NHL Overtime Rules Explained: Longest Games, 2026 OT Results The NHL’s Stanley Cup playoffs underwent a significant change in the 2026 postseason, shifting from the 3-on-3 overtime format used in the Olympics to a 5-on-5 structure. This adjustment, which mirrors regular-season play, introduced a sudden-death format where games could extend for multiple overtime periods. The change aimed to increase scoring opportunities and maintain the intensity of playoff hockey, as the stakes are higher in the postseason. Unlike the Olympics, where 3-on-3 overtime is standard even in the final, the NHL’s new rules emphasize the traditional 5-on-5 format, with no shootout after five minutes of scoreless overtime. The 2026 playoffs saw eight overtime games, including two double-overtime contests. Each overtime period lasts 20 minutes or until a goal is scored, with teams switching sides for each round. If no goal is scored in the first overtime, the process repeats. The NHL Situation Room reviews all goals to ensure they are legally scored, as seen in critical moments like the game-winning goal in Game 4 of the Anaheim-Edmonton series and the overturned goal in Game 4 of the Vegas-Utah series. Key results from the 2026 playoffs include: April 27: Golden Knights 5, Mammoth 4. Shea Theodore scored at 19:08 of the first overtime, tying the series at two games apiece. April 26: Ducks 4, Oilers 3. Ryan Poehling scored 2:29 into the first overtime, giving Anaheim a 3-1 series lead. April 25: Wild 3, Stars 2. Matt Boldy scored at 19:31 of the first overtime, leveling the series at 2-2. April 24: Canadiens 3, Lightning 2. Lane Hutson scored at 2:09 of the first overtime, giving Montreal a 2-1 series lead. April 22: Stars 4, Wild 3. Wyatt Johnston scored at 12:10 of the second overtime, giving Dallas a 2-1 series lead.#nhl #anaheim_ducks #edmonton_oilers #stanley_cup_playoffs #vegas_golden_knights
NHL Playoff Overtime Rules and Longest Games in Stanley Cup History The National Hockey League (NHL) has implemented significant changes to its playoff overtime format, altering the way games are decided during the Stanley Cup postseason. Unlike the Olympic Games, where 3-on-3 overtime is used in all rounds, including the gold medal match, the NHL now employs a 5-on-5 overtime format in the playoffs. This shift eliminates the use of shootouts after five minutes of scoreless overtime, replacing them with sudden-death scenarios that can extend beyond regulation time. The new rules emphasize continuity and intensity, as games can last for multiple overtime periods, with teams switching sides for each session. The 2025 Stanley Cup Final between the Florida Panthers and Edmonton Oilers highlighted the impact of these changes. Three of the first four games in the series went to overtime, including a double-overtime contest. Overall, 20 games in the 2025 playoffs ended in overtime, with four of those requiring two or more extra periods. This trend continued into the 2026 playoffs, where four overtime games were recorded, including one double-overtime match. The NHL Situation Room oversees all goals scored in overtime to ensure they meet legal criteria, maintaining the integrity of the process. Historically, the longest NHL playoff overtime games have set records for duration. The 1936 Stanley Cup Semifinals featured a six-overtime contest lasting 116 minutes and 30 seconds, with Detroit defeating Montreal Maroons. Other notable games include a six-overtime match in 1933, a five-overtime game in 2000, and a five-overtime contest in 2020. The 2023 conference finals saw a four-overtime game between Florida and Carolina, with Matthew Tkachuk scoring the winning goal.#florida_panthers #stanley_cup #nhl #edmonton_oilers #nhl_situation_room
Stanley Cup Playoffs Buzz: Bruins, Golden Knights, Oilers on verge of berth The NHL regular season is entering its final stretch, with six days remaining and the playoff picture intensifying. The top three teams in each of the four divisions and the next two highest-place finishers in each conference will secure postseason berths. The race for playoff spots and seeding has become a high-stakes battle, with several teams poised to clinch their places in the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs. The Boston Bruins, Ottawa Senators, Edmonton Oilers, and Vegas Golden Knights are among the teams on the verge of securing their spots. The Bruins will clinch a playoff berth if the New Jersey Devils defeat the Detroit Red Wings in regulation and either the Ottawa Senators beat the New York Islanders or the Winnipeg Jets