NHL Hockey 3d Briefing
×Trade Deadline Moves
NHL teams espn.com made significant moves ahead of Friday's deadline reshaping the playoff races. The Avalanche reacquired Nazem Kadri espn.com from the Flames in a major trade, bringing back the forward who won a Stanley Cup with Colorado in 2021-22. The Islanders landed Brayden Schenn espn.com from the Blues, sending Jonathan Drouin, two picks and a prospect back to St. Louis. Schenn had served as St. Louis' captain for the past three seasons.
The Red Wings acquired Justin Faulk espn.com from the rebuilding Blues, adding a 15-year veteran defenseman to their roster. Detroit also brought back David Perron espn.com in a deal with Ottawa, parting with a conditional 2026 fourth-round draft pick. The Capitals traded John Carlson espn.com to the Ducks in what might be the most surprising development, while Washington also sent Nic Dowd espn.com to the Golden Knights.
Player Discipline and Injuries
Pittsburgh forward Evgeni Malkin espn.com received a five-game suspension for slashing Buffalo's Rasmus Dahlin during Thursday's game. The Golden Knights placed Mark Stone espn.com on injured reserve with an upper-body injury sustained in Sunday's loss to Pittsburgh. Stone has been dealing with injury issues throughout his career.
Contract Extensions
The Kraken signed captain Jordan Eberle espn.com to a two-year extension with a $5.5 million annual average value. The Ducks agreed to a four-year, $15 million extension espn.com with forward Ryan Poehling during his first season with the team. The Capitals signed Ethen Frank espn.com to a two-year, $4 million contract extension, while the Sharks and goaltender Alex Nedeljkovic espn.com agreed to a two-year deal.
Western Conference Moves
The Wild traded for Blackhawks captain Nick Foligno espn.com, giving him an opportunity to play with his brother Marcus. Minnesota also acquired Jeff Petry espn.com from the Panthers for a conditional seventh-round pick in 2026. The Stars landed Michael Bunting espn.com from the Predators for a 2026 third-round pick, marking their second deadline deal. Dallas also added Tyler Myers espn.com from Vancouver, bolstering their defense during a 10-game winning streak.
Eastern Conference Activity
The Maple Leafs dealt Bobby McMann espn.com to the Kraken and Scott Laughton to the Kings ahead of the deadline. Toronto also traded Nicolas Roy espn.com to the Avalanche for draft picks. The Sabres addressed their blue line espn.com by trading for Jets defensemen Logan Stanley and Luke Schenn after being spurned by Blues star Colton Parayko, who invoked his no-movement clause espn.com to prevent a trade.
Playoff Picture
With the trade deadline passed, Stanley Cup playoff races are taking shape. Teams have finalized their rosters for the postseason push, with contenders adding pieces while sellers began their retooling processes. The Panthers, after taking calls on Sergei Bobrovsky but failing to deal the goalie, plan to negotiate a new contract espn.com with the 37-year-old netminder.
Additional Moves
The Blue Jackets traded for Conor Garland espn.com from Vancouver as they seek their first playoff berth since 2020. The Blackhawks sent Jason Dickinson and Colton Dach espn.com to the Oilers in a second trade between the teams this week. The Mammoth acquired Mac Kenzie Weegar espn.com from Calgary, bolstering their blue line as they pursue their first playoff appearance.