NHL Player News

Blankenburg was traded to the Avalanche from the Predators on Wednesday in exchange for a 2027 fifth-round pick.

Blankenburg had a career-high 21 points in just 49 outings for the Predators this season. Considering he's just 27 years old, it's a little surprising Nashville wanted to part ways with him for such a low return. Blankenburg may not play regularly with the Avalanche due to the team's depth on the blue line. Ryan Ufko or Jordan Oesterle could get looks with the Predators with Blankenburg out of the way.

Maatta, Jonathan Castagna and three 2026 second-round picks were traded to the Flames from the Mammoth on Wednesday in exchange for MacKenzie Weegar, Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet reports.

Maatta has mostly been a healthy scratch for the Mammoth this season, logging just one assist in 22 games. He has two more years on his contract at a $3.5 million cap hit, so he'll likely be part of the Flames' blue line as a depth option unless they opt to flip him. Maatta's fantasy value may take a slight hit, given the low-scoring nature of his new team, and the fact that he's still not guaranteed to play regularly.

Weegar was traded to the Mammoth from the Flames on Wednesday in exchange for Olli Maatta, Jonathan Castagna and three 2026 second-round picks, Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet reports.

Weegar is an acquisition that suggests the Mammoth think they can make a run. He'll bolster their defense with strong all-around play, and his fantasy outlook should get a boost from playing in a better offense. Weegar is best for hits and blocked shots, but it's unclear if he'll maintain a power-play role with the Mammoth, as Mikhail Sergachev has been on the first unit and Sean Durzi typically plays on the second. Expect Weegar to see top-four minutes at even strength, though he won't be able to join the team immediately, instead missing 4-10 days while waiting for his visa paperwork to be approved, per Cole Bagley of KSL Sports. That means he's likely to miss the Mammoth's next two games at a minimum.

Pesce has been ruled out for Wednesday's game against the Maple Leafs due to a lower-body injury.

While the severity of Pesce's lower-body issue isn't yet clear, he'll be sidelined for the first time since mid-December. Johnny Kovacevic will likely take his place in the lineup Wednesday, while Pesce's next opportunity to suit up will be Saturday against the Rangers.

Ekman-Larsson will not be in the lineup versus New Jersey on Wednesday for roster management, Chris Johnston of The Athletic reports.

With the trade deadline looming, it seems Ekman-Larsson may have played his last game with the Maple Leafs. The blueliner has been struggling to produce in the offensive zone of late, going 13 games without a goal while producing just four helpers. Depending on where he lands, Ekman-Larsson could be a candidate for more power-play minutes.

Doughty (lower body) is slated to return for Thursday's game against the Islanders, Dennis Bernstein of The Fourth Period reports.

Doughty missed the last two games due to a lower-body injury, but he's set to return to action against the Islanders. Across 19 appearances since the start of the calendar year, he's recorded an assist, 18 PIM, 14 blocked shots, nine hits and a minus-10 rating while averaging 22:59 of ice time.

Pulock (upper body) will miss Wednesday's game against Anaheim, per Andrew Gross of Newsday.

Pulock has three goals, 24 points, 12 PIM, 42 hits and 112 blocks in 59 outings in 2025-26. Adam Boqvist is slated to draw into the lineup for the first time since Jan. 26 due to Pulock's absence.

Bjornfot was placed on waivers by the Panthers on Wednesday, Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet reports.

The Panthers activated Bjornfot from injured reserve following the Olympic break, and he made his first appearance in nearly a month during Tuesday's 5-1 loss to the Devils. He recorded one shot on goal and a blocked shot in 13:47 of ice time. He should head to AHL Charlotte if he goes unclaimed on waivers, where he'll have more consistent opportunities to contribute.

Joseph (upper body) is expected to be sidelined for 2-3 weeks, Farhan Lalji of TSN reports Wednesday.

Joseph was already placed on injured reserve Tuesday, so his recovery timeline doesn't come as a significant shock. With Tyler Myers shipped off to Dallas and Joseph unavailable, Victor Mancini will step into the lineup on the third pairing. Even once cleared to play, Joseph is far from a lock to suit up every night.

Moverare (personal) has been activated off the non-roster list Wednesday.

Moverare has spent more time in the press box as a healthy scratch this season than actually on the bench, logging just 15 games. In those outings, the 27-year-old defenseman has failed to get on the scoresheet, chipping in seven shots, three hits and 12 blocks while averaging 8:47 of ice time.