The San Jose Sharks strengthened their lineup and added instant impact by locking up Kiefer Sherwood to a five-year deal.
Sherwood, who has already made a noticeable impact in his first games with the Sharks—including scoring his first goal off a gorgeous feed from Phillip Kurashev and adding a slick assist last night—brings the rare combination of goal-scoring ability, physicality, and relentless energy that makes him a perfect fit for the team’s evolving core.
“We are very excited to have Kiefer remain in San Jose and be part of the group that we are building,” said Grier. “The ingredients he brings to our line-up on a nightly basis blend extremely well with the skillsets of his teammates and we look forward to his contributions in the years to come.”
The 30-year-old Sherwood was acquired by the Sharks on Jan. 19, 2026, from the Vancouver Canucks in exchange for prospect Cole Clayton and San Jose’s 2026 and 2027 second-round picks. Since debuting with the Sharks on Feb. 4 against the Colorado Avalanche, he has led the team in hits (28) and tied a team-high with nine hits on Mar. 1 versus the Winnipeg Jets, showcasing the physical edge that makes him a two-way threat.
Prior to joining San Jose, Sherwood tallied 23 points (17 goals, six assists) in 44 games for Vancouver, leading the team in goals and ranking third in overall points. At the time of the trade, he also ranked second in the NHL in hits (210). Sherwood has already recorded two hat tricks this season—Oct. 30, 2025 at St. Louis, and Dec. 19, 2025 at the New York Islanders—and is coming off three consecutive 10-goal seasons, just two shy of his career-best 19 goals from last year.
Sherwood Proved His Worth Against Montreal
Sherwood is a dynamic, high-energy forward who brings a relentless physical presence to the ice. Known for his hard hits, tenacious forechecking, and competitive drive, he also possesses an effective shot and has demonstrated solid hands and passing ability.
We saw all of that against the Canadiens. While scoring his first goal as a Shark was certainly a highlight, the real story was his energy on every shift. Sherwood’s effort and intensity were palpable, showing that he not only wanted this new deal but had truly earned this contract through his play.
With the Sharks expected to fight for a playoff spot, this was a huge win for the organization.
WASHINGTON (AP) — The Washington Capitals have signed forward Ethen Frank to a two-year, $4 million contract extension.
The team announced the move Wednesday. The 28-year-old Frank has provided good depth scoring this season with 11 goals and 12 assists in 52 games. He is tied for seventh in the NHL in goals among players averaging under 13:00 of ice time.
In 76 career games with the Capitals, he has 15 goals and 15 assists. Washington signed him as a free agent in March 2023.
Washington is four points behind Boston for the last playoff spot in the Eastern Conference. The Capitals face the Bruins in Boston on Saturday, the day after the trade deadline.
One of the Montreal Canadiens' top objectives ahead of the 2026 NHL trade deadline should be to add another right-shot defenseman. Now, a very interesting one has entered the trade market who they should seriously consider pursuing.
With the Canadiens being a team on the rise, there is no question that Nemec would be an excellent young player for them to add to their roster. The 2022 second-overall pick is already a good defenseman in the NHL, but he is still plenty young enough to get better as he continues to gain experience. Because of this, the Canadiens should strongly consider making a push for him.
Nemec also recently played with Canadiens forward Juraj Slafkovsky at the 2026 Winter Olympics, and they linked up well with each other during it. Thus, it would be fascinating to see what they could do if they played together on the Canadiens.
Overall, with Nemec being just 22 years old and having a ton of potential, he is exactly the kind of player who the Canadiens should look to bring in. In 47 games this season with the Devils, the 6-foot-1 blueliner has already set new career highs with nine goals and 21 points.
Wyatt Kaiser was not ready to return to the Chicago Blackhawks when the Olympics ended, so they called up both Sam Rinzel and Kevin Korchinski from the AHL's Rockford IceHogs.
Rinzel was up heading into the break, but they decided to let him play some games in the AHL while the team was on break. For Korchinski, it was another opportunity to spend time with the NHL club.
Of the four games played so far, Korchinski only dressed for two of them. The only reason he got into those games is the fact that Rinzel came down with an illness. The plan was for him to sit for all of them.
In the loss to the Colorado Avalanche, he only played a total of 8:24. He saw a slight bump in the win over the Utah Mammoth, skating for 10:27.
The interesting thing is that Connor Murphy was traded on Monday, and they still scratched Korchinski. Sam Rinzel was back in the lineup, but they actually called up Ethan Del Mastro to take Murphy's spot instead of just letting Korchinski play.
