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NHL News

Combined summaries and individual breaking-news reports, all in one recency-first feed.

Thursday, March 5

Trevor Zegras Contextualized in Anaheim's Roster Evolution

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Trevor Zegras remains a focal point of discussion regarding the Anaheim Ducks' roster management. The center was traded to the Philadelphia Flyers last June in a deal that brought Ryan Poehling to Anaheim. While Zegras was a fan favorite and former first-round pick, the Ducks have moved forward with a strategy prioritizing defensive depth and penalty killing, with Poehling recently signing a long-term extension to solidify the team's center depth.

Patrick Kane Honored for Becoming Highest-Scoring U.S.-Born Player

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Patrick Kane was honored in a special pre-game ceremony on Wednesday for becoming the highest-scoring U.S.-born player in NHL history. The event featured a video tribute and a surprise appearance by Mike Modano, the Hall of Famer whose record Kane surpassed on January 29. Kane expressed deep humility and gratitude for the recognition from the Red Wings organization and the opportunity to share the moment with Modano.

Andrei Vasilevskiy Expected to Start Against Winnipeg Thursday

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Andrei Vasilevskiy is projected to start in goal for the Tampa Bay Lightning on the road against the Winnipeg Jets this Thursday. Vasilevskiy holds a 28-9-3 record with a 2.26 GAA and .914 save percentage this season. Despite his strong overall campaign, he has struggled recently, allowing nine goals on 35 shots over his last two outings. He will look to bounce back against a Winnipeg team that has been inconsistent, holding a 5-4-5 record over their past 14 games.

Juuse Saros to Start in Goal Against Boston Bruins

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Juuse Saros will start in goal for the Nashville Predators against the Boston Bruins this Thursday. Saros is making his third start in five games since returning from the Olympics. He has struggled in his recent appearances, losing his last three decisions while allowing 12 goals on 98 shots. He faces a Bruins squad that has scored seven goals over their last three games, winning two of those contests, as he looks to regain his form in the crease for Nashville.

Mark Stone Placed on Injured Reserve Following Upper-Body Injury

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Vegas Golden Knights captain Mark Stone has been placed on injured reserve after sustaining an upper-body injury in Sunday's loss to Pittsburgh. Stone, who has 60 points in 43 games this season, will miss at least the next two games and is sidelined for at least one week. This is his second IR stint this season, following a broken finger in the fall. Cole Reinhardt is expected to see increased ice time while the 33-year-old winger recovers from the injury to his left arm.

Rasmus Ristolainen Remains in Flyers Lineup Amid Trade Rumors

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Despite persistent trade rumors, 32-year-old defenseman Rasmus Ristolainen will play for the Philadelphia Flyers against the Utah Mammoth on Thursday. Ristolainen is paired with Travis Sanheim and is not being held out for trade-related reasons. With the NHL trade deadline approaching Friday, the Flyers have yet to make major moves, though the market for right-shot defenders remains active. Ristolainen and the Flyers are currently seeking their fourth consecutive victory.

Michael Bunting Traded to Dallas Stars from Nashville

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The Nashville Predators have traded forward Michael Bunting to the Dallas Stars in exchange for a 2026 third-round draft pick. Bunting, a pending unrestricted free agent, recorded 31 points in 61 games for Nashville this season. The move is part of the Predators' strategy to offload pending UFAs ahead of the trade deadline. Bunting is currently in the final year of a three-year, $13.5 million contract and will now join the Stars' roster as they prepare for the postseason.

Joseph Woll to Start Against Rangers

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Joseph Woll will protect the net for the Toronto Maple Leafs in Thursday's road matchup against the New York Rangers. Woll enters the contest looking to bounce back after allowing eight goals on 63 shots over his last two outings. He faces a depleted Rangers roster that is resting Vincent Trocheck and Sam Carrick for roster-management reasons. Despite the favorable matchup, Woll faces the challenge of playing in the second half of a back-to-back set for Toronto.

Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen to Guard Goal vs. Penguins

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Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen will start in goal for the Buffalo Sabres against the Pittsburgh Penguins on Thursday. The 26-year-old has been in strong form, winning his last two starts while allowing only three goals on 66 shots. He continues to split time with Alex Lyon. Luukkonen faces a Pittsburgh offense that has scored 12 goals over four games since the Olympic break. He will aim to maintain his momentum in this road contest.

Mikhail Sergachev Ruled Out Against Philadelphia

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Mikhail Sergachev (lower body) will miss Thursday's game against Philadelphia. The defenseman is considered day-to-day, leaving his status for Saturday's game in Columbus uncertain. Sergachev has recorded 10 goals and 42 points in 61 games this season. With Sergachev sidelined, Dmitri Simashev is expected to draw into the lineup. The team continues to monitor his progress after he missed the morning skate for maintenance earlier in the day.

