The NHL Trade Deadline: Team by Team Analysis

Many teams are coasting right now.

Many other teams are hoping to making the playoffs.

Let's take a look at every single team, and see how they fared this past month in representing their teams during the trade deadline!

 

Anahiem Ducks

Currently fighting to make the playoffs, the Ducks were movers at the deadline. They were willing to send forward Chris Kunitz to Pittsburgh for a solid defenseman in Ryan Whitney.

The Ducks also received Eric Christensen, Petteri Nokelainen, James Wisneiwski, and a few young prospects in goalie Timo Pielmeier, and Petri Kontiola. They got rid of tough guys, Travis Moen, Steve Montador, Nathan McIver, and Kent Huskins.

Anahiem has a good set of young talents, and maybe they will finally get their chance to show what they got. Expect Bobby Ryan to step it up.

Grade: B-

 

Atlanta Thrashers

For yet another season, it seems the Thrashers are fighting just to stay out of last place.

The Thrashers have traditionally been a team to make moves near the deadline. Last season they made a move to get rid of Hossa to grab Christensen (now a Duck), and Colby Armstrong.

The Thrashers did make moves to grab young players in Annsi Salmela, and Eric O'Dell, both future NHL players, who could both be steals. The Thrashers also got rid of veteran defenseman Mathieu Schneider, who they traded to get at the beginning of the season.

The Thrashers admitted defeat in this trade deadline, but they did manage to get a handful of draft picks, clear some salary, and focus on the future. They didn't get star power, but the Atlanta Thrashers get a C+.

Grade: C+

 

Boston Bruins

The Bruins are currently coasting in first place in the Eastern Conference. There were rumors swirling that they were gonna get rid of backup goalie Manny Fernandez, but he stayed put.

Feeling they lacked veteran talent in front of the net, they picked up veterans Steve Montador from the Ducks and Mark Recchi from the Tampa Bay Lightning. Recchi has two Stanley Cups in his resume, and could be picking up his third if the Bruins can keep it up.

Grade: C+

 

Buffalo Sabres

Buffalo has been fighting in the middle of the Eastern Conference all season. Ryan Miller recently went down with an injury leaving veteran goaltender Patrick Lalime to step in and take charge. The Sabres addressed this issue by picking up goaltender Mikael Tellqvist from Phoenix.

However, they did give up Alex Kotalik also during the deadline—only getting a draft pick, Dominic Moore, and a backup goalie in return. The Sabres didn't really play for this year or next year. The question is—who's gonna be the backup goalie when Miller returns?

Grade: C-

 

Calgary Flames

Calgary addressed many issues at the deadline. They were definitely buyers and smart ones at that. They didn't waste anytime on deadline day, picking up veteran forward Olli Jokinen and defenseman Jordan Leopald.

There was only a one problems with the Flames' trade deadline. They are strictly playing for the 2009 Stanley Cup, and can definitely be contenders for the Cup. But they gave up a lot to get Jokinen.  If he doesnt re-sign, maybe the Flames maybe did give up too much—and at $5 million plus, it could come back to bite the Flames in the butt if they don't get a Stanley Cup!

Grade: A-

 

Carolina Hurricanes

In hopes of fighting for a spot in the playoffs, Carolina addressed two issues at the deadline, scoring and injuries. The Hurricanes have lacked offensive pressure in front of the net all season long and they addressed this by bringing in Jussi Jokinen from Tampa Bay, and bringing back much-loved Hurricane, Erik Cole.

The Hurricanes have been underperforming all season, as has Erik Cole. The Hurricanes are looking to put two and two together. However, the Hurricanes gave up Justin Williams who has been injured much of the last two seasons.

Grade: B-

 

Chicago Blackhawks

Chicago has been cruising as of late. They are a young and talented team, with kids such as Kane, Toews, Versteeg and Sharp leading the team.

The Blackhawks were looking in to bringing in a Stanley Cup veteran, and did that by bringing in Samuel Pahlsson from Anaheim. When Pahlsson gets into the Blackhawks' lineup, they are hoping Pahlsson can take control of the team, and lead them to a Stanley Cup!

Grade: C+

 

Colorado Avalanche

Colorado is fighting right now for the first pick in the NHL Entry Draft in 2009. They were sellers at the draft. Pretty much dumped off Jordan Leopald to the Flames. They picked up Lawrence Nycholat from Calgary who was picked up on waivers from Vancouver a few hours before the trade.

So Colorado is just filling slots for the rest of 2009, most likely in hopes that Leopald becomes an Unrestricted Free Agent at the end of the season. My only question—can Joe Sakic turn this team around, or has his injury turned the Avalanche season upside down. Let's just blame it all on Peter Forsberg.

Grade: D-

 

Columbus Blue Jackets

Columbus' main issue come the deadline was the overload in the Goalie position. Steve Mason has come and beat out two veteran goaltenders, Norrena and LeClaire, to earn his spot as the Blue Jackets' number one goalie. Looking too make a threat, the Blue Jackets acquired top six-forward Antoine Vermette from Ottawa.

