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Combined summaries and individual breaking-news reports, all in one recency-first feed.
Goaltender Tristan Jarry was traded from the Pittsburgh Penguins to the Edmonton Oilers on Friday morning. The blockbuster deal sent Jarry and forward Sam Poulin to Edmonton in exchange for Stuart Skinner, defenseman Brett Kulak, and a 2029 second-round pick. The Oilers, whose goaltending has struggled with a combined .879 save percentage, hope Jarry can stabilize their crease. He had been a rumored destination for weeks.
Defenseman Brett Kulak was traded to the Pittsburgh Penguins from the Edmonton Oilers on Friday morning. The deal sent Kulak, Stuart Skinner, and a 2029 second-round pick to Pittsburgh in exchange for Tristan Jarry and Sam Poulin. Kulak is expected to immediately upgrade the Penguins' third defensive pairing and can also play on the second. Last season, he recorded 7 goals and 25 points in 82 games, averaging over 20 minutes, and is strong on the penalty kill. He is an unrestricted free agent at season's end.
Following the Quinn Hughes trade, Buffalo Sabres star defenseman Rasmus Dahlin is speculated to be the next high-profile blueliner on the move. Dahlin is reportedly "sick to death" of the Sabres' continued losing, with the team likely missing the playoffs for the 15th consecutive season. Despite holding a no-move clause, GM Kevyn Adams is expected to explore the market for Dahlin, who could still command significant draft picks and prospects. While a trade isn't imminent, the team's struggles make a move plausible.
Superstar blueliner Quinn Hughes has been traded from the Vancouver Canucks to the Minnesota Wild in a blockbuster deal. The Canucks received a significant return, including two high-end youngsters, NHL-caliber center Marco Rossi, and a first-round pick. Hughes was reportedly disgruntled in Vancouver, and Wild GM Bill Guerin made an aggressive move to acquire him. Hughes now joins Brock Faber to form a formidable defensive corps for Minnesota, as the Wild went all-in on the trade.
Philipp Grubauer will start in goal Friday against the Mammoth, marking his second start in three games. He recently took a loss versus the Wild on Monday, stopping 25 of 27 shots. Grubauer is carving out a larger role for the Seattle Kraken amidst Joey Daccord's recent struggles, and it's possible the two goalies will share the crease for a while going forward. This move signals a shift in the team's goaltending strategy.
The Carolina Hurricanes have signed 23-year-old defenseman Joel Nystrom to a four-year, $4.9 million contract running through the 2029-30 season. The Swedish rookie, a 2021 seventh-round pick, debuted Oct. 23 and has appeared in 23 games this season, tallying four assists while averaging 16:02 per night. Hurricanes GM Eric Tulsky stated Nystrom 'has proven that he belongs in the NHL,' fitting their style. Associate GM Darren Yorke highlighted his 'high-end hockey sense' as key to his rapid development and team success amid blueline injuries.
Zeev Buium, 20, was traded from the Minnesota Wild to the Vancouver Canucks on Friday as part of the Quinn Hughes trade. The package also included Marco Rossi, Liam Ohgren, and a 2026 first-round pick. Buium, the Wild's 12th overall pick in the 2024 NHL Draft, has played 31 games this season, recording 3 goals, 14 points, and a minus-9 rating. Compared to Hughes, he is seen as a potential superstar defenseman who will receive more opportunities in Vancouver, essentially replacing Hughes on the Canucks' roster.
Marco Rossi, 24, has been traded from the Minnesota Wild to the Vancouver Canucks on Friday as part of the package for Quinn Hughes. The deal also included Zeev Buium, Liam Ohgren, and a 2026 first-round pick. Rossi, the Wild's 9th overall pick from the 2020 NHL draft, is coming off a season with 24 goals and 60 points. He is currently dealing with a lower-body issue and is considered a future top center in the NHL, expected to bolster the Canucks' lineup.
Liam Ohgren, 21, has been traded from the Minnesota Wild to the Vancouver Canucks on Friday as part of the blockbuster deal for Quinn Hughes. The trade package also included Marco Rossi, Zeev Buium, and a 2026 first-round pick. Ohgren, the Wild's 19th overall pick from the 2022 NHL Draft, has struggled this season, recording zero points in 18 games with limited ice time. He will now look for a fresh start and increased opportunities with the Canucks organization.
