Player news from trusted outlets

NHL News

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

Wednesday, March 4

Frank Vatrano Scores Empty-Netter in Return from Injury

AutoDraft Pro AI

Frank Vatrano scored an empty-net goal in the Anaheim Ducks' 5-1 win over the New York Islanders on Wednesday. The goal marked a successful return for Vatrano, who had missed the previous 22 games due to an upper-body injury. His late-game tally helped seal the victory for the Ducks, who have now won 13 of their last 16 games. Anaheim will look to continue this momentum when they host the Montreal Canadiens on Friday.

David Rittich Struggles in 5-1 Loss to Anaheim

AutoDraft Pro AI

David Rittich stopped 20 shots in the New York Islanders' 5-1 loss to the Anaheim Ducks on Wednesday. The defeat snapped the Islanders' five-game winning streak. Despite outshooting the Ducks 43-25, the Islanders were unable to overcome an early deficit, and Rittich was pulled with 8:30 remaining in the game as the team attempted a late comeback. The Islanders are scheduled to play the Los Angeles Kings on Thursday.

Ryan Poehling Nets Seventh Goal in Ducks' 5-1 Win

AutoDraft Pro AI

Ryan Poehling scored his seventh goal of the season in the Anaheim Ducks' 5-1 victory over the New York Islanders on Wednesday. Poehling extended the Ducks' lead to 4-1 early in the third period with a backhand tip-in. The win marks Anaheim's 13th victory in their last 16 games, highlighting the team's strong form as they prepare to host the Montreal Canadiens on Friday.

Mitch Marner Leads Golden Knights' Comeback Win Over Red Wings

AutoDraft Pro AI

Mitch Marner played a pivotal role in the Vegas Golden Knights' 4-3 overtime victory against the Detroit Red Wings on Wednesday. Marner scored the game-tying goal with 3:24 remaining in regulation and contributed two assists, including the primary helper on Tomas Hertl's overtime winner. His offensive production helped Vegas erase a 3-1 third-period deficit and snap a three-game losing streak, capping a strong performance as the team wrapped up a five-game road trip.

Tomas Hertl Scores OT Winner to Cap Golden Knights' Rally

AutoDraft Pro AI

Tomas Hertl lifted the Vegas Golden Knights to a 4-3 comeback win over the Detroit Red Wings on Wednesday, scoring the power-play game-winner 2:11 into overtime. Hertl also assisted on Mitch Marner's game-tying goal late in regulation. The victory snapped a three-game losing streak for Vegas, with Hertl now totaling 24 goals on the season. He helped the team rally from a 3-1 third-period deficit to secure the win as the Golden Knights played their third game in four nights.

Oilers Acquire Prospect Colton Dach from Blackhawks

AutoDraft Pro AI

The Edmonton Oilers have acquired forward Colton Dach from the Chicago Blackhawks as part of a package deal involving Jason Dickinson in exchange for Andrew Mangiapane and a 2027 first-round pick. The 23-year-old forward is known for his size and physicality, having recorded five goals and 16 points in 78 NHL games. Dach is expected to provide depth for the Oilers, potentially serving as a fourth-line or extra forward as the team navigates their current contention window.

Oilers Acquire Center Jason Dickinson from Blackhawks

AutoDraft Pro AI

The Edmonton Oilers have acquired center Jason Dickinson from the Chicago Blackhawks in a deal that also includes prospect Colton Dach, with Andrew Mangiapane and a 2027 first-round pick heading to Chicago. Known for his defensive reliability and faceoff ability, Dickinson is expected to anchor the Oilers' third line. Chicago will retain 50% of his salary. This move provides Edmonton with a shutdown center to complement their top-tier offensive talent.

Utah Mammoth Acquire Defenseman MacKenzie Weegar from Flames

AutoDraft Pro AI

The Utah Mammoth have acquired defenseman MacKenzie Weegar from the Calgary Flames in a multi-asset trade involving Olli Määttä, Jonathan Castagna, and three 2026 second-round picks. Signed through 2031, Weegar is expected to solidify Utah's top four defensive pairing as the team pushes for a playoff berth. General manager Bill Armstrong highlighted Weegar's strong all-around defensive play and leadership as key factors in the acquisition to bolster the team's lineup.

Avalanche Acquire Defenseman Nick Blankenburg from Predators

AutoDraft Pro AI

The Colorado Avalanche have acquired right-shot defenseman Nick Blankenburg from the Nashville Predators in exchange for a 2027 5th-round draft pick. The 27-year-old is in the midst of a career-best season, recording 21 points (6G, 15A) in 49 games. Blankenburg, who is on an expiring $775K contract, is expected to provide reliable depth and mobility as the Avalanche's 7th defenseman for the stretch run. He departs Nashville having played 109 games for the franchise.

