NHL Hockey 3d Briefing
×Trade Deadline Frenzy
The NHL trade deadline saw numerous significant moves as teams position themselves for playoff pushes. The Avalanche espn.com re-acquired forward Nazem Kadri in a swap with Calgary, bringing back the player who helped them win a Stanley Cup in 2021-22. The Red Wings espn.com bolstered their defense by acquiring 15-year veteran defenseman Justin Faulk from the Blues, while the Maple Leafs espn.com dealt forwards Bobby McMann to the Kraken and Scott Laughton to the Kings. In another notable move, Corey Perry espn.com is heading back to the Lightning after a trade from the Kings.
Roster Changes & Player Movement
The Islanders espn.com acquired Brayden Schenn from the Blues in exchange for Jonathan Drouin, two picks, and a prospect, adding playoff experience to their roster. The Blackhawks espn.com sent captain Nick Foligno to the Wild, giving him an opportunity to play with his brother Marcus. In a surprising development, John Carlson espn.com was traded from the Capitals to the Ducks, ending his long tenure in Washington. The Sabres espn.com addressed their blue line by trading for Jets defensemen Logan Stanley and Luke Schenn after being spurned by Blues star Colton Parayko.
Blue-Lane Reinforcements
Teams continued to strengthen defensively as the deadline approached. The Blue Jackets espn.com traded for Canucks forward Conor Garland as they seek their first Stanley Cup playoff berth since 2020. The Wild espn.com added more depth by acquiring veteran defenseman Jeff Petry from the Panthers in exchange for a conditional seventh-round pick in 2026. The Golden Knights espn.com added veteran center Nic Dowd in a trade with the Capitals, sending back prospect goaltender Jesper Vikman, a 2027 third-round pick and a 2029 second-round pick. The Utah Mammoth espn.com acquired Calgary Flames defenseman Mac Kenzie Weegar, bolstering their blueline as they seek their first playoff berth.
Player Performance & Discipline
Jack Hughes espn.com had a hat trick and an assist, his first NHL goals since winning the gold medal with Team USA two weeks ago, leading the New Jersey Devils to a 6-3 victory over the rival New York Rangers. Evgeni Malkin espn.com of the Penguins was suspended five games for slashing Buffalo defenseman Rasmus Dahlin during Thursday's game between the Penguins and Sabres. Mark Stone espn.com of the Golden Knights was placed on injured reserve after being hurt in Sunday's loss at Pittsburgh.
Contract Extensions
After taking calls but failing to deal goalie Sergei Bobrovsky, the Florida Panthers espn.com said the plan is to try and get a new deal done with the 37-year-old netminder. The Seattle Kraken espn.com signed captain Jordan Eberle to a two-year contract extension with an average annual value of $5.5 million. The Sharks espn.com and goaltender Alex Nedeljkovic have agreed to a two-year contract extension, while the Ducks espn.com and forward Ryan Poehling have agreed to a four-year, $15 million contract extension.
League News & Other Developments
Former Blackhawks player and broadcaster Troy Murray espn.com, who played 12 seasons with Chicago and became the team's longtime broadcasting analyst, has died at age. With playoff spots, division titles and seeds up for grabs, Stanley Cup playoff projections espn.com have been updated after the deadline. The NHL Power Rankings espn.com have been reset with a new 1-32 poll. A sold-out PWHL game espn.com at Madison Square Garden on April 4 is expected to set a U.S. attendance record for a professional women's hockey game. The April 5 Capitals-Rangers matchup espn.com will feature players skating alongside Joy and Sadness in the "Inside Out Classic," a real-time animated alternative broadcast.