Spencer Knight will protect the road goal for the Chicago Blackhawks versus the St. Louis Blues on Friday. The 24-year-old netminder is coming off a strong performance, having posted a shutout in a 3-0 victory over the Rangers on Wednesday, marking his third win in his last five outings. Knight continues to operate as the Blackhawks' No. 1 goalie. This matchup is considered favorable, as the Blues recently suffered a 7-2 loss to the Predators on Thursday.
Joel Hofer will guard the home goal for the St. Louis Blues versus the Chicago Blackhawks on Friday. The 25-year-old netminder gets the starting nod after making a relief appearance against the Predators on Thursday. Hofer has been gaining momentum in the crease amid Jordan Binnington's recent struggles. A strong showing in Friday's contest could significantly help Hofer carve out more playing time moving forward.
Acquired by the Detroit Red Wings from the Anaheim Ducks in a Draft Day trade, John Gibson has significantly strengthened the team's goaltending tandem. Gibson formed a strong connection with prospect Sebastian Cossa during training camp, providing valuable mentorship. Cossa praised Gibson's reciprocal and respectful nature, noting his admiration for Gibson's ability to rebound after a challenging start in Detroit. Gibson's presence is seen as a key factor in the Red Wings' improved goalie situation.
Detroit Red Wings top prospect Sebastian Cossa has been dominant for the AHL Grand Rapids Griffins, posting an 11-1-0 record with a 1.76 GAA and .935 SV% through 12 appearances. The 2021 15th overall pick credits his success to experienced teammates and a strong penalty kill. Cossa has worked with goalie coach Roope Koistinen on refining his game and maximizing his 6'6" frame. He also trained with John Gibson, praising his mentorship. Despite NHL call-up rumors, Cossa prioritizes dominating the AHL for a sustained period before aiming for Detroit.
The St. Louis Blues assigned forward Aleksanteri Kaskimaki, 21, to AHL Springfield. Recalled on Dec. 1, he played five NHL games, making his debut Dec. 4, but did not record a point. Kaskimaki, a 2022 third-round pick, has seven points (4G, 3A) in 16 AHL games this season with the Thunderbirds. His reassignment was facilitated by the signing of veteran Robby Fabbri, allowing Kaskimaki to continue playing games at the AHL level.
Lukas Dostal (upper body) was activated off injured reserve Friday, returning to the Anaheim Ducks lineup after being sidelined since Nov. 22. He is now expected to serve as the team's No. 1 goaltender. Prior to his injury, Dostal posted an 11-5-1 record with a 2.81 GAA and a .904 save percentage in 17 outings this season. In a corresponding move, Vyacheslav Buteyets was returned to AHL San Diego. Ville Husso will shift to the No. 2 job, with Petr Mrazek's (lower body) eventual return potentially impacting Husso's role.
Carter Hart's start with the Vegas Golden Knights has been marked by the team's efforts to keep him away from the media. This strategy was particularly evident during the Golden Knights' recent visit to Philadelphia earlier this week, where discussions on 'The Hockey Show' highlighted the team's actions to shield the player from public scrutiny.
Buffalo Sabres goaltender Alex Lyon has been a subject of interest, with the Edmonton Oilers reportedly checking on his availability before their trade for Tristan Jarry. Lyon, who is in the first year of a two-year, $3 million deal, has recently showcased strong performance, winning both games on the Sabres' six-game road swing, including a 30-save victory against the Vancouver Canucks. His recent play comes as the Sabres manage a three-goalie roster dilemma.
Nashville Predators forward Luke Evangelista recorded three assists, three shots on goal, and a plus-2 rating in Thursday's 7-2 victory over the Blues. The 23-year-old has now tallied five helpers in his last three games, maintaining his role as a top-line playmaker. Despite a five-game goal drought, Evangelista boasts 23 points (seven on the power play), 65 shots on net, and a plus-7 rating through 29 contests this season.
Tampa Bay Lightning captain Victor Hedman is scheduled for elbow surgery on Monday. The procedure is expected to sideline the defenseman until February, but it could facilitate his return to play for Sweden at the upcoming Olympics in Milan. This timeline provides a clear path for his recovery and potential participation in international play.
Connor Hellebuyck (knee) is "getting closer" to returning to action, with head coach Scott Arniel not ruling out the 32-year-old netminder playing against Washington at home Saturday. Hellebuyck appears to be well ahead of schedule. Prior to his injury, he posted an 8-6-0 record with a 2.51 GAA in 14 outings. He will need to elevate his performance to contend for a third consecutive Vezina Trophy.