Vermette could be paired up with Nash on the blue line which can really help Nash out. With Vermette on Nash's line, for once in Nash's career he could be putting up Crosby-Malkin-esque type numbers in the Goals, Assists, and Points categories.

Expect Columbus to make a late run in the season.

Grade: B+

 

Dallas Stars

First off, I wanna say the Stars lost out. They are idiots. For a team fighting for a chance to make the playoffs, knowing—I repeat, knowing—that the New York Rangers were gonna be buyers and willingly sellers at the deadline, and knowing that they wanted Sean Avery, the Stars lost out by not offering them any deals at all.

The Stars could have picked up many young talented kids from the Rangers. They made no deals at the deadline, and were ultimately the biggest losers at the deadline.

Grade: F

 

Detroit Red Wings

The Red Wings have been in cruise control all season long, staying consistently hot. They have pretty much the same roster from their Stanley Cup winning team of last year. They are in first place in the Western Conference at the moment.

My only question is, with the young talent on the team, with all the veteran talent on the team, who will stop the Red Wings come playoff time?

Grade: C

 

Edmonton Oilers

Here's the deal. If you are an Oilers fan, and you aren't smiling at the trade deadline, there is something wrong with you.

First off, the Oilers received way too much from the Hurricanes to get back their veteran player Erik Cole. The Oilers received a young and talented kid by the name of Patrick O'Sullivan. This kid is simply phenomenal. He is no Wayne Gretzky, but he is easily a twenty plus goal scorer.

And the Oilers also acquire another twenty-goal scorer in Ales Kotalik. The Oilers added firepower at the deadline, and only gave up Erik Cole. That's it.

Grade: A-

 

Florida Panthers

This is a hit and miss argument. Florida for once has trust in their team at the deadline. Rumors swirled that their defenseman Jay Bouwmeester was gonna be dealt at the deadline. But he stayed, as well as the rest of the team.

My only argument is that the Panthers have maybe the best two-goalie tandem in the NHL at the moment in Vokoun and Anderson. They still lack offensive pressure at the net. So without being a Stanley Cup caliber team, maybe not dealing Bouwmeester at the deadline was a bad idea for 2010. However for 2009, keeping Bouwmeester is the best option if they want to win a Stanley Cup.

Panthers checklist: Make playoffs in 2009. CHECK. Re-sign Jay Bouwmeester for 2010 season... we'll see!

Grade: C

 

Los Angeles Kings

The Kings maybe lost the most at the deadline. They gave up star-studded kid Patrick O'Sullivan for veteran top six forward Justin Williams from the Hurricanes. Williams is a veteran with Stanley Cup experience but he is injury prone. The Kings maybe gave up the wrong player and made a poor deal, but it is too early to tell at the moment.

Grade: D+

 

Minnesota Wild

Minnesota decided to stay neutral at the deadline. Not a wise move. More than likely they are losing their biggest star Marion Gaborik at the end of the year. Knowing that, the first step is to re-sign him as soon as possible. Step two, win games.

Minnesota Wild get a D

 

Montreal Canadiens

Montreal made a few deals at the deadline. The biggest was acquiring veteran defenseman Mathieu Schneider from the Thrashers. They gave up a few picks in acquiring him. So the biggest question is, can Price keep the Canadiens in the race?

Grade: C

 

Nashville Predators

For once the Predators have a maintained a team that looks like they can do something in the playoffs. Dan Ellis and Pekka Rinne have managed the net well, and Dumont has produced points on the front line.

They didn't make any moves at the deadline though. They feel comfortable in their team. Jason Arnott has Stanley Cup experience, but is it enough?

Grade: C

 

New Jersey Devils

The goaltending of the Devils has got to be the biggest shock of the season. Who would've thought that Scott Clemmenson and Kevin Weekes could carry a team too the playoffs. Now that Brodeur is back, the Devils have been even hotter!

There is no reason the Devils can't be a number-one seed in the Eastern Conference. Was Niclas Havelid enough of a defensive pickup at the deadline?

Grade: C+

 

New York Islanders

Maybe signing DiPietro for a twelve-year contract was a mistake. Injuries to Islander goaltenders have depleted this team all season. They are currently searching for a number-one pick in the draft for next season.

They are in rebuilding mode currently giving up Mike Comrie, Chris Campoli and Bill Guerin, and only acquiring Dean McAmmond and a few draft picks. Did I mention McAmmond's contract is up at the end of the year? The Islanders only wish he doesn't hit a hot streak!

The Islanders did clear up a lot of salary space, and may be looking to be buyers come free-agency time.

Grade: D+

 

New York Rangers

The Rangers gained a lot at the deadline, stealing Sean Avery, and acquiring Nik Antropov from Toronto and Derek Morris from Phoenix. Antropov has tons of potential and can easily be a thirty-goal scorer one day in the NHL. He has the golden hand in helping get the Rangers to the playoffs.

