This season, trading among teams has been stagnant. Very few moves are made at all throughout the season and it is starting to seem like teams are willing to wait till the Trade Deadline because they feel like they can get a better deal.
Well, I know we can all agree that this year’s Trade Deadline had a lot of us cheering, jeering and scratching our heads. But most importantly, after sifting through all the rubble, it’s time to assess how well teams really did in this year’s Trade Deadline.
This part assesses the best trades that benefit both teams equally.
Top Five Best Trades
1. CAL Olli Jokinen, Third Round Pick for PHO Matthew Lombardi, Brandon Prust, and a First Round Pick
The Calgary Flames gave up a lot to get Jokinen but they got a lot in return. He is the type of center that fits in perfectly with Mike Keenan's system and finally gives Calgary a No. 1 center. Not to mention they got a third round pick back.
On the other hand, the Phoenix Coyotes not only dumped salary, but got a great player in Matthew Lombardi. He is fast, a great two-way threat, and is the type of player that Wayne Gretzky loves. Brandon Prust is a good grinder that will help toughen up the team and a first round pick is always nice, no matter where it is overall.
2. OTT Pascal Leclaire, Second Round Pick for CMB Antoine Vermette
This is a great trade for both sides. Ottawa finally gets a legitimate No. 1 goaltender that has the ability to steal a game. I would have considered this an even trade without the second round pick, but Bryan Murray worked magic to get a pick in this trade.
Not to sell Columbus short, Antoine Vermette is a player that has the skill to become a 30 goal scorer on the NHL. All it seemed like was that he needed a change of scenery in order to get his game back. At worst the Blue Jackets got a great second to third line player.
3. CAL Jordan Leopold for COL Lawrence Nycholat, Prospect Ryan Wilson, and a Second Round Pick (from MTL)
Calgary made a move to shore up there defense by getting Jordan Leopold. He is a solid offensive defenseman who knows the system, being on the Calgary team that went all the way to the Stanley Cup Finals in 2004. He will be a great addition and will need no time to adjust to Calgary’s system.
The Colorado Avalanche didn’t do too shabby either. They got rid of salary and got a second round draft pick, a player in Lawrence Nycholat and a potential top four prospect in Ryan Wilson, who has great offensive ability and can run any power play.
4. PIT Bill Guerin for NYI Conditional Draft Pick
Pittsburgh fills a need here by getting a gritty forward that brings a load of leadership and experience to a team that really needs it. Not to mention he will help an offense that could really use some secondary scoring, he should fit in very nicely on the second or third line.
The New York Islanders are in the middle of a rebuilding process and are looking to get as many draft picks as possible. The fact that this is a conditional pick will have GM Garth Snow waiting in anticipation because if the Penguins make it past the first round, the Islanders will get a third round pick instead of a fifth round pick. A great trade for both teams.
5. BOS Mark Recchi, Second Round Pick for TB Matt Lashoff, Martin Karsums
The Boston Bruins not only get a second round pick, but a great veteran in Mark Recchi who looks revived as of late. Even at 41, he can still light the lamp and make great plays.
The Tampa Bay Lightning gave up a second round pick, but got two great players who should both be good contributors in the NHL. Matt Lashoff, a former first round pick, has the potential to become a great two-way player who can play both ends.
Martin Karsums on the other hand, is a big, fast winger who has a great shot and the potential to become a top six forward. All he needs is a little bit more consistency in order to make his mark in the NHL
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