The New Jersey Devils acquired goaltender Connor Hellebuyck from the Winnipeg Jets on Friday in exchange for forward Dawson Mercer, goaltender Nico Daws, forward prospect Alexander Command, forward Nick Bjugstad (pectoral), and two draft picks. The Hellebuyck trade saga is finally over, and both parties can move forward. The star goalie is heading to the Eastern Conference after becoming the NHL MVP and winning three Vezina Trophies in Winnipeg. In New Jersey, he's joining a team that has allowed only 22.0 SOG per game. The Devils rank 23rd in save percentage, and adding a netminder of Hellebuyck's caliber should improve it.

Florida Panthers defenseman Gustav Forsling (face) exited early against the Pittsburgh Penguins on Thursday. He was hit in the face by a puck late in the game. There was no update on Forsling after the game, leaving him questionable for Sunday's tilt against Chicago. Forsling's production has been underwhelming this season. He has recorded two points (one goal, one assist), 13 SOG, seven blocks, and five hits in 10 games. Niko Mikkola and Dmitry Kulikov will likely have busier times if Forsling isn't available over the weekend.

Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Nick Blankenburg (undisclosed) couldn't finish Thursday's matchup with the New York Rangers, Sportsnet's Luke Fox reports. Blankenburg entered the lineup to fill in for Marshall Rifai (lower body). Now, the Maple Leafs have suddenly lost two defensemen in quick succession. Chris Tanev (upper body) has also missed time recently, so the team's defensive depth is getting a stern test. Blankenburg has made six appearances with the Maple Leafs, recording one goal, six SOG, two blocks, and six hits.

Winnipeg Jets winger Nino Niederreiter (face) didn't finish Thursday's 3-2 overtime loss to Dallas, Ken Wiebe of the Winnipeg Free Press reports. With 6:51 remaining in regulation, Niederreiter took a high stick to the face from teammate Tyrel Bauer. Niederreiter's 2026-27 campaign is off to a very difficult start, with no points in seven outings. He was a healthy scratch for three games at the start of the month. The 16-year veteran is averaging 12:05 of ice time, his lowest since his rookie campaign. Cole Koepke will likely get a chance to play if Niederreiter misses time.