beat the Philadelphia Flyers. The Senators will clinch if they defeat the Islanders in any fashion and the Devils beat the Red Wings in any fashion. The Oilers will secure a berth if they earn at least one point against the Los Angeles Kings or if the Jets-Flyers game does not result in a Jets regulation win. The Golden Knights will clinch if they defeat the Colorado Avalanche in any fashion, or if they get one point against the Avalanche and both the Flyers beat the Jets and the Minnesota Wild beat the Nashville Predators. Additional scenarios involve the Anaheim Ducks, Dallas Stars, and other teams, with outcomes dependent on a web of conditional results. Saturday’s schedule features 15 games, 14 of which have playoff implications. The Tampa Bay Lightning face the Bruins in a critical matchup for home-ice advantage in the Eastern Conference First Round. The Lightning, trailing the Montreal Canadiens by two points for second in the Atlantic Division, hold the regulation-wins tiebreaker.#tampa_bay_lightning #boston_brains #edmonton_oilers #vegas_golden_knights #ottawa_senators
Mammoth Look To Extend Win Streak As Oilers Visit In Key Western Showdown The Utah Hockey Club faces a critical test on Tuesday night as they host the Edmonton Oilers in a high-stakes matchup that could reshape the Western Conference playoff race. With both teams vying for playoff positioning, the game carries significant weight beyond its status as a late-season contest. The Mammoth, riding a three-game win streak, aim to solidify their hold on the first wild card spot, while the Oilers seek to rebound from a recent loss and maintain their grip on the Pacific Division. Utah enters the game with a 40-30-6 record, having recently demonstrated offensive prowess and defensive resilience. Their recent surge has been fueled by a balanced attack, with the team scoring in five consecutive games while on the power play. Over the past three road contests, the Mammoth have netted 19 goals, showcasing their ability to perform under pressure. However, their success hinges on maintaining their defensive structure, which has kept them among the league’s stingiest teams in limiting shots and goals against. The challenge lies in withstanding the Oilers’ high-octane offense, which relies on elite talent and quick-strike capabilities. Edmonton, meanwhile, arrives with its own urgency. The Oilers, sitting atop the Pacific Division with a 39-29-9 record, are looking to recover from a lopsided 6-2 loss to the Vegas Golden Knights. Despite the setback, they remain a formidable force, led by Connor McDavid, who continues to lead the NHL in points with 126. The team’s ability to generate high-danger chances at an elite rate makes them a constant threat to break games open, even without the presence of star forward Leon Draisaitl.#karel_vejmelka #connor_mcDavid #edmonton_oilers #utah_hockey_club #connor_ingram
Edmonton Oilers Set to Face Utah Mammoth in Key Road Test The Edmonton Oilers will open their final road trip of the regular season on Tuesday night with a matchup against the Utah Mammoth at Delta Center. Goaltender Tristan Jarry is expected to start in net, while forward Colton Dach returns to the lineup after being sidelined. The game marks the beginning of a three-game road series for the Oilers, who aim to build on their recent momentum. The Oilers’ previous encounter with the Mammoth ended in a 5-2 victory for Edmonton on March 24, a game that kickstarted their five-game win streak. Jarry, who made 16 saves in that contest, will look to extend his current winning streak. He has recorded three consecutive victories, including a 3-1 win over the Chicago Blackhawks on April 2, where he stopped 17 shots. The Oilers’ performance against the Mammoth has been a key factor in their recent success, and Jarry’s ability to contain the team’s potent offense will be critical. The Utah Mammoth, meanwhile, have been on a three-game win streak, outscoring opponents 19-8 during that span. Head Coach Kris Knoblauch acknowledged the team’s offensive prowess, noting their strong transition game and ability to capitalize on scoring chances. “They’re playing very well with 19 goals in the last three,” Knoblauch said. “They’ve got a lot of good shooters, but I think what allows them to play that offensive game and score goals is their transition game, and it starts on the back end.” The Oilers, however, face challenges in their own performance. Despite ending a five-game win streak with a 5-1 loss to the Vegas Golden Knights on Saturday, the team remains focused on securing the Pacific Division title.#utah_mammoth #edmonton_oilers #kris_knoblauch #tristan_jarry #ryan_nugent_hopkins