This is an interesting spot for the young former first-round pick. Sure, Del Mastro plays a style that replicates Murphy more than he does, but Rinzel was also going back into the lineup with an expected jump in ice-time with Murphy's absence.
If he's not going to play while with the NHL team, having him there instead of developing further in the AHL is a curious decision. The team clearly feels that, for now, Korchinski is benefitting from practicing with the NHL guys.
Korchinski is an offensive defenseman. His stock was high entering the 2022 NHL Draft because of his skating and offensive IQ. Since being drafted, however, Sam Rinzel and Artyom Levhsunov have been better at those things, while also showing more of a ceiling in other areas of the game. That has pushed Korchinski further down the line.
Wyatt Kaiser is going to return from his injury on Friday against the Vancouver Canucks, which blocks the path for Korchinski even further. He deserves to get a chance down the stretch, but so many players at his position on the roster make it hard to see logistically.
Even if they trade Matt Grzelcyk, they still have Sam Rinzel, Artyom Levshunov, Wyatt Kaiser, Louis Crevier, Alex Vlasic, and Ethan Del Mastro ahead of Korchinski on the depth chart.
Is a change of scenery necessary for the young defenseman? For the sake of roster space, it might be wise for the Blackhawks to consider something like that. His pedigree as a prospect still makes him worth something on the open market, but they likely want a contributing player or prospect back in a deal.
If they can't find a deal, they must think of a way to get him NHL ice time so they can see what they have in the player as the season comes to an end.
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The Vegas Golden Knights made a quiet but practical move to bolster their forward group, picking up winger Cole Smith from the Nashville Predators. Heading back the other way is defense prospect Christoffer Sedoff along with a 2028 third-round pick.
Smith isn’t a flashy addition, but he brings experience and reliability to Vegas’ bottom six. The 30-year-old has six goals and four assists through 42 games this season, his sixth year in Nashville. He’s playing out the final year of a two-year deal that carries a manageable $1 million cap hit — the kind of contract contenders like to add this time of year.
Smith during a recent game.
A native of Brainerd, Smith has spent his entire NHL career with the Predators, totaling 23 goals and 39 assists across 271 games in the National Hockey League. He’s also appeared in five playoff games, giving Vegas a player who understands postseason intensity, even in limited action.
Sedoff, 24, has been skating with the Henderson Silver Knights in the AHL, where he’s posted four assists in 38 games this season. He now joins a Predators organization that appears to be leaning further into future assets.
Vegas currently sits atop the Pacific Division with a 28-19-14 record, and this move signals they’re looking to solidify depth rather than make a headline splash.
Earlier in the day, Nashville also moved forward Michael McCarron to the Minnesota Wild in exchange for a 2028 second-round pick, another sign the Predators are reshaping their roster with an eye toward what’s next.
What Fans Can Expect
The Minnesota native’s most productive offensive season came in 2023–24, when Cole Smith recorded nine goals and 14 assists with the Nashville Predators. Offense, however, has never been the defining element of his game.
Smith’s value is rooted in his defensive reliability. He owns an 82-game average of 1.1 defensive point shares (per Hockey Reference), with a career-best 1.3 posted during that same 2023–24 campaign. His ability to suppress chances, win board battles, and execute clean exits makes him a dependable presence in a depth role.
In Vegas, he’ll reunite with former Predators teammate Colton Sissons, giving the Vegas Golden Knights a familiar pairing on the lower lines. The duo developed chemistry in Nashville as defensively responsible forwards capable of handling tough matchups while adding a physical edge.
Physicality is another clear part of Smith’s profile. He has delivered 119 hits this season, reinforcing his reputation as a hard, straight-line winger who finishes checks consistently. That style fits seamlessly with the Golden Knights’ identity and complements players such as Jeremy Lauzon and Keegan Kolesar, who also bring size and edge to the lineup.
Overall, Smith projects as a defensively sound, physical depth addition who strengthens Vegas’ bottom six without altering its core structure.
The NHL trade deadline arrives at 3:00 p.m. on March 6, and for the Philadelphia Flyers, it has the potential to be a referendum on direction.
The front office has said that this season is one where they hope to be out of the subtracting stages of the rebuild, and instead be in a position to start adding strengths to the roster. But trade deadline week always comes fraught with rumors, and the Flyers are certainly no exception.
The Flyers can believe in their trajectory while still recognizing that certain players carry heightened market value. What follows is an objective examination of the names most frequently mentioned in league circles—not as expendable pieces, but as assets with defined value across the NHL landscape.