Paul Cotter Nets Shootout Winner in Devils' 4-3 Victory

AutoDraft Pro AI

Paul Cotter secured a 4-3 win for the New Jersey Devils over the Toronto Maple Leafs on Wednesday night by scoring the decisive goal in the shootout. Cotter's performance helped the Devils extend their winning streak to three games. After regulation ended in a 3-3 tie following Connor Brown's late goal, Cotter opened the shootout by putting a backhander past Anthony Stolarz, ultimately leading New Jersey to victory as the team improved to 25-8-1 when scoring at least three goals.

Arseny Gritsyuk Tallies Goal and Assist in Devils' Win

AutoDraft Pro AI

Arseny Gritsyuk recorded a goal and an assist in the New Jersey Devils' 4-3 shootout victory over the Toronto Maple Leafs on Wednesday. Gritsyuk's playmaking was key to the comeback, including setting up Connor Brown's game-tying goal late in the third period. The win marks the third consecutive victory for the Devils, who outshot Toronto 47-27 during the contest.

Connor Brown Forces Overtime in Devils' 4-3 Win

AutoDraft Pro AI

Connor Brown scored the game-tying goal with 2:21 remaining in the third period to force overtime in the New Jersey Devils' 4-3 win over the Toronto Maple Leafs on Wednesday. Brown's clutch goal, assisted by Arseny Gritsyuk, set the stage for a shootout victory. The win extended the Devils' current winning streak to three games, with goaltender Jacob Markstrom stopping 24 shots to secure the result.

Timo Meier Scores in Devils' 4-3 Shootout Win Over Toronto

AutoDraft Pro AI

Timo Meier contributed a goal in regulation during the New Jersey Devils' 4-3 shootout victory over the Toronto Maple Leafs on Wednesday. The win marks the Devils' third in a row. Meier's scoring effort, alongside goals from Arseny Gritsyuk and Connor Brown, helped New Jersey overcome Toronto in a high-shot-volume game where the Devils outshot the Maple Leafs 47-27.

Jacob Markstrom Backstops Devils to 4-3 Win Over Maple Leafs

AutoDraft Pro AI

Jacob Markstrom made 24 saves to lead the New Jersey Devils to a 4-3 shootout victory over the Toronto Maple Leafs on Wednesday. Markstrom, who recently earned a win against the Florida Panthers, helped the Devils secure their third consecutive victory. The win was sealed in the shootout by goals from Paul Cotter and Jesper Bratt, while the Devils' offense outshot Toronto 47-27 in regulation to overcome a late deficit.

Philipp Grubauer Set to Start Against Blues

AutoDraft Pro AI

Philipp Grubauer will start in goal for the Seattle Kraken against the St. Louis Blues on Wednesday. Grubauer is looking to bounce back after allowing four goals in a loss to the Blues last Thursday. He has struggled recently, allowing at least three goals in five of his last seven appearances. This marks his second start since the Olympic break, following a strong performance by Joey Daccord in the Kraken's recent win over the Hurricanes.

Troy Terry Remains Out of Ducks' Lineup Wednesday

AutoDraft Pro AI

Troy Terry will miss his fourth consecutive game due to an upper-body injury when the Anaheim Ducks face the New York Islanders on Wednesday. While the 28-year-old is making progress in his recovery, no specific return date has been set. The Ducks are getting some relief with the return of Frank Vatrano and the re-insertion of Ryan Strome, but Terry remains sidelined as he continues to work toward full health.

Noah Laba Establishing Role in Rangers' Rebuild

AutoDraft Pro AI

Rookie center Noah Laba has become a mainstay on the New York Rangers' third line, appearing in 57 games this season. The 22-year-old has recorded six goals and 10 assists while contributing on the penalty kill. Coach Mike Sullivan praised Laba's speed and growth, noting that the rookie is gaining invaluable experience. As the Rangers consider selling assets before the trade deadline, Laba is viewed as a key piece for the team's future development.

Evander Kane Sidelined Wednesday Due to Illness

AutoDraft Pro AI

Evander Kane will not play for the Vancouver Canucks against the Carolina Hurricanes on Wednesday due to an illness. Kane, who has 27 points in 59 games this season, did not participate in warmups. His absence comes amid ongoing trade rumors, though no deal is imminent. He is considered day-to-day and could potentially return for Friday's game against the Chicago Blackhawks if he remains with the team.

Oilers Trade Andrew Mangiapane to Blackhawks

AutoDraft Pro AI

The Edmonton Oilers have traded Andrew Mangiapane and a 2027 first-round pick (top-12 protected) to the Chicago Blackhawks in exchange for Jason Dickinson and Colton Dach. The move is intended to clear cap space for the Oilers, as Mangiapane has struggled with 14 points in 52 games this season. The Blackhawks will retain 50% of Dickinson's salary as part of the deal, which also sees the Oilers add depth at the center position.

Olli Maatta Traded to Flames in Weegar Deal

AutoDraft Pro AI

Olli Maatta was traded to the Calgary Flames from the Utah Mammoth on Wednesday as part of the package for defenseman MacKenzie Weegar. Maatta, a pending unrestricted free agent, moves to Calgary along with Jonathan Castagna and three second-round picks in the deal that brings Weegar to Utah.