Golden Knights vs Oilers Prediction, Picks & Odds for Tonight’s NHL Game The Edmonton Oilers and Vegas Golden Knights are set to face off in a high-stakes NHL matchup on Saturday, April 4, 2026, with significant playoff implications for both teams. The game, scheduled for 10:00 p.m. ET at Rogers Place in Edmonton, Alberta, will feature a clash between two teams with contrasting recent performances. The Oilers, riding a five-game winning streak, have dominated their opponents with a 19-8 scoring edge, while the Golden Knights have struggled defensively, posting a .863 save percentage over their last five games. Analysts are closely watching the matchup, particularly focusing on the impact of Edmonton’s star player, Connor McDavid, who has been a key factor in the Oilers’ success. McDavid, the NHL’s leading scorer in points, has continued to shine against the Golden Knights, recording multi-point efforts in three consecutive games, including a three-point performance on March 26. His ability to control the game’s tempo and generate offensive opportunities makes him a critical player for the Oilers’ chances of victory. The Golden Knights, however, have faced challenges in containing McDavid, and their goaltending struggles could further complicate their path to a win. Analysts predict that the Oilers will have the edge in this matchup, with McDavid expected to dominate the stat sheet. The betting landscape for the game reflects the Oilers’ strong position. The best bet is projected to be Connor McDavid to score over 1.5 points at -120 odds, a line that underscores confidence in his ability to contribute. Additionally, the Oilers are favored to win the game outright, with the moneyline odds set at -115 for Edmonton and -105 for Vegas. The puck line also favors the Oilers, with the team offering -1.#nhl #connor_mcDavid #edmonton_oilers #vegas_golden_knights #rogers_place
John Tortorella Faces Toughest Test Yet Against Red-Hot Oilers The Vegas Golden Knights are set to confront one of the most formidable challenges of the 2025-26 NHL season when they travel to Edmonton to face the red-hot Edmonton Oilers on Saturday, April 4. This matchup marks the culmination of a critical stretch for the Knights, who have already navigated two high-stakes games under Tortorella’s coaching tenure. While the initial tests against the Vancouver Canucks and Calgary Flames yielded positive results, the Oilers represent a far greater threat, boasting a five-game winning streak and a clear focus on securing the Pacific Division title. The Knights’ ability to neutralize the Oilers’ offensive firepower will be pivotal in determining whether they can maintain momentum as the regular season approaches its final stages. The Oilers, led by superstar forward Connor McDavid, have emerged as a dominant force in the league, with their recent surge threatening to reshape the playoff landscape. Despite the absence of key player Leon Draisaitl for the majority of the season, the Oilers have adapted seamlessly, with McDavid and defenseman Evan Bouchard continuing to produce at elite levels. The team’s depth has also stepped up, as players like Zach Hyman, Matt Savoie, and Jack Roslovic have each scored at least three goals in the eight games Draisaitl has missed. This resilience has allowed the Oilers to maintain their offensive prowess, even without their star forward, and their ability to generate consistent scoring waves poses a significant challenge for the Knights. The Knights’ upcoming clash with the Oilers carries added weight due to the historical context of their rivalry.#connor_mcDavid #edmonton_oilers #vegas_golden_knights #john_tortorella #matt_savoie
Oilers 'feeling great right now' heading into showdown with Golden Knights The Edmonton Oilers are entering their final regular-season matchup against the Vegas Golden Knights with momentum on their side, aiming for their sixth consecutive win as they vie for the Pacific Division title. The Oilers, who have been locked in a three-team battle with the Golden Knights and Anaheim Ducks, are set to face Vegas at Rogers Place on Saturday night, a game that carries significant playoff implications. Forward Kasperi Kapanen, who scored the overtime goal that eliminated the Golden Knights from the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs, expressed excitement about the potential rematch, though he emphasized that the outcome will depend on the team’s performance. Kapanen, who retained the stick used