Rasmus Ristolainen: A Resurgent Top-Four Defenseman With Defined Value
Rasmus Ristolainen has played some of his most efficient hockey in recent weeks. His gap control has tightened, his decision-making with the puck has become more economical, and his physical presence remains unmistakably valuable.
The Flyers are reportedly asking for a first-round pick and a prospect for the 31-year-old and are not inclined to settle for less—a reflection of both his recent form and the broader scarcity of right-shot defensemen capable of handling top-four minutes.
Pierre LeBrun: Re Rasmus Ristolainen: The current asking price from the Flyers is a first round pick and a prospect - Insider Trading (3/3)
— NHL Rumour Report (@NHLRumourReport) March 4, 2026
Two teams reportedly expressing significant interest are the Buffalo Sabres and Boston Bruins.
Buffalo’s interest sounds particularly acute. Ristolainen was drafted eighth overall by the Sabres in 2013 and spent eight seasons there. A reunion would not simply be sentimental; Buffalo is seeking defensive stability and playoff credibility. Ristolainen’s familiarity with the market and his matured defensive profile could provide both.
The Bruins, on the other hand, prioritize defensive zone reliability and physical deterrence in playoff series. Ristolainen’s size, penalty-kill usage, and willingness to engage physically align with that identity.
The key question is valuation. If Philadelphia holds firm on their reported asking price, it highlights confidence not just in Ristolainen’s play, but in their negotiating position.
Owen Tippett: Upside, Leverage, and a Contract Clock
Owen Tippett may be the most discussed Flyer in league conversations at the moment. While he is not being aggressively shopped, every team reportedly asks about him when they give Danny Briere a ring.
The appeal is obvious. Tippett combines high-end straight-line speed with a heavy, quick-release shot. When engaged, he can tilt games with pace alone. He has the frame to play physically and the skill to finish from distance, a combination that remains attractive in today’s transition-heavy NHL.
Yet Tippett has been known to struggle with inconsistency. His impact can fluctuate from dominant to peripheral within the span of weeks. That volatility complicates valuation.
A recent Daily Faceoff report suggested that there has not been significant traction on a deal this week and that movement, if it occurs at all, may be more likely in the offseason. In Tippett's case specifically, timing matters. The 27-year-old has a no-trade clause that activates on July 1, meaning Philadelphia would need to act before then if they intend to preserve maximum flexibility.
The Bruins have reportedly “kicked the tires” multiple times, and they are not alone. Speed and shot volume are appealing across systems. Teams searching for a middle-six winger who can escalate into a top-line threat in the right environment will continue to inquire.
For the Flyers, the decision hinges on belief: Is Tippett a long-term foundational scorer, or an asset whose market may never be higher?
Philadelphia Flyers winger Owen Tippett (74). (Megan DeRuchie-The Hockey News)
Bobby Brink: Development Curve Meets Roster Mathematics
Bobby Brink represents a different kind of asset. He's younger, cost-controlled, and still ascending.
Small in stature but creative in tight spaces, Brink has evolved from a perimeter playmaker into a more assertive competitor. He has added strength, increased his puck battle engagement, and diversified his offensive reads. His versatility allows him to move between lines and adapt to varied tactical demands.
The speculation around Brink is less about dissatisfaction and more about roster dynamics. The Flyers have plenty of winger prospects pushing for NHL roles. To create space, they may need to convert an existing young asset into a different positional need.
Anthony Di Marco: Re Flyers: I have gotten the sense that Bobby Brink may be (one of) the wingers to walk the plank to clear space for the incoming influx of prospect wingers over the coming years - Daily Faceoff (1/27)
Around the league, Brink would appeal to teams seeking secondary scoring with playmaking instincts. His hockey IQ translates across styles, whether in a puck-possession system or a structured forecheck.
He has made tangible strides over the past two seasons and still projects with a meaningful ceiling. That combination makes him valuable both internally and externally.
Garnet Hathaway: Veteran Presence With Playoff Utility
Garnet Hathaway embodies the archetype of a deadline acquisition.
At 34 (turning 35 in November), Hathaway remains physically assertive, defensively reliable, and tactically disciplined. He plays defined minutes, kills penalties, and rarely deviates from his role. In postseason environments, those traits amplify.
His value extends beyond the ice. Hathaway is widely regarded as a strong locker-room presence—vocal, accountable, and an example of a true professional that younger players can follow.
He is not a top-six scorer, nor is he expected to be. But for teams seeking fourth-line stability, playoff edge, and experience, Hathaway represents low-risk reinforcement with immediate utility.
