Alex Tuch is looking to get paid handsomely.   The Buffalo Sabres forward, who's a pending unrest...

<p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/5550" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/5550">Alex Tuch</a> is looking to get paid handsomely. </p><p>The <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/teams/2" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/teams/2">Buffalo Sabres</a> forward, who's a pending unrestricted free agent, is asking for an average annual value of at least $10 million on his next contract, sources told <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7112544/2026/03/12/nhl-contract-extensions-free-agency-2026/?source=emp_shared_article">The Athletic's Pierre LeBrun</a>. Tuch and the Sabres reportedly remain engaged in extension talks.</p><p>Tuch, 29, would likely be the top UFA forward if he decides to test the open market on July 1. Similar contracts handed out recently include that of Utah Mammoth forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/5629" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/5629">Nick Schmaltz</a> (eight years, $8-million AAV signed Wednesday) and Los Angeles Kings winger <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4520" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4520">Adrian Kempe</a> (eight years, $10.625-million AAV signed in November).</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The Sabres project to have roughly $13 million in cap space this summer, with new deals also needed for restricted free agents <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/13818" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/13818">Zach Benson</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/8680" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/8680">Peyton Krebs</a>, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/10909" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/10909">Michael Kesselring</a>.</p><p>Tuch, a native of Western New York, has been a key part of Buffalo's resurgent season, generating 28 goals and 57 points in 64 games. His best campaign came in 2022-23, when he notched 36 goals and 79 points in 74 appearances. The Sabres acquired the 6-foot-4, 219-pound winger in 2021 as part of the trade that sent <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4558" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4558">Jack Eichel</a> to the Vegas Golden Knights.</p><p>Other potential 2026 UFAs include defensemen <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4088" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4088">Darren Raddysh</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/1445" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/1445">John Carlson</a>, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4723" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4723">Rasmus Andersson</a> as well as forwards <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/9435" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/9435">Mason Marchment</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/2474" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/2474">Charlie Coyle</a>, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3248" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3248">Anthony Mantha</a>.</p>

BUFFALO, NEW YORK - MARCH 08: Alex Tuch #89 of the Buffalo Sabres prepares for a faceoff during an NHL game against the Tampa Bay Lightning on March 08, 2026 at KeyBank Center in Buffalo, New York.

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Report: Sabres' Tuch seeking AAV of at least $10M on next contract

Rory McIlroy participated in the first round of The Players Championship on Thursday after a back...

<p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pga/players/599" href="https://thescore.com/pga/players/599">Rory McIlroy</a> participated in the first round of The Players Championship on Thursday after a back injury made his status unclear for the marquee event at TPC Sawgrass.</p><p>McIlroy finished the day in a tie for 70th after a 2-over 74. </p><p>The reigning champion blasted his opening tee shot 329 yards down the middle of the first fairway after calling himself a game-time decision Wednesday. McIlroy withdrew from last week's Arnold Palmer Invitational prior to the third round due to back spasms.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>His tee time was pushed back to 2:12 p.m. ET following a weather delay earlier Thursday.</p><p>McIlroy won the 2025 Players Championship in a playoff over <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pga/players/2217" href="https://thescore.com/pga/players/2217">J.J. Spaun</a>. He also won the tournament in 2019 by one stroke over <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pga/players/1948" href="https://thescore.com/pga/players/1948">Jim Furyk</a>. The legendary Jack Nicklaus - who was victorious in 1974, 1976, and 1978 - is the only player to win the event at least three times.</p>

PONTE VEDRA BEACH, FLORIDA - MARCH 11: Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland warms up on the range prior to THE PLAYERS Championship 2026 at THE PLAYERS Stadium course at TPC Sawgrass on March 11, 2026 in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida.

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McIlroy tees off at TPC Sawgrass despite back concerns

The Calgary Flames landed one of the most sought-after 2026 college free agents in St. Cloud Stat...

<p>The Calgary Flames landed one of the most sought-after 2026 college free agents in St. Cloud State forward Tyson Gross, the team announced Thursday.</p><p>Gross inked a two-year, two-way contract with an average annual value of $975K at the NHL level.</p><p>Gross racked up 18 goals and 23 assists in 36 games this season, and his 41 points ranked 16th in the nation. He's finalist for NCHC Player of the Year, Forward of the Year, and Defensive Forward of the Year.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The 23-year-old is a 6-foot-3 right-shot center who served as captain for the Huskies in 2025-26. He tallied 86 points over 106 games during his NCAA career.</p><p>Gross, a Calgary native, will make his NHL debut before the end of the season, according to <a href="https://x.com/EricFrancis/status/2032114185656471689">Sportsnet's Eric Francis</a>.</p>

MONTREAL, QC - JANUARY 30: A detail of the Calgary Flames logo is seen during the second period against the Montreal Canadiens at the Bell Centre on January 30, 2021 in Montreal, Canada. The Calgary Flames defeated the Montreal Canadiens 2-0.

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Flames sign prized NCAA free agent Gross

The NHL has softened its punishment on the Ottawa Senators for their role in the voided 2022 trad...