to score his iconic goal against Vegas, reflected on the emotional weight of the moment. “It was a big goal and just to celebrate with the guys and enjoy that, just thinking of that whole playoff run last year, it does bring good memories,” he said after an optional practice. “So hopefully, I can score another this year too.” The Oilers’ current form, bolstered by a five-game winning streak, has positioned them as a serious contender in the Pacific race, though they remain in a tight three-way tie with the Ducks and Golden Knights. The Oilers’ pursuit of the division title has been complicated by injuries and roster adjustments. Star forward Leon Draisaitl, a key player in their offensive attack, is sidelined for the remainder of the regular season after sustaining a lower-body injury on March 15. Despite his absence, the team has managed to maintain its competitive edge, with players stepping up to fill the void.#connor_mcDavid #edmonton_oilers #leon_draisaitl #vegas_golden_knights #kasperi_kapanen
Blackhawks vs. Kraken: Projected Lineups and Playoff Implications Ahead of Game 77 The Chicago Blackhawks concluded their final three-game road trip of the 2025-26 season with a 3-1 loss to the Edmonton Oilers on Thursday night, officially eliminating them from postseason contention. The defeat marked the end of a season defined by rebuilding efforts, as the team focused on developing young talent rather than securing a playoff berth. With their fate sealed, the Blackhawks turned their attention to the upcoming matchup against the Seattle Kraken, a game that carries significant implications for both teams. The Seattle Kraken, who once held a strong grip on a playoff spot, have faced a challenging stretch in recent weeks. After a promising start to the 2025-26 season, the team has struggled to maintain consistency, posting a 3-5-2 record in their last 10 games. This slump has left them four points behind the playoff threshold, with a daunting task ahead. To secure a postseason berth, the Kraken would need to not only close the gap in points but also overtake five teams in the standings—a near-impossible feat given the current pace of play. Despite these challenges, the Kraken remain optimistic, with players expressing confidence in their ability to turn things around. The Kraken’s roster is built on depth rather than star power, with eight players contributing 30 or more points and 10 players scoring double-digit goals. Jordan Eberle, the team’s leading scorer with 24 goals and 52 points, has been a consistent performer, but the lack of a singular superstar has limited their ability to dominate games. However, their offensive versatility and strong team play have kept them competitive.#chicago_blackhawks #edmonton_oilers #seattle_kraken #philipp_grubauer #joey_daccord
Kraken Struggle to Convert Leads, Face Tough Test Against Oilers The Seattle Kraken, with a record of 32-29-11, will face the Edmonton Oilers, who sit at 37-28-9, in a matchup set for 6:00 p.m. The game will test the Kraken’s ability to capitalize on leads, a recurring issue this season. Despite holding a 2-0 advantage over the Buffalo Sabres midway through the third period, the Kraken failed to secure the win, falling 3-2 in a shootout. The team’s inability to convert late chances proved costly, as they missed their final 13 shots of the game. This pattern has plagued the Kraken throughout the season, with the team struggling to find the third goal in critical moments. The Kraken’s offensive struggles are evident in their record of 4-22-7 when scoring two goals or fewer in regulation. They have only managed to win twice in regulation under such circumstances and have relied on overtime or shootout victories to secure points. This trend highlights a broader issue: the team’s difficulty in maintaining momentum against strong opponents. The Oilers, known for their high-octane offense, will present an even greater challenge. The Kraken have a dismal record of 1-6-1 in games at Rogers Place, where the Oilers have consistently dominated. A potential bright spot for the Kraken is the return of Jaden Schwartz, who is set to rejoin the lineup after a three-week absence due to a skate blade injury. Schwartz’s presence could provide a much-needed boost, particularly given his recent contributions. Since joining the Kraken, Bobby McMann has emerged as a key player, scoring seven goals in eight games. His performance has been instrumental in the team’s recent resurgence, as the Kraken have collected four of six points in their last three games.#edmonton_oilers #seattle_kraken #jaden_schwartz #bobby_mcmann #kaapo_kakko