Philadelphia Flyers forward Garnet Hathaway (19). (Megan DeRuchie-The Hockey News)
Noah Juulsen: Defined Role, Predictable Execution
Noah Juulsen offers something contenders covet in depth defensemen: clarity.
He understands his role as a third-pair, physical, detail-oriented defenseman. He does not overextend offensively. He prioritizes body positioning, net-front coverage, and simple exits.
In postseason play, injuries are unfortunately inevitable. Having a defenseman who can step into limited minutes without disrupting structure is an asset. Juulsen’s physicality and willingness to handle “dirty work” situations make him appealing to teams seeking insurance on the back end.
His market may not command headline returns, but there will be teams out there looking for depth optimization, and Juulsen's predictability can carry some value in that department.
Philadelphia Flyers defenseman Noah Juulsen (47). (Megan DeRuchie-The Hockey News)
Carl Grundstrom: Bottom-Six Stability With Scoring Touch
Carl Grundstrom fits a mold that playoff teams routinely pursue: a bottom-six forward who can finish.
Grundstrom brings physical engagement, forecheck pressure, and enough offensive instinct to convert opportunistic chances. He does not require power-play time to produce. His value lies in five-on-five contributions and matchup flexibility.
For teams looking to solidify their third or fourth line with a player capable of elevating during tight-checking series, Grundstrom can provide cost-effective reinforcement.
Philadelphia Flyers forward Carl Grundstrom (91). (Megan DeRuchie-The Hockey News)<div data-empty="true"><br></div>
The Broader Calculation
Trade deadlines can be chaotic, especially for a team like the Flyers that may not necessarily want to subtract or make short-term solution deals, but have several players who could initiate long-term success in a trade deal.
For Philadelphia, the calculus is layered. Some players, like Ristolainen, may command peak value. Others, like Tippett, force philosophical questions about ceiling versus consistency. Depth veterans such as Hathaway and Juulsen provide immediate playoff utility for contenders, and younger pieces like Brink carry developmental upside that can be reshaped into positional balance.
What remains clear is that the Flyers are not navigating this deadline from a position of desperation. They hold assets that other teams want. That distinction grants them patience.
March 6 will reveal not only who might move, but how the organization goes about this next phase of rebuilding. This week could showcase incremental recalibration or accelerated repositioning, or it could be uneventful if other GMs don't bring the desired pieces to the Flyers' table.
It’s a fair question — and one that’s becoming harder to ignore around the league.
Among qualified NHL goaltenders, the Calgary Flames netminder sits first in save percentage at .922 and sixth in goals-against average at 2.28. Dig a little deeper, and the numbers become even more compelling. His high-danger save percentage stands at .863 — placing him in the 97th percentile league-wide, well above the NHL average of roughly .813.
Yet for much of the season, Cooley’s performance has flown under the radar. Playing behind a team that has battled inconsistency and struggled to generate offence at times, his body of work hasn’t always been accompanied by highlight-reel wins or national headlines. But inside the organization, the appreciation is clear — and he’s been turning opponents heads, too.
“I think he’s starting to,” said Flames head coach Ryan Huska. “Maybe early on in the year he didn’t get as much (credit) as he probably deserved. I think now he is, because he’s been really consistent with what he’s done when he’s gone in there.”
There’s a noticeable edge to his game — a refusal to quit on plays, regardless of the scoreboard. Whether the Flames are protecting a lead or chasing one, his effort level rarely wavers. That compete has resonated with Huska, particularly in difficult nights when momentum swings heavily the other way.
“Even (against Dallas) when the game was out of reach, he competed and tried to make a save on everything that was coming at him and that’s what you love about him,” explained Huska.
That resilience matters. Goaltending can be isolating, especially when breakdowns happen in front of you or games spiral beyond control. Cooley’s response hasn’t been frustration — it’s been fight.
“And you want, hopefully, other players to recognize what he did in a situation where things weren’t going in our favour,” Huska continued. “He stayed in there and made some saves, so I was really proud of him for that.”
The numbers make a strong case. The underlying metrics strengthen it. But perhaps what separates Cooley this season isn’t simply statistical dominance — it’s mentality.
On a team searching for consistency in other areas, the goaltender has quietly provided it.
Underrated? Maybe earlier in the year.
Overlooked? Increasingly difficult to justify.
If recognition across the league hasn’t fully caught up yet, it’s only a matter of time.
The Colorado Avalanche have been atop the NHL all season. But as Friday’s trade deadline nears, swirling speculation suggests the club could be open to shaking things up — including potentially moving a player who might be more valuable staying put than gone.
