NHL Hockey 3d Briefing
×Trade Deadline Buzz
Vincent Trocheck espn.com has put Western Conference clubs on his 12-team no-trade list, preferring an East Coast destination if the Rangers deal him before Friday's deadline. The trade market remains relatively quiet this week, but executives and agents espn.com expressed frustration with new salary cap rules complicating deadline moves.
Recent Trades
The Predators espn.com traded winger Cole Smith to the Golden Knights for prospect defenseman Christoffer Sedoff and a 2028 third-round pick. Minnesota acquired McCarron espn.com from Nashville for a 2028 second-round draft pick. The Oilers fortified their defense espn.com by dealing for Blackhawks' Connor Murphy in exchange for a 2028 second-round pick.
On-Ice Action
The Avalanche espn.com became the first NHL team to reach 40 wins this season, defeating the Kings who were playing their first game under interim coach D.J. Smith after firing Jim Hiller. Tage Thompson espn.com scored the decisive goal in the Sabres' 3-2 win, riding the energy from a pregame celebration honoring U.S. Olympic hockey gold medalists.
Injury Updates
Rangers captain J.T. Miller espn.com was placed on injured reserve with an upper-body injury. Golden Knights captain Mark Stone espn.com left Sunday's game against the Penguins with an undisclosed injury. The Kings' coaching change came as they sit three points out of a wild-card spot.
Olympic Connections
U.S. men's hockey espn.com received thanks from Meredith Gaudreau following their Olympic gold medal victory. The Sabres' pregame ceremony celebrating the Olympic champions helped generate the electric atmosphere that fueled their victory over the Devils.