Doesn't Anybody Want To Win This Wretched Division? The Oilers' recent struggles in the Pacific Division have sparked a mix of frustration and resignation, with star player Connor McDavid offering a blunt assessment of his team's performance. After a 5-2 home loss to Tampa Bay, McDavid acknowledged the division's lackluster competitiveness, calling it a "pillow fight" and expressing hope that his team could improve its road record against Utah and Vegas. His comments, while laced with subtle self-criticism, highlighted the Oilers' ongoing difficulties in a league where the division's top teams are far from elite. The Pacific Division's current state is a stark contrast to its historical reputation. Anaheim, the division leader, would rank 10th in the Eastern Conference, while Edmonton, five points behind, would sit 13th. This disparity underscores the Oilers' decline, particularly for a team that has reached the Stanley Cup Finals twice. The division's weakness has allowed teams outside Calgary and Vancouver to thrive, with Edmonton's playoff hopes now hinging on a scenario where the Oilers avoid a postseason absence. Even if they qualify, the path to the Cup would be daunting, with Montreal's resurgence as a potential contender. The Oilers' struggles are compounded by internal challenges. After a 15-game stretch where they've lost nine contests, the team's morale is at a low point. McDavid's remarks, while not overtly critical of coach Kris Knoblauch, suggest a growing frustration within the locker room. Analysts and commentators, including Elliotte Friedman, have called for a team meeting to address the lack of cohesion and self-awareness. The pressure is mounting, especially as the Oilers face a grueling schedule that includes the Olympics and a packed postseason calendar.#tampa_bay_lightning #connor_mcDavid #edmonton_oilers #kris_knoblauch #pacific_division
Draisaitl injury puts more pressure on Oilers' defensive play EDMONTON — The Edmonton Oilers face a significant challenge as they navigate the absence of star forward Leon Draisaitl, whose lower body injury has forced the team to adjust its offensive strategy. Head coach Kris Knoblauch acknowledged the impact of losing Draisaitl, emphasizing the need for the team to simplify its game and prioritize defensive play. “Our game is going to take a dip on the offensive side of it, especially on the power play,” Knoblauch said, noting the team’s reliance on Draisaitl’s scoring ability. The injury, sustained during a hard but clean hit by Nashville’s Ozzy Weisblatt, has left the Oilers cautious about Draisaitl’s return, with Knoblauch expecting him to miss some or all of the remaining games in the homestand. The Oilers have been trending toward a more disciplined defensive approach, bolstered by the emergence of goaltender Connor Ingram. Together, they’ve allowed just nine goals in Ingram’s last five starts, contributing to a 4-0-1 record. However, without Draisaitl, the team must further tighten its defensive structure. “We can't outscore our troubles,” Knoblauch said, stressing the importance of limiting scoring chances and relying on their elite scorers to capitalize on key opportunities. Draisaitl’s absence adds pressure on the Oilers to maintain their defensive identity, a shift that has been a hallmark of their recent success. “When you have Edmonton’s firepower, the trick is to split up a lesser amount of scoring chances with your opponent and count on your elite scorers to cash in on one more chance than the other guys,” Knoblauch explained. The team’s strategy of playing a low-event game, as highlighted by captain Connor McDavid, aims to neutralize opponents and create turnovers.#nashville #edmonton_oilers #leon_draisaitl #kris_knoblauch #ozzy_weisblatt
Leon Draisaitl is set to miss the remainder of the NHL regular season after sustaining a lower-body injury during a game against the Nashville Predators. The 30-year-old center left the ice following a hit from Predators forward Ozzy Wiesblatt in the first period and did not return for the rest of the contest. While he briefly reentered the game near the end of the period, he was sidelined for the second and third periods. Draisaitl, who ranks fourth in the league with 97 points (35 goals, 62 assists) in 65 games, is a critical component of the Edmonton Oilers' offense. His absence leaves a significant void, particularly on the top power-play unit, where he leads the team with 16 goals and is second in the NHL with 42 power-play points. Oilers captain Connor McDavid