Former Avalanche insider Adrian Dater wrote on X, "I’m hearing that Val Nichushkin might suddenly be in play as #Avs trade piece."
Let’s make one thing very clear: this would be a very poor decision by the Avalanche.
Valeri Nichushkin at training camp.
An Indispensable Piece of the Core
Nichushkin, who turns 31 this week, has been a foundational piece of Colorado’s identity for years. At his peak, he was one of the NHL’s most dangerous two-way power forwards — a force on the forecheck, a puck-possession driver, and a relentless net-front presence. During Colorado’s Stanley Cup run, he was indispensable. Nichushkin posted nine goals and six assists for 15 points in 20 games and even played through a broken foot in the Cup-clinching game.
Yes, this season’s scoring numbers — 12 goals and 24 assists in 51 games — don’t match the highs Avalanche fans are used to. And yes, his eight-year, $49 million contract has drawn scrutiny. There have been injuries and off-ice personal challenges. But focusing strictly on raw counting stats misses what Nichushkin actually provides.
Built For Playoff Hockey
Nichushkin does the things that matter most in playoff hockey — disrupting opposing breakouts, forcing turnovers, wearing down defenders, and tipping pucks in dangerous scoring areas. Those contributions rarely dominate headlines, but they frequently decide postseason games.
Nichushkin with the Stanley Cup. Credit: Mark J. Rebilas
Colorado’s record without him over recent years is also telling. The Avalanche have been significantly better with Nichushkin in the lineup than without him — a reflection of the subtle but very real impact he has on the ice.
Championship teams need skill. They also need weight, pressure, and players willing to do the punishing work between the dots. Nichushkin thrives in that environment.
The Brotherhood Factor
Beyond systems and analytics, there’s also the human element — something Aarif Deen of Colorado Hockey Now highlighted when discussing Nichushkin’s relationship with goaltender Mackenzie Blackwood.
Deen reported that Nichushkin has opened up socially since Blackwood’s arrival in Denver, with the two routinely seeing each other postgame and building a genuine bond as locker room teammates. For a player long viewed as quiet and reserved, that growth matters.
Blackwood has been open about how the relationship started early — the two “just started chatting,” Blackwood told Deen — and it evolved naturally from there. It’s more than casual camaraderie. That’s chemistry. That’s trust. That’s accountability.
Blackwood and Nichushkin embrace following a big win. Credit: John E. Sokolowski
All of those things matter.
There’s also broader context. Blackwood signed a long-term deal in December and appears fully invested — and happy — in Colorado. Stability in net has been a storyline for this franchise, and the organization finally has it.
A healthy, confident Nichushkin playing in front of him — blocking lanes, winning board battles, applying relentless forecheck pressure — directly supports that stability. Goaltenders benefit immensely from predictable, committed defensive play in front of them. Nichushkin provides exactly that.
Trading him now would not be a simple cap maneuver. It would send a message through the locker room. And for a team capable of winning another Stanley Cup this season, disrupting that chemistry carries real risk.
The deadline is approaching fast. If the Avalanche believe they need another layer to push them over the top, the focus should be on adding — not subtracting the subtle glue that helps hold a contender together.
Valeri Nichushkin may not always dominate the stat sheet. But his impact on this team, stylistically and culturally, is undeniable.
The 2026 NHL Trade Deadline takes place on March 6, and already, the Vancouver Canucks are taking part in moves. As one of the teams populating trade rumour headlines the most as of late, Vancouver is expected to be a busy team heading into the deadline.
Earlier today, the Canucks conducted their first trade since the end of the 2026 Winter Olympic break, dealing Tyler Myers to the Dallas Stars in exchange for a 2027 second-round pick and 2029 fourth-round pick. Shortly after the move, Vancouver General Manager Patrik Allvin spoke to the media about the details behind Myers’ trade and how it all went down.
“Tyler had a full no-move. So in the end of the day, I respected it, the conversations that I had with Tyler that this was something that might happen, and I made him aware about a week ago, and in the end of the day, he signed off on this trade this morning.”
Allvin also specified that the second-round pick for Myers came about due to the 50% salary retention that the Canucks will be keeping on the defenceman’s contract. Initial reports had specified that the Detroit Red Wings were looking to acquire Myers for around that price, though due to the structure of Myers’ contract, Dallas ended up being the team to acquire him.
“Tyler is a good player. His cap hit was fairly low, and when you cut it in half, it makes it more appealing for teams. But again, it’s hard. Tyler controlled this move, and I respect him and his agent, and thankful it ended up being a good destination for Tyler and a good return for the Vancouver Canucks.”
