All articles tagged with #nhl trade deadline
The Buffalo Sabres are at a crossroads with forward Alex Tuch, who is nearing free agency and could either be signed to a lucrative extension or traded for a valuable return, amid broader team rebuilding and strategic considerations about future success and loyalty. The decision is complicated by Tuch's age, performance, and the team's long-term prospects, as well as their potential trade of fellow forward JJ Peterka.
Brad Marchand, after being traded from the Boston Bruins to the Florida Panthers, played a pivotal role in their Stanley Cup victory, showcasing his resilience and leadership, and setting a high standard for in-season NHL acquisitions.
Alexander Barabanov was expected to be traded before the NHL trade deadline, but the deal fell through at the last minute, reportedly due to the San Jose Sharks using their last salary retention slot on Tomas Hertl. A source revealed that Barabanov was about to be traded to the New York Rangers before the Hertl trade shocker reached the finish line. Despite his struggles, there is still significant interest in Barabanov, and he hopes to have a strong finish to the season and find a new team in the summer.
Alex Ovechkin and the Washington Capitals are focused on making the playoffs after the "sad day" of trading longtime teammate Evgeny Kuznetsov to the Carolina Hurricanes. The team is currently fighting for a playoff spot and dealing with the departure of several key players, including Kuznetsov, as they look to rebuild and remain competitive. Ovechkin expressed hope for the team's future and emphasized the importance of getting back to the playoffs after missing out last season.
The San Jose Sharks made several significant moves at the NHL trade deadline, including trading franchise icon Tomas Hertl to the Vegas Golden Knights. Despite the emotional impact on fans, the Sharks received positive trade grades for their deals. The Hertl trade, in particular, was seen as a good move, as they acquired valuable assets for an aging player whose timeline didn't align with the team's need for a rebuild. Other trades included acquiring prospects and draft picks, as well as addressing goaltending depth.
New York Rangers' general manager Chris Drury made impactful moves at the NHL trade deadline by acquiring Alex Wennberg, Jack Roslovic, and Chad Ruhwedel without sacrificing the team's future prospects or first-round picks. While the team missed out on adding more physicality, the additions have made the Rangers a deeper and more versatile team for their playoff push. The Rangers' playoff fate will ultimately rely on the performance of their key players, but Drury's prudent approach has positioned the team well for the postseason.
The Philadelphia Flyers acquired veteran defenseman Erik Johnson from the Buffalo Sabres in exchange for a 2024 fourth-round pick. Johnson, a 16-year NHL veteran, brings experience and a championship pedigree to the Flyers' young defensive group. Despite the high price, the trade provides insurance on the right side and adds valuable depth to the team's defense. The Flyers also made a paper transaction to make defenseman Ronnie Attard eligible for the AHL playoffs, and are expected to have seven defensemen once Nick Seeler returns from injury. Overall, the trade is graded as a B-.
The New York Rangers made value moves at the NHL trade deadline, acquiring a right wing, third-line center, and seventh defenseman for four draft picks, excluding their first-round selection. President and GM Chris Drury avoided overpaying and focused on filling specific team needs, emphasizing the importance of finding the best fit. Jack Roslovic was acquired from the Blue Jackets to potentially play on the top line, while Adam Edstrom was assigned to AHL Hartford. Alex Wennberg took reps on the second power-play unit and was paired with Jimmy Vesey during penalty-kill work.
The Boston Bruins made several moves ahead of the NHL trade deadline, acquiring Pat Maroon from Minnesota in exchange for Luke Toporowski and a conditional sixth-round pick, adding defenseman Andrew Peeke from Columbus in exchange for Jakub Zboril and a 2027 third-round pick, and signing blue liner Parker Wotherspoon to a one-year contract extension. The team also announced that Derek Forbort will be placed on LTIR and likely miss the remainder of the season due to surgery. Despite a quieter deadline, Bruins GM Don Sweeney believes the team is in a good spot and is pleased with the response of the team since a recent loss.
The Boston Bruins' acquisition of defenseman Andrew Peeke in exchange for Jakub Zboril and a third-round pick has been deemed an odd choice due to Peeke's underwhelming performance and hefty contract. Peeke, who has struggled in limited playing time with the Columbus Blue Jackets, is seen as a reclamation project with potential for improvement. Meanwhile, the Blue Jackets are praised for unloading Peeke's contract and acquiring a third-round pick. Zboril, a 2015 first-round pick, has spent the season in the AHL and is set to become a UFA. The Bruins receive a grade of D, while the Blue Jackets receive an A for the trade.
The Nashville Predators acquired forward Jason Zucker from the Arizona Coyotes in exchange for a sixth-round draft pick. Despite Zucker's underwhelming performance this season, the Predators value his character and team orientation, making him a valuable addition to their surging team. The Coyotes' decision to trade Zucker for a low return is seen as a disappointment, while the Predators are praised for making a shrewd acquisition at a bargain price.
The Colorado Avalanche's flurry of trades ahead of the NHL trade deadline appears to be a direct response to last season's early playoff exit. General manager Chris MacFarland made four trades in about 24 hours, aiming to address the team's depth and physical style of play. The acquisitions of center Casey Mittelstadt and defenseman Sean Walker, along with depth forwards, reflect the team's proactive approach to bolstering their roster for a strong playoff run after learning from last season's shortcomings. Coach Jared Bednar emphasizes the importance of depth and physicality in the playoffs, expressing gratitude for the team's strengthened lineup and emphasizing the need for the players to put in the work to achieve success.
The Pittsburgh Penguins are weighing trade bids for Jake Guentzel from several teams including Carolina, Florida, New York Rangers, Vancouver, and Vegas, with Vancouver potentially out of the running due to Kyle Dubas' high asking price. The Rangers and Vegas are known for their bold moves, while Florida's recent acquisition of Vladimir Tarasenko could indicate a bold move for Guentzel. Vancouver's Jim Rutherford may be tempted to make a big offer, and the trade situation continues to unfold as the NHL trade deadline approaches.
The Florida Panthers bolstered their Stanley Cup aspirations by acquiring winger Vladimir Tarasenko from the Ottawa Senators in exchange for two draft picks. The Senators will receive a conditional 2024 fourth-round pick, which could become a 2026 third-round pick if the Panthers win the Stanley Cup, along with a 2025 third-round pick, while retaining 50% of Tarasenko's salary. Tarasenko's playoff experience and scoring ability make him a valuable addition to the Panthers as they aim for their first franchise title.
The Detroit Red Wings face tough decisions ahead of the NHL trade deadline as they navigate a playoff push and the absence of top center Dylan Larkin due to injury. General manager Steve Yzerman must weigh the team's short-term needs against its long-term goals, with potential moves involving the defense corps, fourth-line center, and top-six winger. While the team could benefit from reinforcements, it remains to be seen whether they will make a significant move before the deadline.