<p>The NHL has softened its punishment on the Ottawa Senators for their role in the voided 2022 trade involving forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/513" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/513">Evgenii Dadonov</a>, the league announced Thursday.</p><p>The Senators, who were set to be without their 2026 first-round pick entirely, will now pick 32nd overall in this year's draft, regardless of how they finish the season. They're not eligible to win the draft lottery and can't trade the pick. They're also being fined $1 million CAD.</p><p>The Vegas Golden Knights attempted to trade Dadonov to the Anaheim Ducks at the 2022 deadline. The league initially allowed the move but later voided it after discovering that the Ducks were on Dadonov's 10-team no-trade list.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The Senators were punished for failing to properly inform the Golden Knights about Dadonov's no-trade list when they dealt him to Vegas in the 2021 offseason. The league forced Ottawa to forfeit its first-round pick in either 2024, 2025, or 2026. The team opted to keep the first two selections, taking <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/14997" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/14997">Carter Yakemchuk</a> seventh overall in 2024, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/16190" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/16190">Logan Hensler</a> 23rd overall in 2025.</p><p>If the Senators miss the 2026 playoffs, they'll receive the same lottery odds that would've normally been assigned to ensure equal odds for the other non-playoff clubs. There will be a re-draw if Ottawa wins either of the two lottery draws. The team is currently five points back of the final wild-card spot in the Eastern Conference.</p><p>The Senators applied to the league for reconsideration of the initial punishment, in part because of the change in team ownership. Current owner Michael Andlauer bought the franchise from the estate of Eugene Melnyk in 2023.</p><p>Pierre Dorion served as the Senators' general manager from 2016-23. He was fired on Nov. 1, 2023 - the same day that the NHL punished Ottawa. Steve Staios has held the position since then.</p>

OTTAWA, ON - MARCH 17: Close-up view of the Ottawa Senators jersey logo during first period National Hockey League action between the Carolina Hurricanes and Ottawa Senators on March 17, 2024, at Canadian Tire Centre in Ottawa, ON, Canada.

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Senators to pick 32nd overall as NHL restores 1st-round selection

Collin Morikawa withdrew from The Players Championship on Thursday due to a back injury, the PGA ...

<p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pga/players/3135" href="https://thescore.com/pga/players/3135">Collin Morikawa</a> withdrew from The Players Championship on Thursday due to a back injury, the PGA TOUR announced.</p><p>He completed just one hole before exiting. Morikawa, who teed off on No. 10, appeared to be in significant discomfort after a practice swing on the 11th tee.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Collin Morikawa has withdrawn from <a href="https://twitter.com/THEPLAYERS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@THEPLAYERS</a>. <a href="https://t.co/HsffCRoKH4">pic.twitter.com/HsffCRoKH4</a></p>— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) <a href="https://twitter.com/PGATOUR/status/2032082522180341972?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 12, 2026</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Morikawa, the World No. 4, closed as the second favorite to win the tournament behind only <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pga/players/1540" href="https://thescore.com/pga/players/1540">Scottie Scheffler</a>. The two-time major champion was coming off an impressive stretch of golf, finishing fifth at Bay Hill, tying for seventh at Riviera, and winning at Pebble Beach.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Morikawa finished T10 at the 2025 Players Championship, the best result of his career at TPC Sawgrass.</p><p>The 29-year-old is the second player to withdraw from the tournament after <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pga/players/790" href="https://thescore.com/pga/players/790">Ryan Fox</a> did so earlier Thursday due to illness.</p>

PONTE VEDRA BEACH, FLORIDA - MARCH 12: Collin Morikawa of the United States hits his second shot on the 10th hole during the first round of THE PLAYERS Championship 2026 at THE PLAYERS Stadium course at TPC Sawgrass on March 12, 2026 in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida.

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Morikawa withdraws from Players Championship due to back injury

William Nylander is in uncharted territory.  The Toronto Maple Leafs forward has made the postsea...

<p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4180" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4180">William Nylander</a> is in uncharted territory.</p><p>The Toronto Maple Leafs forward has made the postseason every year of his career aside from his debut campaign in 2015-16, when Nylander was called up late in the season and only appeared in 22 games for a rebuilding team.</p><p>However, Nylander's Maple Leafs are poised to see their nine-year playoff streak - the longest active streak in the league - come to an end. Toronto is 11 points out of a playoff spot and owns a 0.1% chance to make the postseason entering Tuesday's games, per <a href="https://moneypuck.com/predictions.htm">MoneyPuck</a>.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Nylander admitted it's been difficult to stay positive, especially since the Maple Leafs are riding an 0-5-2 skid since the Olympic break and sold at the deadline.</p><p>"Hard to really stay optimistic in this situation," Nylander told reporters ahead of Tuesday's game against the Montreal Canadiens, per <a href="https://www.tsn.ca/nhl/video/2026/03/10/hard-to-stay-optimistic-in-this-situation-nylander-in-disbelief-at-leafs-current-situation/">TSN</a>. "Just try to get a win tonight."</p><p>Nylander added that he "wouldn't have believed" someone if they told him at the beginning of the year that Toronto would wind up in its current position.</p><p>The 29-year-old said he holds out hope that this is just a one-off and the Maple Leafs will return to contention in 2026-27.</p><p>"I sure hope that that's the case," he said.</p><p>Nylander leads the Maple Leafs with 59 points this season despite only appearing in 47 of the team's 64 games due to injury. He's in the second season of an eight-year, $92-million contract.</p>

TORONTO, CANADA - MARCH 2: William Nylander #88 of the Toronto Maple Leafs skates against the Philadelphia Flyers at the Scotiabank Arena on March 2, 2026 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

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Nylander: Hard to 'stay optimistic' with Maple Leafs reeling

Now that the dust has settled on the 2026 NHL trade deadline, it's time to separate the winners a...