With the Myers trade now in the rearview for the Canucks, the organization’s focus will likely shift to their remaining players ahead of the deadline on Friday. While the Canucks appear to be open for business on the selling side, the structure behind this year’s deadline could impact whether or not Vancouver makes any more moves.
“The market is interesting. I don’t even know if it is a market or not,” Allvin added. “You take a look at the last two seasons here, and this year, when you have a salary cap for the first time in the playoffs, it changed. So it’s hard to get a feel for it, and there are some ongoing discussions, and we’ll see here, over the next 48 hours if something materializes or not.”
Allvin also specified that while the playoff salary cap will impact what moves teams decide to make heading into the deadline, roster spot availability will also be a big thing to consider when it comes to trades.
“This is an issue too. You have players on your roster. We had carried a couple extra here that haven’t played as of late, and I think that’s something again around the league.”
Mar 2, 2026; Vancouver, British Columbia, CAN; Vancouver Canucks defenseman Tyler Myers (57) handles the puck in warm up prior to a game against the Dallas Stars at Rogers Arena. Mandatory Credit: Bob Frid-Imagn Images
Evander Kane has been a name many expect the Canucks to move on from — if they can — ahead of the trade deadline on Friday. While the interest in him has appeared to wane since mid-January reports that contenders such as Dallas and the Colorado Avalanche were intrigued, Allvin explained what it is that teams could be eyeing about the forward’s game in a potential trade.
“I think his playoff performance over the last couple of years in Edmonton have shown that he is more than capable of performing in big games and his ability to skate and his bigger body. So I can talk to the other teams, that’s their choice, but we’ll see.”
Teddy Blueger is also a player that could be moved heading into the deadline. As a pending UFA, the veteran centre is arguably one of the more intriguing pieces on the Canucks currently given the fact that he has proven Stanley Cup-winning experience and that he can effectively help a team’s defensive depth from a forward’s standpoint.
“Teddy has been a great pro, and he was part of Vegas winning a cup there before. So there is some value for us, no doubt about it.”
It’s a busy time in the NHL for all 32 teams. Having said that, the trade deadline may not be the last time the Canucks engage in surprising moves through the rest of 2026. If Vancouver chooses not to make another move ahead of the trade deadline, the 2026 NHL Draft is a date they could target for potential trades.
“[It] could be busier leading up to draft, for sure, but, have in mind what we did earlier. I think we did a couple of big moves here, and probably didn’t help the other teams by setting the market so high [...] So it definitely could be something that we’re looking at summertime too, leading up to the draft. Again, we’ve got to have a good team here next year too. I think it’s important for future that we surround the young players with with some leadership, and also continue to build.”
Make sure you bookmark THN's Vancouver Canucks site and add us to your favourites on Google News for the latest news, exclusive interviews, breakdowns, and so much more. Also, don't forget to leave a comment at the bottom of the page and engage with other passionate fans through our forum. This article originally appeared on The Hockey News.
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Following an injury to goaltender John Gibson during Monday afternoon's 4-2 victory over the Nashville Predators, the Detroit Red Wings called up 2021 first-round pick (15th overall) Sebastian Cossa from the AHL-leading Grand Rapids Griffins.
Cossa was on the ice Wednesday morning, taking shots in the backup net, and head coach Todd McLellan confirmed that he will back up Cam Talbot for Wednesday night’s matchup against the Vegas Golden Knights at Little Caesars Arena, while also noting that Gibson is considered day-to-day.
UPDATE: The #RedWings have recalled Sebastian Cossa from the AHL’s Grand Rapids Griffins under emergency conditions.
— Detroit Red Wings (@DetroitRedWings) March 4, 2026
It's been a record-breaking season for the Griffins, who became the first AHL team in multiple decades to clinch a postseason berth in February.
Cossa's numbers are nothing short of impressive, having gone 24-4-3 while posting a 1.99 goals-against average and a .927 save percentage. He also has five shutouts.
Following Wednesday morning's skate, Cossa fielded questions from reporters and explained that despite his stellar numbers with the Griffins, there's always room for improvement.
"So far, it's been good, but it could be better for sure," Cossa said of his performance in Grand Rapids. "I think still, you could always be better somehow, some way. We've got a key stretch coming up here, and we want to have a really deep playoff run. That's going to be the key thing for me."
Multiple Red Wings players who have spent time in the NHL this season are now back with the Griffins, including first-round draft picks Nate Danielson (ninth overall in 2023) and Michael Brandsegg-Nygård (15th overall in 2024).
