Kyle Connor's future with the Winnipeg Jets appears stable, according to NHL insider Dave Pagnotta. Despite the buzz surrounding high-profile contracts for players like Connor McDavid and Kirill Kaprizov, there are no current indications that Connor will leave Winnipeg. His salary expectations will likely hinge on the deals signed by these stars, with speculation suggesting he could command around $10 to $12 million per year.

Pagnotta emphasizes that Winnipeg understands the importance of keeping Connor in the fold, especially with other core players already committed. Unlike Nikolaj Ehlers, who was expected to test free agency, there’s a sense of commitment and clarity regarding Connor's situation. The team’s approach suggests they are prepared to allocate significant funds to retain him, reflecting his integral role within the roster.

Cale Makar has once again proven himself as the premier defenseman in the NHL, claiming the James Norris Trophy for the 2024-25 season. With an impressive tally of 30 goals and 62 assists, Makar set a new Avalanche record for a defenseman, becoming one of only five blueliners in NHL history to achieve back-to-back 90-point seasons. His dominance was evident as he received 176 first-place votes out of 191, significantly surpassing runner-up Zach Werenski and last year's winner Quinn Hughes.

The 26-year-old Calgary native has now been nominated for the Norris Trophy in five of his six seasons, solidifying his legacy. Despite the Avalanche’s early playoff exit, Makar's performance was celebrated by teammates, including Devon Toews and Nathan MacKinnon, who praised him for his contributions to the team. Makar's journey to this achievement was also marked by a memorable surprise celebration with friends and family while golfing in Calgary. He expressed his gratitude, noting the award as a reflection of the entire team's effort.

The Utah Mammoth are contemplating a bold move involving their No. 4 pick in the upcoming draft, aiming to acquire a player who can immediately impact their playoff ambitions. General Manager Bill Armstrong could leverage the pick to trade for established stars like Tage Thompson of the Buffalo Sabres, Mat Barzal from the New York Islanders, Timo Meier of the New Jersey Devils, or Elias Pettersson of the Vancouver Canucks. Each of these players brings a unique skill set that could help Utah compete more effectively in their division.

Thompson, a towering presence at 6'6" and coming off a 44-goal season, would add significant offensive firepower. Barzal, despite injury setbacks, has a history of near point-per-game performances and could bolster the team's center depth. Meier's multi-dimensional game and Pettersson's elite offensive skills make them enticing targets as well. Such trades could reshape the Mammoth's roster, making them a formidable contender in their quest for postseason success.

In a crucial Game 4, the Carolina Hurricanes secured a 5-2 victory over the New Jersey Devils, inching closer to advancing in the playoffs. However, the game was marred by a concerning injury to starting goaltender Frederik Andersen, who was knocked out of the game due to a collision with Devils forward Timo Meier. This incident ignited frustration for Canes head coach Rod Brind'Amour, who expressed disbelief over the lack of a penalty call despite the clear contact. Andersen's absence could significantly impact the team's performance as they prepare for Game 5.

Backup Pyotr Kochetkov stepped in for Andersen, allowing just one goal on 15 shots, but the real focus remains on Andersen's status moving forward. Brind'Amour confirmed that Andersen would undergo evaluation, but no further details on the injury were provided. Andersen, who had been instrumental for the Hurricanes with a .936 save percentage in the playoffs, will be sorely missed if unable to return for the critical next game.

In a recent game between the Carolina Hurricanes and New Jersey Devils, goaltender Frederik Andersen exited due to a collision with Timo Meier. Coach Rod Brind’Amour announced that Andersen would undergo evaluation back in Carolina. Pyotr Kochetkov stepped in as the replacement. Meier expressed remorse over the incident, clarifying that it was unintentional, attributing the collision to an external push from teammate Andrei Svechnikov.

Meanwhile, in other updates, Montreal Canadiens defenseman Alexandre Carrier suffered a hit from Alex Ovechkin, which caused him to leave the game but later returned. In a separate incident, Carrier experienced another hit in the third period, this time from Tom Wilson. Additionally, Patrik Laine missed his second consecutive game due to an upper-body injury. The New Jersey Devils faced their own injury woes, as Johnathan Kovacevic missed a game with an undisclosed injury.