<p>Now that the dust has settled on the 2026 NHL trade deadline, it's time to separate the winners and losers. Moves made in the days leading up to the deadline were factored in.</p><h2>Winners</h2><h3>Anaheim Ducks</h3><p>Bravo, Pat Verbeek. The Ducks general manager made arguably the best addition of the week, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3481703" href="https://thescore.com/news/3481703">acquiring</a> John Carlson from the Washington Capitals for a conditional first-round pick and a third-rounder in a stunner early Friday morning. Justin Faulk - albeit with an extra year of term - <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3481712" href="https://thescore.com/news/3481712">went</a> for basically the same return despite being an obviously inferior player.</p><p>Rather than spending second-round picks to improve the fringes of the roster, Verbeek went out and got a true difference-maker for not much more. The Ducks built up their prospect cupboard and draft-pick capital over the years to make a move like this.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Carlson fills Anaheim's biggest need as a right-shot defenseman who can play on the top pair and quarterback an underwhelming power play. The 36-year-old, who's recorded 46 points in 55 games this season, has aged like fine wine. While he's not as fleet of foot as he used to be, Carlson is still a highly effective player who raises Anaheim's floor and ceiling. He's a pending unrestricted free agent, but don't be shocked if he re-signs. The Ducks will have plenty of cap space this offseason to make him a lucrative offer, and playing on a young, ascending team in beautiful Orange County could tempt Carlson to stay.</p><h3>Nazem Kadri, Corey Perry</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/824362/cropped_GettyImages-2262707786.jpg?ts=1772552587" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/824362/w220xh124_GettyImages-2262707786.jpg?ts=1772552587 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/824362/w320xh180_GettyImages-2262707786.jpg?ts=1772552587 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/824362/w640xh360_GettyImages-2262707786.jpg?ts=1772552587 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/824362/w768xh432_GettyImages-2262707786.jpg?ts=1772552587 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/824362/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2262707786.jpg?ts=1772552587 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Gerry Thomas / National Hockey League / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>Sometimes getting back with your ex <em>is</em> the right move. </p><p>Kadri is <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3481714" href="https://thescore.com/news/3481714">reuniting</a> with the Colorado Avalanche, while Perry is <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3481707" href="https://thescore.com/news/3481707">rejoining</a> the Tampa Bay Lightning.</p><p>Kadri, who won a Cup with the Avs in 2022, reportedly wanted out of Calgary. (What veteran wouldn't given the state of the team?) For a while, it looked like it wouldn't happen, considering news of the trade didn't break until roughly an hour after the deadline. With Colorado having the same head coach and several of the same players from the 2022 team, Kadri should transition seamlessly. Plus, he gives the Avalanche an embarrassment of riches at center alongside Nathan MacKinnon, Brock Nelson, and Nicolas Roy.</p><p>Perry, meanwhile, is back in Tampa Bay on a Lightning squad that has the second-shortest odds to win the Stanley Cup. Although he won with the Ducks in 2007, Perry is likely salivating at the chance to get another ring after infamously being on the losing end of five of the last six Stanley Cup Finals, including one with Tampa in 2022. The 40-year-old is still an effective bottom-six forward, and the Lightning need depth.</p><h3>Early sellers</h3><p>Early reports that indicated it would be a buyer's market were quickly rebuffed by some of the moves executed in the days leading up to the deadline. Fourth-line-caliber centers (Michael McCarron, Nic Dowd) were shipped out for second-round picks. Third-line-caliber centers (Nicolas Roy, Jason Dickinson) got dealt for first-round picks. Third-pair-caliber defensemen (Connor Murphy, Tyler Myers, Logan Stanley, Luke Schenn) were traded for second-round picks and/or intriguing prospects.</p><p>Some deadline day returns for similar players weren't as fruitful. Notably, the Toronto Maple Leafs <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3481713" href="https://thescore.com/news/3481713">receiving</a> only a conditional third-round pick for Scott Laughton was particularly underwhelming after they surrendered a first-rounder to acquire him last year.</p><p>The Winnipeg Jets <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3481701" href="https://thescore.com/news/3481701">snagging</a> Isak Rosen from the Buffalo Sabres in exchange for Stanley and Schenn is one of my favorite returns of the late-season frenzy. The No. 14 pick in 2021, Rosen has been excellent in the AHL and could thrive with more opportunity in Winnipeg.</p><p>There's an evergreen theme among many of these transactions: No matter how much the game changes, playoff-bound teams love to add players with size, grit, and postseason pedigree around the deadline. If you're a rebuilding club, stock up on those types of players in the offseason and reap the benefits when contenders get desperate.</p><h3>Foligno brothers</h3><p>It must be incredibly special to play sports at the highest level alongside your sibling. Nick Foligno has spent 19 years in the NHL, and Marcus Foligno has suited up for 15, but the brothers had never been teammates in the pros until the Chicago Blackhawks <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3481706" href="https://thescore.com/news/3481706">traded</a> Nick to the Minnesota Wild. Both players are chasing their first Stanley Cup and have a golden opportunity to win one together on a great team.</p><h2>Losers</h2><h3>Carolina Hurricanes</h3><p>The Hurricanes were in excellent position to make a splash but did nothing other than add some toughness to their fourth line in Nicolas Deslauriers. That's awfully disappointing for the Eastern Conference club, which entered the deadline with four first-round picks over the next three years, a strong farm system, and more cap space than any other contender.</p><p>While Carolina doesn't have any glaring holes, upgrading the second-line center spot should've been a priority. Can it win a Cup with 5-foot-8 sophomore Logan Stankoven in that role? He's likely better suited to play wing. Adding a goalie would've helped, too, given Brandon Bussi's inexperience and Frederik Andersen's struggles. A depth defenseman wouldn't have hurt either.</p><p>The Hurricanes have a pretty straightforward path to another Eastern Conference Final, considering how weak the rest of the Metropolitan Division is. But nobody should be surprised if they're once again outmatched by whoever emerges from the superior Atlantic Division, in part because of the inaction by GM Eric Tulsky.</p><h3>Alex Ovechkin</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/825066/cropped_GettyImages-2208826599.jpg?ts=1772838685" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/825066/w220xh124_GettyImages-2208826599.jpg?ts=1772838685 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/825066/w320xh180_GettyImages-2208826599.jpg?ts=1772838685 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/825066/w640xh360_GettyImages-2208826599.jpg?ts=1772838685 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/825066/w768xh432_GettyImages-2208826599.jpg?ts=1772838685 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/825066/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2208826599.jpg?ts=1772838685 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Icon Sportswire / Icon Sportswire / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>Ovechkin must be feeling like Will Smith in <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=33NlssWUbBU">The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air finale</a>. With Carlson traded, Ovechkin is one of just two remaining members of Washington's 2018 Stanley Cup-winning squad. (I guess that makes Tom Wilson a lingering Carlton Banks.)</p><p>I hate to even associate the word "loser" with the NHL's all-time leading goal-scorer, but it's fitting for this exercise. The Capitals are four points out of a playoff spot and traded away a cornerstone player for draft picks. That has to be a gut punch for Ovechkin, who <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3481709" href="https://thescore.com/news/3481709">called</a> it "probably the toughest day in my career." With Ovi's NHL future up in the air during the final year of his contract, it would be a shame to see him go out on a team playing meaningless games down the stretch.</p><h3>New York Rangers</h3><p>Prior to the deadline, I <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3481720" href="https://thescore.com/news/3481720">wrote</a> that Chris Drury's top priority as Rangers GM should be regaining the fan base's trust after the disastrous Artemi Panarin trade. A great way to do that would've been getting a nice return for Vincent Trocheck. But Drury didn't trade him at all, creating more doubt as to whether he's the right person to lead the franchise through this retool/rebuild.</p><p>Trocheck is having a productive season, coming off an impressive performance at the Olympics, and signed to a fair contract through 2028-29, not to mention he's the type of two-way center who's typically coveted by playoff contenders. He's 32 years old, so it's possible his trade value will never be higher than it is now. Failing to move him seems like a missed opportunity, especially with there being several obvious landing spots, including the Hurricanes, Wild, and Boston Bruins.</p>