Zach Werenski Remains Out Due to Illness

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Zach Werenski will miss his third consecutive game Thursday against Florida as he continues to recover from an illness. Coach Rick Bowness indicated the team is prioritizing his health, with his next potential return set for Saturday against Utah. Werenski, a Norris Trophy candidate, has 65 points in 54 games and is currently on a nine-game point streak. With Dante Fabbro also out, Jake Christiansen and Egor Zamula will remain in the lineup.

Vincent Trocheck Sat Out for Roster Management

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Vincent Trocheck will not play in Thursday's game against the Toronto Maple Leafs for roster-management reasons. The 32-year-old center is currently on the trade block, though the Rangers are maintaining a high asking price for the veteran with three years remaining on his contract. If a trade is not finalized, Trocheck is expected to return to the lineup for Saturday's game against the New Jersey Devils.

Stephen Halliday Scratched Amid Trade Rumors

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Rookie forward Stephen Halliday is expected to be a healthy scratch for Thursday's game against the Calgary Flames, with Kurtis MacDermid taking his spot. Halliday, who has 11 points in 28 games, is reportedly being held out as GM Steve Staios discusses potential trade scenarios. The Senators are looking to manage roster assets as the trade deadline nears, and Halliday's absence from the lineup is widely viewed as a sign that a deal involving the 23-year-old center may be imminent.

Kurtis MacDermid Draws Into Senators Lineup

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Kurtis MacDermid is set to enter the Ottawa Senators' lineup for Thursday's game against the Calgary Flames. MacDermid, who has not played an NHL game yet this season, took Stephen Halliday's spot during line rushes at the morning skate. His inclusion suggests potential roster moves as the trade deadline approaches, with GM Steve Staios actively managing the lineup. Head coach Travis Green has remained non-committal regarding the specific reasons for the change.

Wild Acquire Veteran Defenseman Jeff Petry

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The Minnesota Wild acquired 38-year-old defenseman Jeff Petry from the Florida Panthers for a conditional 2026 seventh-round draft pick. The pick upgrades to a fifth-round selection if Minnesota wins two playoff rounds and Petry plays in at least 50% of those games. Petry has recorded eight assists, 59 hits, and a minus-10 rating across 58 games this season. He will serve as the Wild's seventh defenseman, providing veteran depth for the remainder of the season.

Colton Dach Shipped to Edmonton Oilers

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Forward Colton Dach was traded to the Edmonton Oilers on Wednesday as part of a series of moves by the rebuilding Chicago Blackhawks ahead of the NHL trade deadline. The transaction is part of Chicago's strategy to accumulate draft capital, as the team looks toward the future following another challenging season.

Connor Murphy Dealt to Edmonton in Blackhawks Sale

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Defenseman Connor Murphy was traded to the Edmonton Oilers on Monday as the Chicago Blackhawks continue to move veterans ahead of the NHL trade deadline. Chicago received a 2028 second-round pick in the transaction. Blackhawks coach Jeff Blashill praised Murphy's commitment to the team's development, noting that the move provides the veteran defender with a new opportunity as Chicago focuses on its long-term rebuild.

Jason Dickinson Traded to Edmonton Oilers

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Forward Jason Dickinson was traded to the Edmonton Oilers on Wednesday as part of the Chicago Blackhawks' ongoing roster sell-off ahead of the NHL trade deadline. Blackhawks coach Jeff Blashill expressed disappointment in losing Dickinson, noting the player's commitment to the team's growth, but acknowledged the opportunity for the veteran forward as Chicago continues to rebuild.

Canucks Acquire Jack Thompson from San Jose Sharks

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The Vancouver Canucks acquired 23-year-old defenseman Jack Thompson from the San Jose Sharks in exchange for Jett Woo. Thompson, a 2020 third-round pick, has spent the 2025-26 season with the AHL's San Jose Barracuda, recording three goals and nine assists in 42 games. Canucks GM Patrik Allvin stated the move is intended to bolster organizational depth on the blue line.

Canucks Trade Longtime Defender Jett Woo to San Jose

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The Vancouver Canucks traded longtime defenseman Jett Woo to the San Jose Sharks in exchange for right-shot defender Jack Thompson. Woo, a 2018 draft pick who helped the Abbotsford Canucks win the Calder Cup, recorded one goal and seven assists in 26 AHL games this season after returning from an injury. Canucks GM Patrik Allvin thanked Woo for his contributions to the organization.