Today’s NHL trade deadline started slowly and finished strong.
Today’s NHL trade deadline started slowly and finished strong.
Here are the winners and losers:
Winner: Tampa Bay Lightning
Improved their chances of winning the Stanley Cup by acquiring defenseman Ryan McDonagh and forward J. T. Miller from the New York Rangers. Paid a significant price, but it was a price they could afford. The team is now grittier, and harder to play against.
More: Lightning GM Steve Yzerman makes game-changing trade with Ryan McDonagh deal
More: Rangers trade Ryan McDonagh, J. T. Miller to Lightning in blockbuster
More: NHL trade deadline 2018: Recap, analysis of the day
Loser: New York Islanders
Considering that they are still trying to persuade John Tavares to re-sign with them, shouldn’t they have made a bold move in an effort to make the playoffs? What message does inactivity send?
Winner: Winnipeg Jets
General manager Kevin Cheveldayoff sent a message to his team and fan base by acquiring veteran center Paul Stastny. The Jets are a legitimate contender, and Stastny could be a nice fit between Nikolaj Ehlers and Patrik Laine. Stastny can also win a big faceoff, and be a relentless defensive forward.
Loser: Chicago Blackhawks
They traded Ryan Hartman, 23, and a fifth-round pick to the Nashville Predators for a first-round pick, a fourth and Swedish forward Victor Ejdsell. Hartman is a gritty forward who should become a 20-goal scorer. He has an upside. Because the Blackhawks are changing their team on fly, why not just keep Hartman? Also dealt Tommy Wingels to the Boston Bruins for a conditional fifth-rounder.
Winner: Nashville Predators
The Predators could have used more depth during last year’s playoff run, and Hartman gives them a feisty, battling winger who can move up and down their lineup. With Mike Fisher coming out of retirement and the Predators expected to sign Finnish sensation and top prospect Eeli Tolvanen before the playoffs, the Predators’ depth will be much improved for the playoffs this season.
Loser: Mike Green
The expectation was Green was going to be moved to a contender as a rental player. He didn’t move, probably because the bidding on McDonagh went down to the deadline. Was Green Tampa Bay’s Plan B? We will never know.
Winner: Detroit Red Wings
General manager Ken Holland received a first-, second- and a third-round pick from the Vegas Golden Knights for Tomas Tatar. The Red Wings also didn’t have to retain any of Tatar’s salary. He has a $5.3 million cap hit until 2021.
Loser: Erik Karlsson
Given the many trade rumors swarming over Karlsson, it would have been easier for him if the Senators could have moved him today. It would have been fun to see Karlsson land with the Golden Knights.
Winner: Columbus Blue Jackets
While the Blue Jackets didn’t make a major splash, they addressed weaknesses by acquiring defenseman Ian Cole, center Mark Letestu and scoring winger Thomas Vanek.
Cole was a key member of the Penguins’ championship defense last spring, while Vanek is a proven scorer. Letestu is a valuable role player.
Loser: Montreal fans
Had to be disappointed that the Canadiens couldn’t pull off a major trade like the Rangers did. Montreal fans are waiting for something big to happen to propel them in the right direction.
Winner: San Jose Sharks
Nobody seems to be paying attention to the Sharks because the Golden Knights have been so impressive in the Pacific Division. The Sharks added Evander Kane for a conditional first-rounder, fourth-rounder and prospect Dan O’Regan.
Kane gives the Sharks a scorer with bite. Isn’t that what every coach wants on trade deadline day?
Loser: Twitter followers
What will everyone talk about now that the trade deadline is over? Guessing they will think of something.