acknowledged the challenge of replacing Draisaitl’s impact, emphasizing the need for the team to adapt and maintain its competitive edge. The Oilers, currently third in the Pacific Division with a 33-26-9 record, have 14 games remaining in the regular season, including a matchup against the San Jose Sharks on Tuesday. The team is one point behind the Vegas Golden Knights and two behind the Anaheim Ducks in the division. The Stanley Cup Playoffs are scheduled to begin April 18, two days after the Oilers’ final regular-season game. Forward Ryan Nugent-Hopkins highlighted the difficulty of compensating for Draisaitl’s absence, noting that the team must rely on collective effort rather than relying on a single player. “Obviously, he's a top-four scorer, one of the most elite players in the League, so it's not like one guy can just step into his shoes,” Nugent-Hopkins said. “We kind of talked about it this morning; it's a collective thing with our group that everybody's going to need to pick up the slack.#nashville_predators #connor_mcDavid #edmonton_oilers #leon_draisaitl #ozzy_wiesblatt
Oilers expect Leon Draisaitl to miss rest of regular season Edmonton Oilers star forward Leon Draisaitl, who has 97 points in 65 games, is expected to miss the remainder of the regular season after sustaining a lower-body injury, the team announced Tuesday. The injury occurred during a hard hit from Nashville’s Ozzy Wiesblatt in the first period of Sunday’s game, which the Oilers won. Draisaitl returned for a few shifts before exiting the game for the start of the second period. Oilers coach Kris Knoblauch provided updates on the injury, stating that medical staff indicated it “shouldn’t be a really long injury.” He added, “No immediate red flags,” though he noted that the team would wait for further details. Draisaitl, 30, has 35 goals and 62 assists this season, making him one of the league’s top performers. The Oilers, currently seventh in the Western Conference, are just two points behind fourth-place Anaheim with 14 games remaining in the regular season. Draisaitl’s absence will likely impact the team’s offensive output, as he has been a key contributor to their success. Jason Dickinson is expected to step in as the second-line center while Draisaitl is sidelined. Draisaitl’s career highlights include winning the Hart Trophy as MVP in 2020 and finishing as the runner-up in the 2023 Stanley Cup Final with the Oilers. His absence will test the team’s depth, particularly in a competitive playoff race. The Associated Press contributed to this report.#edmonton_oilers #leon_draisaitl #ozzy_wiesblatt #kris_knoblauch #stanley_cup_final
Foegele traded to Senators by Kings for 2nd-round pick Warren Foegele, a 29-year-old forward, was traded from the Los Angeles Kings to the Ottawa Senators on Thursday. The deal included a second-round selection in the 2026 NHL Draft for the Kings, with both teams also exchanging conditional third-round picks in the same draft. Foegele, who has one season remaining on his three-year, $10.5 million contract with the Kings, will now play for the Senators, marking a return to his hometown of Markham, Ontario. Foegele has contributed nine points (seven goals, two assists) in 47 games for the Kings this season. He expressed excitement about the move, noting it would be a homecoming. "It's pretty great, being closer to home, just a few hours away," he said. "Family and friends don't have to stay up too late on the West Coast time. Everyone in the family is pretty excited for this." He also highlighted the familiarity with teammates, mentioning that five players on the Senators roster were known to him from his time with the Hurricanes and Oilers. "Knowing guys makes the transition huge," he added. "I went to dinner with them last night, met some new faces, and everyone's been great so far since I've been here." Foegele, selected by the Carolina Hurricanes in the third round (No. 67) of the 2014 NHL Draft, has accumulated 218 points (111 goals, 107 assists) in 560 regular-season games across the Hurricanes, Edmonton Oilers, and Kings. His playoff career includes 27 points (13 goals, 14 assists) in 86 games. The Senators, currently sixth in the Atlantic Division with a 30-22-9 record, are four points behind the Boston Bruins for the second wild card in the Eastern Conference.#los_angeles_kings #edmonton_oilers #carolina_hurricanes #warren_foegele #ottawa_senators