Cossa, who has one game of NHL experience from December of last season, has spoken with both of them about their time with the Red Wings and said they’re “chomping at the bit” to return to Detroit.
"We're chatting all the time, they've both had positive experiences up here, and kind of told the same thing going back down there," Cossa said of Danielson and Brandsegg-Nygård. "Just working at getting better, they've been great for us down there. They're chomping at the bit to get back here as well."
During Training Camp in September, Cossa acknowledged how important the upcoming season would be as he looks to earn a new contract as a pending restricted free agent.
It shouldn’t be difficult for the Red Wings to sign Cossa, whom they view as a potential goaltender of the future alongside 2023 second-round pick Trey Augustine, to a new deal.
His numbers this season show he has taken his development seriously, and fans should be eager to see what he may soon accomplish at the NHL level.
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The Carolina Hurricanes travel west to take on the Vancouver Canucks tonight.
Kevin Lankinen will see plenty of action inside Rogers Arena, and my Hurricanes vs. Canucks predictions are counting on the Vancouver netminder staying busy between the pipes.
Find out more in my NHL picks for Wednesday, March 4.
Hurricanes vs Canucks prediction
Hurricanes vs Canucks best bet: Kevin Lankinen Over 27.5 saves (-120)
Vancouver Canucks goaltender Kevin Lankinen has been lit up to the tune of an .800 save percentage and 5.20 GAA across his past seven appearances, so we’re landing a fair total for his saves total tonight against the Carolina Hurricanes.
The Hurricanes are second in the league in shots per game (32.1) and pace the NHL in Corsi For percentage at five-on-five, so Carolina is positioned to pepper Lankinen with rubber.
Additionally, Vancouver has allowed an average of 30.9 shots over its past eight games and just traded away top-four defenseman Tyler Myers.
Hurricanes vs Canucks same-game parlay
In addition to the Hurricanes dominating possession at the 5-on-5, they’ve also allowed the seventh-fewest goals per game (2.8).
Turning to the final leg of this same-game parlay, Canucks winger Connor Garland has recorded 2+ shots in six of his past nine games, including racking up a team-high 40 attempts.
Carolina has hit the Under in seven of its last nine road games (+4.95 Units / 50% ROI). Find more NHL betting trends for Hurricanes vs. Canucks.
How to watch Hurricanes vs Canucks
Location
Rogers Arena, Vancouver, BC
Date
Wednesday, March 4, 2026
Puck drop
10:00 p.m. ET
TV
FDSN-SO, SNP
Hurricanes vs Canucks latest injuries
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The Florida Panthers have placed defenseman Tobias Bjornfot and goaltender Louis Domingue on NHL waivers.
Bjornfot has been up with the Panthers since Jan. 4, skating in 11 games, recording two goals and three points, while averaging 11:33 of ice time. Bjornfot has performed well in the NHL this season, but with the return of Dmitry Kulikov and the expected return of Seth Jones in the short term, roster and salary cap space will need to open up.
If Bjornfot clears waivers, he’ll return to the Charlotte Checkers in the AHL, where he was named an All-Star, although he did not attend the All-Star event as he was with the Panthers in the NHL at the time.
As for Domingue, he’s been signed to an AHL deal since November, but after the Panthers inked him to a two-way deal, he’ll need to clear waivers to be able to rejoin the Checkers.
He’s only played seven games with the Checkers, recording an .831 save percentage and a 3.20 goals-against average.
Domingue is less of a threat to be claimed off waivers than Bjornfot is. At 24 years old, Bjornfot has 145 games of NHL experience, which could entice teams to add him as potential depth as we near the post-season.
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Ahead of Friday's NHL trade deadline, the market is flush with right-shot defenseman, which works for and against the Philadelphia Flyers. If they want to add, though, now might be a good time.
With Western Conference contenders like Edmonton and Dallas adding the likes of Tyler Myers and Connor Murphy, respectively, the Flyers are rapidly losing trade destinations for veteran Rasmus Ristolainen.
Still, Buffalo, Detroit, and Boston remain as legitimate, but overall less likely, trade partners for Ristolainen and the Flyers.
And should the Flyers end up dealing Ristolainen like everyone expects them to, they can quickly pivot up the turnpike and replace him with a younger, exciting, and more talented option.
On Wednesday, NHL insider Pierre LeBrun reported that the New Jersey Devils are fielding calls on 2022 No. 2 overall pick Simon Nemec as they work through their defensive logjam and attempt to find some long-term roster clarity.