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Winners and losers from 2026 NHL trade deadline

The St. Louis Blues traded captain Brayden Schenn to the New York Islanders for forward Jonathan ...

<p>The St. Louis Blues traded captain <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/589" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/589">Brayden Schenn</a> to the New York Islanders for forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3008" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3008">Jonathan Drouin</a>, goalie prospect <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/15012" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/15012">Marcus Gidlof</a>, a 2026 first-round pick, and a 2026 third-round pick, the teams announced Friday.</p><p>The first-round pick was originally owned by the Colorado Avalanche, while the third-rounder originally belonged to the New Jersey Devils.</p><p>Schenn's contract includes a 15-team no-trade list, but he waived it to complete the deal. He's under contract for two more seasons after 2025-26 with a $6.5-million cap hit.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The 34-year-old tallied 12 goals and 16 assists in 61 games with the Blues this season, putting him on pace for his worst statistical campaign in over a decade. He notched 50 points a year ago.</p><p>Schenn's posted weak underlying numbers the last several seasons.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Brayden Schenn, acquired by NYI, is a veteran playmaking centre. Can still pass the puck, wins faceoffs, and plays with a physical edge, but he's no burner and a limited shooting threat at this point. We'll see what he can provide the Isles. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Isles?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Isles</a> <a href="https://t.co/S3NQaopV8P">pic.twitter.com/S3NQaopV8P</a></p>— JFresh (@JFreshHockey) <a href="https://twitter.com/JFreshHockey/status/2029998668028219723?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 6, 2026</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>However, he remains extremely physical, with 138 hits this campaign. He's also won 54.2% of his faceoffs. Schenn is a natural center, but he's also spent time playing wing throughout his 17-year career.</p><p>Schenn spent nine years in St. Louis, including three as the captain. He won a Stanley Cup with the club in 2019.</p><p>He's tallied 43 points in 82 career playoff games. The Islanders currently occupy third place in the Metropolitan Division.</p><p>Drouin has three goals and 18 assists in 55 games this season. The 30-year-old is signed through next season with a $4-million cap hit.</p><p>Gidlof was a fifth-round pick by the Islanders in 2024. The 6-foot-6 netminder has posted an .896 save percentage in 24 games in the SHL this season.</p>

EDMONTON, CANADA - JANUARY 18: Brayden Schenn #10 of the St. Louis Blues in action during the game against the Edmonton Oilers at Rogers Place on January 18, 2026, in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.

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Islanders acquire Brayden Schenn from Blues

Pittsburgh Penguins forward Evgeni Malkin will have a hearing for slashing Buffalo Sabres captain...

