NHL Hockey 3d Briefing
×NHL Trade Deadline Moves
Red Wings espn.com bolstered their defense by acquiring Justin Faulk from the rebuilding Blues. Detroit espn.com also brought back David Perron in a deal with the Senators, parting with a conditional 2026 fourth-round draft pick. The Maple Leafs espn.com made multiple moves, dealing Bobby McMann to the Kraken and Scott Laughton to the Kings ahead of Friday's deadline.
Blues espn.com traded captain Brayden Schenn to the Islanders, receiving Jonathan Drouin, two picks and a prospect in return. The Avalanche espn.com re-acquired Nazem Kadri from the Flames, reuniting with the forward who won a Stanley Cup with Colorado in 2022. Wild espn.com acquired Blackhawks captain Nick Foligno, giving him a chance to play alongside his brother Marcus.
Capitals espn.com shocked the league by trading veteran defenseman John Carlson to the Ducks. The Golden Knights espn.com added veteran center Nic Dowd in a trade with Washington, sending back prospect goaltender Jesper Vikman and multiple draft picks. Stars espn.com landed Predators forward Michael Bunting for a 2026 third-round pick.
Player Performances & Suspensions
Devils espn.com star Jack Hughes delivered a dominant performance with a hat trick and an assist, his first NHL goals since winning Olympic gold two weeks ago. Hughes led New Jersey to a 6-3 victory over rival New York Rangers. Penguins espn.com forward Evgeni Malkin received a five-game suspension for slashing Buffalo's Rasmus Dahlin during Thursday's game.
Contract Extensions & Retirements
Sharks espn.com and goaltender Alex Nedeljkovic agreed to a two-year contract extension. The Ducks espn.com locked up Ryan Poehling with a four-year, $15 million deal during his first season with the team. Kraken espn.com signed captain Jordan Eberle to a two-year extension with a $5.5 million annual value. Panthers espn.com general manager Bill Zito said the plan is to pursue a new contract with 37-year-old goalie Sergei Bobrovsky after failing to trade him.
Stanley Cup Playoff Picture
With the trade deadline passed, the playoff races are intensifying. Stanley Cup playoff watch espn.com projections show multiple teams still battling for division titles and seeding. The Blue Jackets espn.com added Canucks forward Conor Garland as they chase their first playoff berth since 2020. Wild espn.com acquired veteran defenseman Jeff Petry from the Panthers for a conditional seventh-round pick in 2026.
Other Notable Moves
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, who invoked his no-movement clause to block a trade. Oilers espn.com acquired forwards Jason Dickinson and Colton Dach from the Blackhawks. Vegas espn.com placed oft-injured captain Mark Stone on injured reserve with an upper-body injury sustained Sunday against Pittsburgh.
Isles bolstered their roster for the playoff push by acquiring Schenn, while Red Wings continue building around young talent with veteran additions. The Maple Leafs espn.com traded center Nicolas Roy to the Avalanche for draft picks, signaling a potential retooling approach.
League Notes
The NHL community mourned the loss of former Blackhawks player and broadcaster Troy Murray, who died at 63 after a 12-year NHL career and transition to broadcasting. PWHL game espn.com at Madison Square Garden on April 4 between the New York Sirens and Seattle Torrent is set to break the U.S. attendance record for professional women's hockey.
The Capitals and Rangers will feature a unique "Inside Out Classic" on April 5, with players skating alongside animated characters from the Pixar film during a real-time animated broadcast. Blackhawks and Oilers made a second trade this week, with Edmonton sending forwards to Chicago. The Mammoth espn.com acquired Flames defenseman Mac Kenzie Weegar to strengthen their blue line for a potential playoff run.