However, the Rangers also acquired Derek Morris to help out on the defensive side of the puck for the Rangers. The Rangers lack a true set of top-six defensemen. Marc Staal is arguably the best.

My two questions to ask: Did they get enough on the defensive side? Was giving up Nigel Dawes, Petr Prucha and Dmitri Kalinin too much for Morris?

New York Rangers get a B+

 

Ottawa Senators

Ottawa has had a rebuilding season it seems. At the deadline they made a few moves, answering their goaltending problem by picking up former Blue Jacket Pascal LeClaire. They also re-acquired Mike Comrie, and picked up Chris Campoli. Getting rid of Antoine Vermette and and Dean McAmmond weren't bad moves. Getting rid of a top-ten pick in the draft—definitely a bad move on their behalf.

Grade: C+

 

Philadelphia Flyers

The Flyers looked to get nastier and truly bring back the old Broad Street Bully days by acquiring Daniel Carcillo in a salary cap dump move by the Flyers. They got rid of rough and tough veteran Scottie Upshall.

They also acquired Kyle McLaren from the San Jose Sharks which adds depth at the defense line. But was Carcillo the best move for a team already full of fighters?

Grade: C+

 

Phoenix Coyotes

Phoenix Coyotes acquired a lot of talented kids at the deadline, acquiring Nigel Dawes, Dmitri Kalinin, Petr Prucha, Matthew Lombardi, Brandon Prust, and a veteran in Scottie Upshaw, and a first-round draft pick. They gave up Olli Jokinen, Daniel Carcillo, and Derek Morris, and goaltender Mikael Tellqvist.

They gave up a lot of talent, but added an extreme amount of depth. Phoenix may have dumped a lot of talented players but with how their season is going, how can you complain with who they picked up?

Grade: B+

 

Pittsburgh Penguins

The Penguins answered two questions at the deadline—toughness and depth. Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin have pretty much carried the whole team all season long. That is until they acquired Chris Kunitz from the Ducks. They also picked up gritty winger Bill Guerin from the Islanders for a draft pick. 

But they had give up Ryan Whitney. Chris Kunitz adds a boost on the offensive side, but since giving up Marian Hossa last season, is Chris Kunitz the true answer to get the Penguins back to the Stanley Cup?

Grade: B-

 

San Jose Sharks

San Jose added depth at the deadline picking up Travis Moen and Kent Huskins from rivals Anaheim. They definitely answered the toughness category at the deadline, and added depth in the penalty kill.

The Sharks are a serious threat for the playoffs, but can they maintain it all?

Grade: C+

 

St. Louis Blues

The St. Louis Blues were not buyers or sellers at the deadline. Both were poor moves. They are nowhere near the playoff race as of now. They had a veteran in Keith Tkachuk that could have been traded.

I mean let's face the facts. The Blues have a very talented set of young kids who have a future in the NHL. Keith Tkachuk practically serves no purpose in the Blues Organization. They could have received something for him. When are the Blues gonna decide that they want to be Stanley Cup contenders?

Grade: D+

 

Tampa Bay Lightning

With a top draft pick in sight, Tampa Bay went into serious rebuilding mode. They decided against getting rid of star players, though—which I find odd, yet smart! The list of acquired talent include Josef Melichar, Wade Brookbank, Matt Lashoff, Martin Karsums, Noah Welch, and Richard Petiot.

Yes, that list of names include no big names, but what it comes down to is Tampa Bay is looking into next season. They shed a bunch of ridiculous salary from players of no value at the moment (Olaf Kolzig, Jamie Heward, Mark Recchi, Jussi Jokinen) They were buyers last free agency, expect them to be buyers next season during free agency as well.

Grade: C-

 

Toronto Maple Leafs

With the playoffs nearly out of reach, Toronto packed the bags in this season, and made propositions for the next season. After the injury to Vesa Toskala, they picked up Martin Gerber to fill the empty void in net. They also picked up another veteran goaltender in Olaf Kolzig (who is on injured reserve at the moment).

They also picked up Jamie Heward from Tampa Bay. They got rid of Nik Antropov and Dominic Moore. So...what did Toronto accomplish?

Grade: C-

 

Vancouver Canucks

Vancouver is in a comfortable position in the Western Conference at the moment. With the midseason acquisition of Mats Sundin, Vancouver was put in a [salary] position where they don't really have the options in getting a big-name player, without getting rid of one in return.

Roberto Luongo is playing decent hockey since coming back. Vancouver stays neutral in this one.

Grade: C+

 

Washington Capitals

With crazy offense, decent goaltending, and Mike Green, the Capitals are already nearly a lock for the Southeast Division. They feel comfortable at the trade deadline, they didn't make any moves. Can they get to the Stanley Cup though?

Grade: C+

 

Biggest Winners: Calgary, Edmonton, New York Rangers, and Phoenix Coyotes

Biggest Losers: Colorado, Dallas, and Minnesota