<p>Pittsburgh Penguins forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/1026" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/1026">Evgeni Malkin</a> will have a hearing for slashing Buffalo Sabres captain <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/7216" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/7216">Rasmus Dahlin</a> in the face during Thursday's matchup, the league announced Friday.</p><p>Malkin was handed a five-minute major and a game misconduct for the incident.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Malkin just slashed Dahlin across the face... <a href="https://t.co/xYqzrjlrbH">pic.twitter.com/xYqzrjlrbH</a></p>— The Charging Buffalo (@TheChargingBUF) <a href="https://twitter.com/TheChargingBUF/status/2029724299594961250?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 6, 2026</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Dahlin received a two-minute minor for cross-checking on the play. He returned to the game after serving his penalty.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Malkin has been suspended twice in his 20-year career; he was banned four games for cross-checking in 2022 and one game for roughing in 2019.</p><p>The 39-year-old is having a resurgent campaign with 47 points in 46 games. A potential Malkin suspension would be a major loss for the Penguins, who are already without captain <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/1002" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/1002">Sidney Crosby</a> due to injury.</p>

PITTSBURGH, PA - MARCH 05: Rasmus Dahlin #26 of the Buffalo Sabres has a disagreement with Evgeni Malkin #71 of the Pittsburgh Penguins at PPG PAINTS Arena on March 5, 2026 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

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Malkin to have hearing for slashing Dahlin in face

The Washington Capitals announced they've traded franchise icon John Carlson to the Anaheim Ducks...

<p>The Washington Capitals announced they've traded franchise icon <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/1445" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/1445">John Carlson</a> to the Anaheim Ducks for a conditional first-round pick and a 2027 third-round pick in a shocking deal.</p><p>Washington will receive Anaheim's 2026 first-round pick if the Ducks make the playoffs. If Anaheim misses the playoffs, the Ducks will have the option to send their first-round pick in 2027 instead.</p><p>Carlson had spent his entire 17-year NHL career in D.C., helping the Capitals win a Stanley Cup in 2018. He's arguably the greatest defenseman in club history. His 771 points are the most all-time among Capitals blue-liners and fifth among all skaters.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>However, the 36-year-old is a pending unrestricted free agent, and the Capitals are four points out of a playoff spot. The Ducks, meanwhile, currently occupy second place in the Pacific Division and are looking to snap a seven-year playoff drought.</p><p>The Ducks were not on Carlson's 10-team no-trade list, reports insider <a href="https://x.com/frank_seravalli/status/2029805939163897944">Frank Seravalli</a>. Additionally, there's reportedly no contract extension in the works.</p><p>Carlson has remained extremely productive into his mid-30s, as he's well on his way to his third straight season of at least 50 points. He's tallied 46 points in 55 games, 11th among all NHL defensemen.</p><p>He provides a substantial upgrade to the right side of Anaheim's blue line, which also features veterans <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/2912" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/2912">Jacob Trouba</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/1727" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/1727">Radko Gudas</a>. Carlson could team up with young stalwart <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/13808" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/13808">Jackson LaCombe</a> to build a formidable top defense pair. The Ducks' blue line could look as follows:</p><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>LD</th>
<th>RD</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Jackson LaCombe</td>
<td>John Carlson</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Pavel Mintyukov</td>
<td>Jacob Trouba</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Olen Zellweger</td>
<td>Radko Gudas</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>One of the better power-play quarterbacks of his generation, Carlson also projects to help a Ducks power play that ranks 23rd in the NHL this season. Since entering the league in 2009-10, the only defensemen to rack up more points with the man advantage are <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/864" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/864">Erik Karlsson</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/1125" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/1125">Victor Hedman</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/560" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/560">Drew Doughty</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/1663" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/1663">Roman Josi</a>, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/607" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/607">Brent Burns</a>.</p><p>The 6-foot-3, 220-pounder possesses a booming shot and excellent vision.</p><p>Carlson's offensive underlying numbers remain strong, as he's garnered 8.3 offensive goals above replacement, the ninth-most among blue-liners this season, per <a href="https://evolving-hockey.com/">Evolving-Hockey</a>. He's less effective in his own end, though, as he's produced minus-3.1 defensive goals above replacement.</p><p>The Capitals drafted Carlson 27th overall in 2008. He also ranks second on the franchise leaderboard in games played (1,143), third in assists (605), and second in plus/minus (114).</p><p>Carlson's departure could signal the end of an era in Washington. The only players remaining on the roster from the 2018 Cup-winning squad are <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/2592" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/2592">Tom Wilson</a> and captain <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/1280" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/1280">Alex Ovechkin</a>, whose NHL future is up in the air with the final year of his contract nearing its end.</p>

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - FEBRUARY 03: John Carlson #74 of the Washington Capitals looks on against the Philadelphia Flyers at the Xfinity Mobile Arena on February 3, 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

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Capitals trade Carlson to Ducks in stunner

The Vancouver Canucks traded winger Conor Garland to the Columbus Blue Jackets for a 2028 second-...

