The New Jersey Devils acted swiftly as the NHL trade deadline approached, acquiring veteran defenseman Brian Dumoulin from Anaheim amidst significant injuries to their roster, including leading scorer Jack Hughes, who is out for the season. Meanwhile, the Florida Panthers bolstered their lineup by securing center Nico Sturm from San Jose, while the Vegas Golden Knights made a notable move by reacquiring Reilly Smith from the New York Rangers.

Dumoulin's addition comes at a critical time for the Devils, allowing them to utilize Hughes's long-term injured reserve status to bring in additional talent. For the Panthers, Sturm's strong faceoff performance and defensive skills add depth as they aim for another championship after their historic win last year. The Golden Knights' return of Smith, a key contributor in their 2023 Cup victory, signals their intent to strengthen their playoff chances.