The Colorado Avalanche made a big splash on the eve of the NHL trade deadline late Thursday night by getting center Brock Nelson from the New York Islanders. The move came hours after the Western Conference rival Vegas Golden Knights reacquired winger Reilly Smith in a deal with the New York Rangers.

The banged-up New Jersey Devils wasted no time filling an area of need ahead of the NHL trade deadline, the defending champion Florida Panthers made an under-the-radar move that could pave the way for another deep playoff run,

Some guys are just built to play for the Florida Panthers. Newly acquired forward Nico Sturm might be one of them. “Definitely exciting,” Sturm said following his first practice with the Panthers at Baptist Health IcePlex on Friday.

The Panthers added talent and depth to their team with the acquisition of Marchand and defenseman Seth Jones, a five-time All-Star. Back-up goalie Vitek Vanecek and face-off specialist Nico Sturm also were acquired in trades from San Jose.

The Florida Panthers continue to make moves ahead of the NHL’s trade deadline. The Panthers on Thursday acquired center Nico Sturm from the San Jose Sharks for a 2026 fourth-round pick. Florida is also getting a seventh-round pick in 2027 in the deal.

Vegas is reacquiring winger Reilly Smith from the New York Rangers for young forward Brendan Brisson and a 2025 third-round pick. Smith has been traded to Pittsburgh to New York and back to Vegas since helping the Golden Knights win the Cup in 2023.