<p>The Vancouver Canucks traded winger <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4659" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4659">Conor Garland</a> to the Columbus Blue Jackets for a 2028 second-round pick and a 2026 third-round pick, they announced.</p><p>"We really appreciate all that Conor has done for the hockey club and want to thank him for his five years in Vancouver," Canucks general manager Patrik Allvin said in a news release. "A play-driver and strong competitor, he was a key contributor on the ice. Collecting two more draft picks aligns really well with our vision moving forward and will help us in our rebuild."</p><p>Garland is in the final year of his current contract, which has a $4.95-million cap hit. He previously signed a six-year, $36-million extension that kicks in next season.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The 29-year-old is in the midst of a down season with seven goals and 19 assists in 50 games. He hit the 50-point mark for the second time in his career in 2024-25.</p><p>Garland has historically been a strong defensive player despite his 5-foot-10, 165-pound frame, although that hasn't been the case this season.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Conor Garland, acquired by CBJ, is a feisty playmaking winger with lots of puck skills and a nose for the dirty areas of the ice. Not having his best year but when he's on he can drive a line with his passing and scoring ability. Biggest weakness is turnovers. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CBJ?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CBJ</a> <a href="https://t.co/4OJH1roiQN">pic.twitter.com/4OJH1roiQN</a></p>— JFresh (@JFreshHockey) <a href="https://twitter.com/JFreshHockey/status/2029787471295262780?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 6, 2026</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Garland figures to provide a boost to Columbus' middle-six forward group. The Blue Jackets are a point out of the final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference.</p>

VANCOUVER, CANADA - JANUARY 21: Conor Garland #8 of the Vancouver Canucks skates during the first period of their NHL game against the Washington Capitals at Rogers Arena on January 21, 2026 in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.

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Canucks trade Garland to Blue Jackets for 2 picks

The Winnipeg Jets traded defensemen Logan Stanley and Luke Schenn to the Buffalo Sabres in exchan...

<p>The Winnipeg Jets traded defensemen <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/5603" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/5603">Logan Stanley</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/1200" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/1200">Luke Schenn</a> to the Buffalo Sabres in exchange for forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/10552" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/10552">Isak Rosen</a>, blue-liner <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/9734" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/9734">Jacob Bryson</a>, a 2027 second-round pick, and a 2026 fourth-round pick, the teams announced.</p><p>Additionally, the Jets will retain 50% of Schenn's $2.75-million cap hit.</p><p>The move represents a pivot for the Sabres after St. Louis Blues defenseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4482" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4482">Colton Parayko</a> <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3481695" href="https://thescore.com/news/3481695">reportedly</a> used his no-trade clause to nix a move to Buffalo earlier Thursday.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Schenn and Stanley - both pending unrestricted free agents - will bring truculence to an already massive Sabres blue line.</p><p>Stanley is listed at 6-foot-7 and 231 pounds. The 27-year-old has already set personal bests with nine goals and 21 points in 59 games this season while averaging 17:12 per contest, the highest of his career.</p><p>Schenn, who stands at 6-foot-2 and 225 pounds, amassed a team-leading 139 hits for the Jets this season. The 36-year-old won back-to-back Stanley Cups with the Tampa Bay Lightning in 2020 and 2021.</p><p>Stanley projects to be Buffalo's No. 6 blue-liner, while Schenn likely provides depth as the seventh defenseman.</p><p>Rosen was drafted 14th overall by the Sabres in 2021, but he's appeared in just 31 career NHL games so far, collecting three goals and five assists. The 22-year-old winger has racked up 185 points in 231 career AHL games.</p><p>Bryson is a 28-year-old pending UFA defenseman. The 5-foot-9 blue-liner has spent his entire six-year career in Buffalo. He's managed five points in 35 games this season.</p>

WINNIPEG, CANADA - MARCH 3: Logan Stanley #64 of the Winnipeg Jets looks on during a first period stoppage in play against the Chicago Blackhawks at the Canada Life Centre on March 3, 2026 in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. The Jets defeated the Hawks 3-2 in overtime.

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Jets send Stanley, Schenn to Sabres for package including Rosen

The New York Rangers traded forward Sam Carrick to the Buffalo Sabres for third- and sixth-round ...

<p>The New York Rangers traded forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/1777" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/1777">Sam Carrick</a> to the Buffalo Sabres for third- and sixth-round picks in 2026, the teams announced.</p><p>Carrick is signed through next season with a $1-million cap hit.</p><p>The 34-year-old veteran tallied 10 points in 60 games for the Rangers this season while primarily serving as the team's fourth-line center. He projects to fill that same role with the Sabres.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Carrick has also racked up 86 hits and won 53.9% of his faceoffs during the 2025-26 campaign.</p>

NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE - DECEMBER 21: Sam Carrick #39 of the New York Rangers looks on during the third period of the game against the Nashville Predators at Bridgestone Arena on December 21, 2025 in Nashville, Tennessee.

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Rangers trading Carrick to Sabres

The Ottawa Senators traded veteran winger David Perron to the Detroit Red Wings for a conditional...

<p>The Ottawa Senators traded veteran winger <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/1097" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/1097">David Perron</a> to the Detroit Red Wings for a conditional fourth-round pick in 2026, the teams announced Thursday.</p><p>Perron has been out since January with a groin injury. If he plays a game with Detroit before the end of the regular season, the Red Wings will send the Senators the Columbus Blue Jackets' fourth-round pick.</p><p>Alternatively, if the Red Wings advance to Round 2 of the playoffs and Perron plays in 50% of the Round 1 games, Detroit will instead give Ottawa its own third-round selection.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Perron, who carries a $4-million cap hit, will be an unrestricted free agent at the end of the year.</p><p>He's notched 10 goals and 15 assists in 49 games with the Senators this season while averaging 13:26 per contest.</p><p>Before joining Ottawa in 2024, the 37-year-old spent two campaigns with the Red Wings, producing 33 goals and 76 points across 116 appearances.</p><p>Perron won a Stanley Cup with the St. Louis Blues in 2019 and has accumulated 110 games of playoff experience over his 19-year NHL career.</p><p>The Senators <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3481697" href="https://thescore.com/news/3481697">acquired</a> <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/5813" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/5813">Warren Foegele</a> from the Los Angeles Kings earlier Thursday.</p>

OTTAWA, CANADA - JANUARY 17: David Perron #57 of the Ottawa Senators skates against the Montréal Canadiens at Canadian Tire Centre on January 17, 2026 in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.

