How Roles of Top Players from Trade Deadline Deals Will Change with New Teams

The NHL trade deadline meant plenty of roster shuffling across the league's 30 teams and opportunities in new cities for players. Not all opportunities are equal and for a precious few the trip from the outhouse to the penthouse was spectacular.

Some players were lucky to be dealt from a team that ranked near the bottom in the overall standings to a playoff team, enjoying an outstanding change of scenery. Other players netted a chance to claim full-time employment for the first time in their careers.

Here is a look at how some of the top players involved in trade deadline moves will see their roles change with their new team.

8. Sean Bergenheim, LW, Minnesota Wild

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What Was His Role?: Sean Bergenheim was an effective role player for the Florida Panthers. He often played with Brad Boyes and Dave Bolland but was also a quality player with younger linemates.

Where Did He Go?: The Minnesota Wild acquired Bergenheim for a low price. The Wild surrendered their third-round selection in the 2016 NHL Draft for Bergenheim's services. Minnesota also received the Panthers' seventh-round pick in the 2016 draft.

What Will His New Role Be?: Bergenheim will continue to play a two-way role in Minnesota, providing responsible play and stepping up the depth chart as needed by the Wild. This was a quality addition for the Wild leading up the to the deadline.

7. David Clarkson, RW, Columbus Blue Jackets

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What Was His Role?: David Clarkson was a highly paid and underachieving power forward for the Toronto Maple Leafs. His free-agent contract with the team came after a strong season with the New Jersey Devils. He never approached his previous levels in Toronto. 

Where Did He Go?: The Columbus Blue Jackets acquired Clarkson in an exchange of wayward contracts, with forward Nathan Horton heading to Toronto. 

What Will His New Role Be?: Clarkson will play his regular game as a skilled big man who can impact the game physically. One area of his success in New Jersey came on the power play. Clarkson could be used by Columbus in a similar manner.

6. Jaromir Jagr, RW, Florida Panthers

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What Was His Role?: Jaromir Jagr was one of the New Jersey Devils top skill forwards for most of the 2014-15 season. His performance included significant productivity at even strength for the Devils.

Where Did He Go?: The Florida Panthers acquired the future Hall of Fame forward in exchange for two draft picks (a 2015 second-round pick and a 2016 third-round pick). 

What Will His New Role Be?: Jagr's next challenge in his distinguished career is to help a bunch of young forwards in Florida find a way to make the playoffs. Jagr is a hockey icon and the opportunity to see him in this role is a treat for fans and could be very beneficial for young players like Jonathan Huberdeau and Aleksander Barkov.

5. Jeff Petry, D, Montreal Canadiens

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What Was His Role?: Jeff Petry was a big part of the Edmonton Oilers' defense, playing 21 minutes every night. His range of skills allowed him to be deployed heavily at even strength and special teams.

Where Did He Go?: The Montreal Canadiens spent two draft choices ( a 2015 second-round pick and a conditional 2015 fifth-round pick) on Petry, who is an unrestricted free agent in the summer.

What Will His New Role Be?: Montreal's defense is far deeper and better in quality, meaning Petry's role will be less rigorous. It's likely he'll play second-pairing minutes at even strength and penalty kill for the Canadiens. It's also possible Petry signs with the team if the audition goes well.

4. Brett Connolly, RW, Boston Bruins

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What Was His Role?: Brett Connolly was employed as a secondary scorer for the Tampa Bay Lightning. He played most often with Brian Boyle, Valtteri Filppula and Brenden Morrow.

Where Did He Go?: The Boston Bruins acquired Connolly with an eye to solving their issues on right-wing over the long term. The team surrendered a second-round pick in both 2015 and 2016 for Connolly.

What Will His New Role Be?: Connolly will likely see a spike in playing time in his new situation. Boston's view on Connolly is probably linked to his usage on the Lightning roster. Despite scoring 12 goals on a loaded Tampa Bay squad, Connolly ranked No. 11 among forwards in offense and No. 12 in playing time. 

3. Andrej Sekera, D, Los Angeles Kings

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What Was His Role?: Andrej Sekera was one of the major defensive players for the Carolina Hurricanes. He played almost 23 minutes a night for them, including significant time on the power play and penalty kill. 

Where Did He Go?: The Los Angeles Kings gave up a large package—including a first-round pick and a prospect—for the opportunity to employ Sekera for the rest of the season.

What Will His New Role Be?: Sekera has played in a few games for the Kings and has been used heavily at even strength and on the power play. It's very early but that may be his job in Los Angeles.

2. Keith Yandle, D, New York Rangers

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What Was His Role?: Keith Yandle was one of the busiest defensemen in the game as a member of the Arizona Coyotes. He played 24 minutes per game, including well over four minutes a night on the power play.

Where Did He Go?: The New York Rangers acquired the impact defender, an obvious indication they are going for it this season.

What Will His New Role Be?: Yandle will play the same role with his new team and will be especially valuable on special teams. New York's power play is No. 10 in the NHL while Arizona's ranked No. 5 overall. Yandle's impact with the man advantage is significant—he leads NHL defensemen in power-play points.

1. Antoine Vermette, C, Chicago Blackhawks

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What Was His Role?: Antoine Vermette led the Arizona Coyotes' forwards in time-on-ice this season and in points. He was the team's best forward this year. 

Where Did He Go?: The Chicago Blackhawks acquired Vermette for a first-round selection and prospect Klas Dahlbeck.

What Will His New Role Be?: Vermette enters an ideal situation in Chicago. The team's center depth chart is significant and boasts a range of skills. It's likely he'll play on the second line and will play with exceptional veteran wingers for the rest of the season.