospect defenseman Christoffer Sedoff and a 2028 third-round pick. The Wild espn.com also joined the trade market, acquiring Michael McCarron from Nashville for a 2028 second-round draft pick. Executives and player agents are expressing frustration with the new salary cap rules, which are complicating deadline deals.
On-Ice Action
Tage Thompson espn.com scored the decisive goal as the Sabres honored their Olympic gold medalists with a pregame celebration. The Avalanche espn.com reached a milestone, becoming the first NHL team to 40 wins this season with a victory over the Kings. Speaking of Los Angeles, the team fired coach Jim Hiller after two seasons and named D.J. Smith as interim coach. The Oilers espn.com strengthened their defense by acquiring Connor Murphy from the Blackhawks for a 2028 second-round pick.
Injury Updates
New York Rangers espn.com captain J.T. Miller was placed on injured reserve with an upper-body injury. Golden Knights espn.com captain Mark Stone left Sunday's game against the Penguins due to an undisclosed injury. These injuries could impact trade decisions as teams assess their needs before Friday's deadline.
Off-Ice News
Meredith Gaudreau espn.com reflected on her Olympic experience following the U.S. men's hockey team's gold medal victory. Her late husband Johnny Gaudreau's legacy continues to resonate throughout the hockey community. Meanwhile, analysts are projecting potential win-win trades ahead of the deadline, with speculation mounting about which teams will make the biggest moves before 3 p.m. Friday.