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Senators ship Perron to Red Wings for conditional 4th-round pick

The Anaheim Ducks signed forward Ryan Poehling to a four-year contract extension, the team announ...

<p>The Anaheim Ducks signed forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/8521" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/8521">Ryan Poehling</a> to a four-year contract extension, the team announced Thursday.</p><p>The new deal carries an average annual value of $3.75 million, reports <a href="https://x.com/FriedgeHNIC/status/2029717626583208194">Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman</a>.</p><p>Poehling was set to be an unrestricted free agent at the end of the season. The Ducks acquired him in an offseason trade that sent <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/9757" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/9757">Trevor Zegras</a> to the Philadelphia Flyers. Poehling has notched seven goals and 17 assists in 54 games this season while primarily serving as Anaheim's third-line center.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Ryan Poehling, extended 4x$3.8M by ANA, is a two-way third line centre with elite wheels. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/FlyTogether?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#FlyTogether</a> <a href="https://t.co/jCqp0kiVhx">pic.twitter.com/jCqp0kiVhx</a></p>— JFresh (@JFreshHockey) <a href="https://twitter.com/JFreshHockey/status/2029718593273802972?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 6, 2026</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>The 27-year-old ranks in the 89th percentile with a max skating speed of 22.13 mph this season.</p><p>Poehling was originally a first-round pick by the Montreal Canadiens in 2017. He's averaged 12 goals and 29 points per 82 games in his seven-year career.</p>

ANAHEIM, CALIFORNIA - DECEMBER 22: Ryan Poehling #25 of the Anaheim Ducks skates with the puck during the second period against the Seattle Kraken at Honda Center on December 22, 2025 in Anaheim, California.

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Ducks sign Poehling to 4-year extension

The Los Angeles Kings traded forward Warren Foegele and a conditional 2026 third-round pick to th...

<p>The Los Angeles Kings traded forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/5813" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/5813">Warren Foegele</a> and a conditional 2026 third-round pick to the Ottawa Senators for a 2026 second-round pick and a conditional 2026 third-round pick, the teams announced Thursday.</p><p>The Buffalo Sabres originally owned the second-round pick.</p><p>Ottawa will receive either Los Angeles' third-round pick or Dallas' (which the Kings acquired in a previous trade), depending on which is worse. L.A. will get the better pick between Ottawa's third-round selection and Washington's (which the Senators obtained previously). If the Kings and Senators both miss the playoffs this year, Ottawa will instead transfer the worse of its third-round picks to Los Angeles.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Foegele set carer highs with 24 goals and 46 points with the Kings last season but has regressed during the 2025-26 campaign, managing seven goals and two assists in 47 appearances.</p><p>Despite his poor offensive output this season, Foegele has posted strong defensive metrics. He should provide a boost to Ottawa's middle-six forward group and another penalty-killing option.</p><p>The 29-year-old is signed through next season with a $3.5-million cap hit.</p>

DETROIT, MI - JANUARY 27: Los Angeles Kings LW Warren Foegele (37) during the game between Los Angeles Kings and Detroit Red Wings on January 27, 2026 at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, MI

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Senators land Foegele from Kings

The Chicago Blackhawks traded forwards Jason Dickinson and Colton Dach to the Edmonton Oilers for...

<p>The Chicago Blackhawks traded forwards <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3928" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3928">Jason Dickinson</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/10657" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/10657">Colton Dach</a> to the Edmonton Oilers for winger <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4791" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4791">Andrew Mangiapane</a> and a conditional 2027 first-round pick, the teams announced Wednesday.</p><p>If the Oilers' 2027 first-round pick is in the top 12, they may choose to transfer their 2028 first-rounder to Chicago instead, according to <a href="https://puckpedia.com/trade/1084">PuckPedia</a>. If Edmonton trades its 2028 first-round pick before the 2027 trade deadline, the 2027 first-rounder automatically transfers to the Blackhawks without conditions.</p><p>Chicago is retaining 50% of Dickinson's $4.25-million cap hit. </p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Dickinson, a pending unrestricted free agent, has tallied six goals and seven assists in 47 games while averaging 15:42 per contest this season. He scored a career-high 22 goals in 2023-24.</p><p>The 30-year-old has posted strong defensive metrics throughout his 11-year NHL career and likely slots in as Edmonton's third-line center.</p><p>Dach notched nine points and 189 hits in 53 games with the Blackhawks this season. The 23-year-old stands 6-foot-4, 218 pounds and is a native of St. Albert, Alberta. Chicago drafted him in the second round in 2021.</p><p>The Oilers signed Mangiapane to a two-year contract with a $3.6-million average annual value this past offseason. The forward has managed seven goals and seven assists in 52 games this season while posting a team-worst minus-19 rating. He's been a healthy scratch on multiple occasions and was placed on waivers Sunday.</p><p>This marks the second trade between the Oilers and Blackhawks this week. Chicago sent defenseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/2548" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/2548">Connor Murphy</a> to Edmonton on Monday.</p>

DENVER, COLORADO - FEBRUARY 28: Jason Dickinson #16 of the Chicago Blackhawks skates against the Colorado Avalanche at Ball Arena on February 28, 2026 in Denver, Colorado.

