The Pittsburgh Penguins have made a strategic acquisition as they traded defensemen Isaac Belliveau and Conor Timmins to the Buffalo Sabres in exchange for Connor Clifton and a second-round pick in the 2025 NHL Draft.

This deal highlights the Penguins' ongoing efforts to strengthen their defensive lineup, potentially positioning themselves for a deeper playoff run. The second-round pick allowed the Penguins to draft Peyton Kettles, a young defenseman who could add depth to their future roster. Clifton's experience and skill set may prove invaluable in bolstering both the defensive and offensive aspects of the game.

The Colorado Avalanche made strategic selections in the 2025 NHL Draft, leading with the third-round pick of defenseman Francesco Dell’Elce from the University of Massachusetts. Dell’Elce, 6-foot-1 and 179 pounds, showcased his potential with seven goals and 24 points in his freshman year, earning a spot on the Hockey East All-Rookie Team. This choice marks the third time the Avs have picked a UMass player in the last nine years, following stars like Cale and Taylor Makar. In the fourth round, the team furthered their defense with Linus Funck, a right-handed shot at 6-foot-3, who had impressive numbers with Luleå’s U-20 junior squad.

The Seattle Kraken made a strategic move in the 2025 NHL Draft, selecting Blake Fiddler with their second-round pick, 36th overall. Fiddler, a promising defenseman hailing from Frisco, Texas, is the son of former Dallas Stars center Vernon Fiddler. During the last WHL season, he showed his offensive prowess, contributing 10 goals and 23 assists while playing for the Edmonton Oil Kings. The Kraken traded up to secure Fiddler, sending picks 38 and 57 to Philadelphia, indicating their confidence in his potential.

Fiddler’s roots in the Dallas area, honed through the Dallas Stars Elite Hockey Club, connect him not only to the Kraken but also to the local fan base, enhancing his story as he transitions to the NHL. His recent representation of Team USA at the U-18 Hlinka-Gretzky Cup tournament further cements his reputation as a rising star. With both family ties and local connections, Fiddler’s entry into the league is highly anticipated.

Penn State has made remarkable strides in the world of collegiate sports, recently securing its position as the first NCAA hockey program to produce a first-round NHL draft pick. With the Columbus Blue Jackets selecting Jackson Smith as the 14th overall pick in the 2025 NHL Draft, this milestone marks a significant achievement for the Nittany Lions, building on their recent success with their first NBA first-round draft pick just days earlier.

Smith, a defenseman who has yet to play a game for Penn State, previously showcased his talent in the Western Hockey League, where he compiled an impressive 54 points in 68 games. His commitment to the Nittany Lions comes on the heels of the program's first appearance at the NCAA Frozen Four, reflecting the growing prominence of Penn State hockey on the national stage. The anticipation surrounding Smith's arrival is palpable as he looks to continue raising the expectations of a program that has rapidly ascended in recent years.