NHL Rumour Roundup: Latest buzz on Myers, Trocheck, Bobrovsky and more One week before the NHL trade deadline, speculation about potential deals is intensifying across the league. With the Olympic break delaying roster decisions until earlier this week, teams have had time to evaluate their options and prepare for the final stretch of the season. Sportsnet’s Nick Kypreos outlined several names likely to be involved in trades, while NHL insiders like Elliotte Friedman and Kyle Bukauskas provided deeper insights into the shifting dynamics of the league. The Vancouver Canucks remain active in trade discussions, with their focus centered on moving veteran defenseman Tyler Myers. After dealing star defender Quinn Hughes earlier this season, the team is open to trading multiple players, excluding young prospects and veteran defender Filip Hronek. Myers, 36, is entering the final year of his three-year, $9-million contract, with a modified no-move clause this season. Friedman noted that Myers’ trade protection expires on July 1, giving the Canucks more flexibility to move him now rather than waiting for the offseason. Despite rumors of a potential deal with Detroit, Myers’ agent has not confirmed any agreement, leaving other teams to consider him as a possible target. Meanwhile, the St. Louis Blues continue to be a focal point for trade interest, with their roster featuring high-value players like forwards Robert Thomas, Jordan Kyrou, and Brayden Schenn, as well as defensemen Justin Faulk and netminder Jordan Binnington. Friedman highlighted that the Blues’ asking prices remain steep, with Thomas’ value comparable to a Quinn Hughes-type deal. Kyrou’s price is likened to the Rasmus Andersson trade, which involved multiple assets.#florida_panthers #st_louis_blues #new_york_rangers #vancouver_canucks #edmonton_oilers
Edmonton Oilers begin trade deadline action with acquisition of Chicago Blackhawks player The Edmonton Oilers have made their first move of the NHL trade deadline week by acquiring forward Connor Murphy from the Chicago Blackhawks, according to multiple reports. The deal, confirmed by NHL insiders, involves Murphy joining the Oilers in exchange for a second-round draft pick, with the Blackhawks retaining half of Murphy’s $4.4 million cap hit for the upcoming season. NHL analyst Elliotte Friedman noted that discussions between the two teams had intensified in recent days, with the Oilers actively seeking to bolster their roster ahead of the deadline. Mark Spector of Sportsnet later confirmed the trade details, highlighting the financial arrangement and the significance of Murphy’s departure from Chicago. Murphy, a key player for the Blackhawks, expressed mixed emotions about the trade. In a statement via NHL.com, he acknowledged his desire to remain with the team and compete for the Stanley Cup, but also recognized the appeal of joining a contender. “I would like to be here. I would like to also play in the (Stanley Cup) Playoffs. It’s kind of mixed emotion. That’s why this time is so hard, having that feeling tearing you both ways,” Murphy said. The 29-year-old forward, who has spent the past nine seasons with the Blackhawks, emphasized his commitment to the team’s growth and success. “I’ve been so focused for nine years on wanting to make the playoffs here and wanting to play our best and grow as a team,” he explained. “It’s a funny situation. It’s just interesting how the business side can change and pull you to a different direction.” The Oilers, currently third in the Pacific Division, see Murphy’s addition as a strategic move to strengthen their roster.#nhl_trade_deadline #connor_murphy #chicago_blackhawks #edmonton_oilers #stanley_cup_playoffs
Oilers Acquire Defenceman Connor Murphy from Blackhawks The Edmonton Oilers have bolstered their defensive corps ahead of the NHL trade deadline, securing the services of veteran defenseman Connor Murphy from the Chicago Blackhawks in a deal finalized just 93 hours before the deadline. The trade, which involves a 2028 second-round draft pick, sees Murphy join the Oilers after spending the past seven seasons with the Blackhawks. Chicago retains half of Murphy’s $4.4 million salary, reflecting the team’s commitment to maintaining financial flexibility as they navigate the final stretch of the regular season. Murphy, 33, is expected to contribute immediately as a reliable third-pair defender for Edmonton. His ability to log 16 1/2 minutes of ice time per game this season, along with his career-high 87 blocked shots for Chicago, positions him as a key asset for a team struggling to limit goals. The Oilers, ranked 26th in the league in goals against, have faced mounting pressure in recent weeks, suffering two consecutive losses to