"New Jersey happy to keep him, but if there's a deal that upgrades their forwards in a real way, they're going to listen," LeBrun said of Nemec.
The Flyers, of course, are flush with middle-six options that would help their Metropolitan Division rivals out at the cost of a future top-four defenseman.
Names like Bobby Brink, and Owen Tippett, especially, make the most sense for the Devils, as do Tyson Foerster and Noah Cates.
The Devils badly need center depth and complementary pieces for Jack Hughes and Nico Hischier, and Tippett, Cates, and Foerster should all be enough to begin moving the needle for Nemec.
As we know, the Flyers are eventually going to need to move out bodies on their flanks to make room for their youngsters.
Porter Martone is virtually earmarked for an NHL role next season, and Denver Barkey has been earning his keep as an injury replacement for Foerster. Nikita Grebenkin could always take on a larger role, and players like Alex Bump and Shane Vansaghi will eventually make their ways into the lineup, too.
We'd also be unwise to rule out forwards Jack Berglund and Jett Luchanko for NHL roster spots next season.
It's not overly common for two rivals to make a deal of this magnitude, but this would work out very well for both sides.
Tippett should be the Devils' first choice, even if there is some extra work to be done in regards to the salary cap afterwards. Then, a top-six role immediately opens up for Martone out of college.
The Flyers' defense would then boast both Nemec and Jamie Drysdale with Oliver Bonk, Spencer Gill, and Carter Amico still on the way. Presumably, one of those players would be swapped with a left-shot option to balance things out.
Nemec, 22, has 21 points in 47 games this season and has taken a real step forward at both ends of the ice.
Provided Travis Sanheim moves back to the left side for the Flyers, Nemec immediately becomes their No. 1 right-shot defenseman.
If the two sides can get a beneficial deal done, the opportunities to get the rebuild going again would be nearly endless for the Flyers.
Bjornfot, 24, is available to be taken if any team puts in a claim within the next 24 hours. If not, he'll be assigned to the AHL's Charlotte Checkers, Florida's American League affiliate.
Therefore, the Kings could potentially bring back the blueliner, after losing him on waivers in 2023-24 to the Vegas Golden Knights. He was claimed again off waivers later that 2023-24 season by the Panthers.
After being selected 22nd overall in the first round of the 2019 draft, Bjornfot played parts of five seasons with the Kings. Across those years, he featured in 117 games for Los Angeles, scoring one goal and 15 points from the back end.
The best year of his NHL career was with the Kings in 2021-22. Bjornfot made 70 appearances and put up eight assists for eight points, all of which are career-highs.
In that very campaign, he averaged 16:46 of ice time per game and had a minus-12 plus-minus rating.
Tobias Bjornfot (Sam Navarro-Imagn Images)
Since that 2021-22 season, he hasn't featured in more than 14 regular-season affairs. This year, Bjornfot has played 11 games for the Panthers, registering two goals and three points while averaging 11:33 of ice time, and has a plus-four rating.
For most of the past two years, Bjornfot has spent most of the time in the minors. In the past two seasons, the six-foot defenseman has played 72 games for the Checkers. That includes 22 appearances this season and putting up one goal and seven points, along with a plus-six rating.
He also had an exceptional Calder Cup playoff campaign last season for Charlotte. Bjornfot scored two goals and seven points in 14 post-season appearances, helping his team advance to the final. The Abbotsford Canucks got in their way and were Calder Cup champions.
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The Florida Panthers have signed goaltender Louis Domingue to a one-year, two-way contract.
The 33-year-old has been with the Charlotte Checkers, the Panthers’ AHL affiliate, since November on an AHL contract. Upon signing a two-way deal, he can now be recalled to the NHL if the Panthers require his services.
Domingue started the season in the KHL with Sibir Novosibirsk, where he posted a 0-9-0 record in 11 games, recording an .892 save percentage and a 3.83 goals-against average.
Since signing with the Checkers, Domingue has posted an .831 SP and a 3.20 GAA in seven games.
Additionally, he’s featured in 233 AHL games, recording a .905 SP and a 2.82 GAA.
Sergei Bobrovsky’s name has appeared in trade rumors, and the signing of Domingue has only amplified the uncertainty. Bobrovsky has expressed a desire to re-sign with the Panthers in the off-season, but as their playoff hopes dwindle, GM Bill Zito must decide what is best for the future of his club.
For action-packed issues, access to the entire magazine archive and a free issue, subscribe to The Hockey News at THN.com/free. Get the latest news and trending stories by subscribing to our newsletter here. And share your thoughts by commenting below the article on THN.com or creating your own post in our community forum.
