The trade deadline this season was more eventful than usual. After a number of deals went down in the days leading up to February 24th, the actual event was still something to behold. 32 transactions went down, including names like Vincent Trocheck, Brady Skjei and Jean-Gabriel Pageau switching teams. Several of the rebuilding squads added assets for the future, while contenders loaded up for a chance at the Stanley Cup.
But who was the biggest winner?
The first team that may come to mind is the Carolina Hurricanes, who added three legitimate NHL talents to their already impressive group. Skjei, Trocheck and Sami Vatanen join a team that went to the Eastern Conference Finals a year ago, making them even more dangerous. But it’s important to remember that the Hurricanes aren’t even guaranteed a playoff spot at this point in the crowded Metropolitan, and had to give away several future pieces to bring in this new talent.
At the other end of that spectrum of course are the Ottawa Senators, who parted with a few pending unrestricted free agents but added five more draft picks to the cupboard. While re-signing Pageau may have been more exciting for a fanbase that has watched so many players leave over the years, getting first- and second-round picks for him is an impressive accomplishment. The Senators did exactly what they hoped to do at the deadline, even if it won’t result in an improved product this season.
There are other teams too that had interesting days, including the Edmonton Oilers and Vegas Golden Knights. Ken Holland and the Oilers front office brought in some extra talent to play with Connor McDavid and company, while the Golden Knights nabbed the best goaltender on the market to secure their net in the postseason. The Anaheim Ducks sold off several pieces to bring in some high-upside talent, though few of the moves seem to really push the needle at this point.
With a few days of clarity on the situation, which team do you think “won” the trade deadline? Which team executed their plan and filled their needs? Cast your vote below and make sure to explain in the comments. The full trade deadline breakdown can be found here, though feel free to explain why some of the other recent deals could influence your vote.
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Gavin, I respectfully request to delay my vote until, say, mid-June or so, if that’s OK with you. ;)
Are you ready to vote on 2019 yet? ;)
Gonna say the Blues.
Hey, don’t rush me! These things take time, man!
@forwhomjoshbelltolls – I *might* say the Blues, in deference to my fake brother-in-law. No the Blues player is just a near-stunt-double for my real brother-in-law. I’d probably vote Blues for Chaser, Kerbs, Panger and Bernie, as well as The Chief. And the Vlad-dog, JayBo, and…well, you get the idea. “We WENT Blues!”
Carolina is the easy answer because Florida just gifted Trocheck to them, but I say the Rangers. They got a 1st for a D man they could replace and signed Kreider to a team friendly deal.
EDM did fine I think…
Carolina gave up 4 pieces for a guy who MIGHT be a 2nd liner. A 1st for a meh 2nd pair dman, and a 3 piece package for an injured 2nd pair dman. All while fighting for a playoff spot. Unless they win a couple rounds minimum, they did not win. C
Blues barely did anything. Which was smart. B+.
Flames made some questionable moves that seem good so far. B.
Oilers addressed needs provided any one of them can be healthy for more than 2 games. A-.
Knights added a goalie to light the fire back under MAF and not much else B+.
Detroit added draft depth they needed, but no high end picks, B.
Islanders added secondary scoring but gave up too much for it and signed it for too much for too long C.
Sens gained a lot of capital in their pick acquisitions. A.
Ducks added some pieces that don’t seem to impress many. B.
Canucks made a improvement for now. B+.
Bruins tried to make immediate improvements. Nothing solid yet. B.
Lightning made some changes. None much impressing. B-.
Habs added some picks without losing much. B.
No one else seemed to do much.
Ultimate winners would be Oilers and Sens IMO. But they didn’t do anything earth shattering. Florida did good on their 1 deal getting 4 pieces for 1. Losers are those who did nothing.
LAK did well moving a couple soon to be UFAs and adding 2nd picks for an aging dman in AMart. Ultimately, it’s now in the hands of their scouts and draft coordinator
If you count Zucker, the Pens did well. He has 7 points (5 goals) in 9 games with the Pens. The other pieces are depth pieces and the team as a whole will be better when Marino and Dumoulin return very soon. If they can stay healthy, they have a chance.
Flyers deals are underrated. They gave up almost nothing for two depth guys to fill the lineup