NHL Hockey 3d Briefing
×Last updated: March 15, 2026, 7:37 PM ET
NHL Contract Moves & International Expansion
The Capitals secured prospect Hutson espn.com with a three-year deal as they chase playoff positioning, while the Sharks locked in forward Dellandrea espn.com with a two-year, $3.25 million extension. Meanwhile, the NHL announced international games espn.com between the Blackhawks and Senators in Germany next season, expanding the league's Global Series footprint.
Player Suspensions & Discipline
The NHL Department of Player Safety suspended Gudas five games espn.com for a knee-on-knee hit that ended Maple Leafs star Auston Matthews' season, marking a significant disciplinary action during the playoff push. In a separate development, the league rescinded MacKinnon's major penalty espn.com, the Colorado Avalanche star confirmed, removing the game misconduct he received against Edmonton.
Fantasy Hockey & Player Returns
With the ESPN Fantasy postseason underway, analysts recommended pickups espn.com from each team to bolster championship rosters. On the ice, the Golden Knights welcomed back captain Stone espn.com, who missed five games with an upper-body injury before helping Vegas defeat Pittsburgh 6-2 Thursday.
Playoff Picture Developments
The Ducks' Pacific title hopes received analysis as experts projected their path espn.com to clinching the division, while the Oilers' postseason trajectory took shape espn.com with updated Stanley Cup projections. Saturday's 14-game slate, headlined by Bruins-Capitals, featured critical matchups espn.com with significant playoff implications, as teams jockey for positioning in the final weeks of the regular season.