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Blackhawks send Dickinson to Oilers

The Calgary Flames traded defenseman MacKenzie Weegar to the Utah Mammoth for blue-liner Olli Maa...

<p>The Calgary Flames traded defenseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3222" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3222">MacKenzie Weegar</a> to the Utah Mammoth for blue-liner <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3103" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3103">Olli Maatta</a>, forward prospect <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/13985" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/13985">Jonathan Castagna</a>, and three 2026 second-round picks, the teams announced.</p><p>The second-rounders were originally owned by Utah, the New York Rangers, and the Ottawa Senators.</p><p>Weegar agreed to waive his no-trade clause to facilitate the move. The 32-year-old is signed through 2030-31 with a $6.25-million cap hit.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>He's in the midst of a down year with 21 points and a minus-35 rating in 60 games. However, Weegar notched 47 points last season and set career highs with 20 goals and 52 points in 2023-24.</p><p>Weegar's underlying numbers in the previous two campaigns were impressive: He ranked third among NHL defensemen with 18.5 goals above replacement last season and 42nd with 9.2 GAR in 2023-24, per <a href="https://evolving-hockey.com/">Evolving-Hockey</a>. This season, Weegar ranks 277th among 279 defensemen with minus-8 GAR.</p><p>He shoots right but has frequently played the left side throughout his 10-year NHL career. The Mammoth's defense features a diverse mix of lefties in <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/5594" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/5594">Mikhail Sergachev</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/2910" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/2910">Nate Schmidt</a>, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/1555" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/1555">Ian Cole</a>, plus righties <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/9815" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/9815">Sean Durzi</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/8622" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/8622">John Marino</a>.</p><p>Maatta's role has been reduced in Utah this season, as he's appeared in 22 games while averaging 12:10 per contest. The 31-year-old is under contract for two more seasons after 2025-26 with a $3.5-million cap hit.</p><p>Castagna, a 6-foot-2 center, was a third-round pick by the Arizona Coyotes in 2023. He's tallied 14 goals and 18 assists in 29 games at Cornell this season.</p>

SAN JOSE, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 26: MacKenzie Weegar #52 of the Calgary Flames skates with the puck against the San Jose Sharks in the third period of an NHL hockey game at SAP Center on February 26, 2026 in San Jose, California.

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Mammoth acquire Weegar from Flames

Nashville Predators center Ryan O'Reilly was struck near his left eye by an errant stick during T...

<p>Nashville Predators center <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/1350" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/1350">Ryan O'Reilly</a> was struck near his left eye by an errant stick during Tuesday's game against the Columbus Blue Jackets.</p><p>"For those who are concerned about Ryan O'Reilly, we expect that he is going to be OK," the team said in a statement, per <a href="https://x.com/FriedgeHNIC/status/2029047845664289133">Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman</a>. "He is flying home with the team from Columbus tonight and will be evaluated by our medical team in Nashville. We expect to have an update on his playing status sometime Thursday."</p><p>O'Reilly was hit by the stick of Jackets forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/2474" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/2474">Charlie Coyle</a> off a faceoff midway through the third period and didn't return. Blood was seen near his left eye.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The 35-year-old is one of four players left in the NHL who doesn't wear a visor. The NHL grandfathered visors into the league in 2013, making them mandatory for new players.</p><p>O'Reilly is a candidate to be traded ahead of Friday's deadline. He's tallied 22 goals and 37 assists in 61 games this season.</p>

COLUMBUS, OHIO - MARCH 3: Ryan O'Reilly #90 of the Nashville Predators gets up off of the ice after sustaining an injury to his eye during the third period of the game against the Columbus Blue Jackets at Nationwide Arena on March 3, 2026 in Columbus, Ohio. Columbus defeated Nashville 3-2.

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Predators' O'Reilly exits with cut near eye, expected to be OK

The Nashville Predators traded forward Cole Smith to the Vegas Golden Knights for defenseman Chri...

<p>The Nashville Predators traded forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/9748" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/9748">Cole Smith</a> to the Vegas Golden Knights for defenseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/13073" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/13073">Christoffer Sedoff</a> and a 2028 third-round pick, the team announced Tuesday.</p><p>Smith has recorded six goals, four assists, and 119 hits in 42 games this season while averaging a career-high 14:07 per contest. He projects to play on Vegas' fourth line, where he could be reunited with former Predators forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3033" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3033">Colton Sissons</a>.</p><p>Smith, a 30-year-old winger, carries a $1-million cap hit and will be an unrestricted free agent at the end of the season. </p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Sedoff, 24, has four assists through 38 games in the AHL this season. The Finnish D-man has yet to make his NHL debut after being signed by the Golden Knights as an undrafted free agent prior to the 2023-24 campaign.</p><p>The Predators also <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3490669" href="https://thescore.com/news/3490669">traded</a> <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3067" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3067">Michael McCarron</a> to the Minnesota Wild on Tuesday. Nashville now has two second-round picks and two third-rounders in the 2028 NHL Draft.</p>

NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE - JANUARY 08: Cole Smith #36 of the Nashville Predators looks on during the second period of the game against the New York Islanders at Bridgestone Arena on January 08, 2026 in Nashville, Tennessee.

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Predators send Cole Smith to Golden Knights for Sedoff, 3rd-rounder

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