Pacific Division rivals Anaheim and San Jose. These setbacks, attributed to defensive lapses, have threatened Edmonton’s playoff positioning and underscored the urgency of strengthening their blue line. The acquisition of Murphy marks another step in a broader effort to rebuild the Oilers’ defense, a priority for general manager Stan Bowman. Bowman, who previously oversaw Murphy’s acquisition from Arizona in 2017 and later negotiated his $17.6 million, four-year contract, has been actively reshaping the roster. His recent moves include a high-profile goaltending swap with Pittsburgh, where he sent Stuart Skinner to the Penguins in exchange for Tristan Jarry and a 2029 second-round pick. Jarry’s struggles with the Oilers, including a .#bill_guerin #connor_murphy #chicago_blackhawks #edmonton_oilers #stan_bowman
Blackhawks Trade Connor Murphy to Oilers, Ending Nine-Year Stint Connor Murphy’s nine-year tenure with the Chicago Blackhawks came to an end on Monday as he was traded to the Edmonton Oilers, marking a significant move for both teams. The deal, finalized just days before the NHL trade deadline, saw Murphy, a pending free agent, sent to Edmonton in exchange for a second-round draft pick in 2028. The Blackhawks also retained half of Murphy’s $4.4 million salary-cap hit, leaving them with one remaining retention slot for the season. The trade was orchestrated by former Blackhawks general manager Stan Bowman, now Oilers GM, who has a history of reacquiring players he once dealt. Bowman acquired Murphy in 2015 from the Arizona Coyotes in a swap involving Niklas Hjalmarsson, and this move aligns with his pattern of bringing back former players. For the Blackhawks, the return of a second-round pick was seen as the best realistic outcome given Murphy’s status as a free agent. Murphy, 33, had long felt the pressure of missing the playoffs, having only participated in the 2020 Stanley Cup bubble. With the Oilers’ playoff hopes still alive, he now has a better chance to compete in the postseason. Edmonton, the back-to-back Western Conference champions, needed a right-handed defenseman to bolster their defense, which has been a weakness this season. Murphy will likely slide below Evan Bouchard on the depth chart but could strengthen their blue line alongside Darnell Nurse, Mattias Ekholm, and Jake Walman. For the Blackhawks, Murphy’s departure opens up roster spots for young players like Artyom Levshunov and Sam Rinzel, allowing them to stay in the lineup as the season progresses. The team also faces the return of Wyatt Kaiser from a knee injury, which could further ease the pressure on the defense.#connor_murphy #chicago_blackhawks #nhl #edmonton_oilers #stan_bowman
Blackhawks trade reliable defenseman Connor Murphy to Oilers for second-round draft pick The Chicago Blackhawks have sent defenseman Connor Murphy to the Edmonton Oilers in a trade that includes a 2028 second-round draft pick and a partial retention of Murphy’s salary. The deal was finalized on Monday, with the Blackhawks retaining half of Murphy’s $4.4 million cap hit. Murphy, a 32-year-old pending unrestricted free agent, has been a key contributor for Chicago over the past three seasons, recording 433 shots blocked in 194 games. This season, he has added four goals and 13 points in 60 contests. Murphy’s departure marks the end of a nine-year stint with the Blackhawks, during which he became a staple of the team’s defense. Known for his physicality and shot-blocking ability, he was a critical component of Chicago’s league-leading penalty kill. His trade comes as the Blackhawks seek to open up a lineup spot for younger defensemen, with players like Artyom Levshunov, Sam Rinzel, and Louis Crevier expected to fill the right-side role moving forward. The team also aims to bolster its depth by adding another second-round draft pick to its collection, which now includes two picks in 2026, two in 2027, and two in 2028. The Oilers, who have struggled with their penalty kill this season, see Murphy as an immediate upgrade. Edmonton’s penalty kill ranks 26th in the league, while Murphy was a cornerstone of Chicago’s top-ranked unit. His physical presence and ability to disrupt opponents’ power plays make him a valuable addition to the Oilers’ blue line, where he is likely to pair with Darnell Nurse on the second pairing. The trade also aligns with Oilers general manager Stan Bowman’s history of reacquiring players he previously dealt, including Niklas Hjalmarsson, whom he sent to Arizona in 2017.#connor_murphy #chicago_blackhawks #edmonton_oilers #stan_bowman #alex_vlasic
