Re-Grading the Biggest NHL Trade Deadline Deals One Month Later
The NHL's annual trade deadline was held this year on March 6. After a slow start to the day, it finished with 22 trades, one more than the 2025 version.
This year's deadline was a dud in terms of superstars. There were no big names that compared to Mikko Rantanen and Brad Marchand on the move.
Nevertheless, several notable players, such as Nazem Kadri, were part of some noteworthy deals worth revisiting to determine how well they've worked out for the teams involved.
During the deadline day, we graded the biggest trades as they occurred. With a month having passed, we are reevaluating those deals. Follow along and see if you agree with what we now think of those moves.
Philadelphia Flyers Trade Bobby Brink to Minnesota Wild for David Jiříček
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The Trade: The Philadelphia Flyers shipped winger Bobby Brink to the Minnesota Wild for defenseman David Jiříček.
Initial Reaction: "Brink has already shown promise as an NHL scoring forward. Jiříček still has time and potential, but he's now on his third NHL team. Time will tell if this pans out long-term for the Flyers, but the Wild are the early winners with this deal."
Grades: Wild: A-, Flyers: B
The Aftermath: Brink isn't seeing as much ice time on a deep Wild team compared to the rebuilding Flyers. He has two goals and four points in nine games as a bottom-six winger. Nevertheless, the 24-year-old still has time and room to improve, and they can easily afford to re-sign the pending RFA.
Jiříček has been playing for the Flyers' AHL affiliate in Lehigh Valley. They like what they've seen of him thus far, as he has 12 points in as many games with the Phantoms. On Apr. 1, they signed him to a two-year contract extension.
Current Grades: Wild: B+, Flyers: B
Calgary Flames Send MacKenzie Weegar to the Utah Mammoth
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The Trade: On March 4, the Calgary Flames traded defenseman MacKenzie Weegar to the Utah Mammoth for blueliner Olli Määttä, forward Jonathan Castagna, and three second-round picks in the 2026 NHL Draft.
Initial Reaction: "The Mammoth's efforts to secure a playoff berth in the Western Conference received a boost with the addition of MacKenzie Weegar to their defense core. The 32-year-old puck-moving defenseman can log over 20 minutes per game and should provide veteran experience on the right side of their blue line."
"It's not a bad return for Weegar. Määttä is a veteran defenseman with two years left on his contract and an affordable annual cap hit of $3.5 million. One of those second-rounders originally belonged to the New York Rangers, meaning it'll be near the top of that round, given the Rangers' current place in the standings."
Grades: Mammoth: B+, Flames: B+
The Aftermath: Weegar has been skating on the Mammoth's top defense pairing alongside No. 1 blueliner Mikhail Sergachev. He's second in ice time per game (20:53) and has been part of their penalty-killing unit. His production remains down, with four points in 13 games since coming to Utah.
Määttä has earned praise for his play with the Flames thus far, with 11 points in 15 games. The promising Castagna will be part of their immediate future after signing a three-year entry-level contract.
Current Grades: Unchanged.
Los Angeles Kings Trade Corey Perry to the Tampa Bay Lightning
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The Trade: The Los Angeles Kings sent Corey Perry to the Tampa Bay Lightning for a 2028 second-round pick.
Initial Reaction: "While Perry's best years as an elite goal scorer are well behind him, his experience, leadership, and gritty style made him invaluable...and it's why he's going back to the Lightning. He always seems to rise to the occasion in the postseason whenever a clutch goal or a big play is required.
The Kings are in sell mode now after shipping out Warren Foegele to the Ottawa Senators on March 5. They'll get a second-round draft pick from the Lightning in return."
Grades: Lightning: B+, Kings: C
The Aftermath: Perry is aging and seeing fourth-line duty with the Lightning, but he's still proved to be an effective depth player. The 40-year-old winger has four goals (including two game-winners) and six points in 16 games since the trade. We can expect him to carry that level of play over into the postseason.
Given Perry's age and his current role, the Kings were fortunate to get a second-round pick for him.
Current Grades: Lightning: B+, Kings: B
Los Angeles Kings Land Scott Laughton From the Toronto Maple Leafs
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The Trade: The Los Angeles Kings get forward Scott Laughton from the Toronto Maple Leafs for a conditional third-round pick in the 2026 NHL Draft. If the Kings qualify for the 2026 playoffs, the pick becomes a second-rounder.
Initial Reaction: "Laughton was at No.11 on our final NHL Trade Block Big Board. He is in the final season of his five-year contract with a cap hit of $3 million and is slated to become a UFA in July. He could end up with a new deal from the Kings if he can help this struggling club nail down a Western Conference wild-card berth."
"Getting a conditional pick that could become a second-rounder for Laughton wouldn't be too bad under normal circumstances. However, the Leafs gave up a conditional first-rounder in 2027 and forward Nikita Grebenkin to get him from the Flyers"
Grades: Kings: B, Maple Leafs: D
The Aftermath: Laughton seems rejuvenated in Los Angeles after an injury-hampered tenure with Toronto. After netting 12 points in 43 games this season with the Leafs, he has six points (including a game-winning goal) in 15 games, centering the Kings' third line as they jockey for a Western Conference wild card spot.
Laughton's improvement merely highlights how little the Leafs got in return, and how much they overpaid to get him in the first place.
Current Grades: Kings: B+, Maple Leafs: F
Detroit Red Wings Bring In Justin Faulk From the St. Louis Blues
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The Trade: Detroit Red Wings acquired defenseman Justin Faulk from the St. Louis Blues in exchange for a first-round pick and a third-rounder in the 2026 NHL Draft, defenseman Justin Holl, and unsigned prospect Dmitri Buchelnikov.
Initial Reaction: "The Red Wings needed an experienced puck-moving blueliner to skate on the right side of their second-defense pairing...This move should bolster the Red Wings' efforts to end their nine-year playoff drought."
"The rebuilding Blues picked up a solid return for Faulk."
Grades: Red Wings: A, Blues: B+
The Aftermath: As expected, Faulk has seen duty as the Wings' right-side defenseman on their second pairing. However, he hasn't had as much of a positive impact as hoped, with three points in 12 games and a plus/minus of minus-5.
Faulk seems to be adjusting to his new team. They still have him for another season, so he could become a more positive factor by then. However, it doesn't help the struggling Red Wings now, as they're in danger of missing the playoffs again.
The return the Blues received for Faulk was made with an eye on the future. As for the present, Holl has three points in eight games, but the 34-year-old is unlikely to fit into their plans beyond this season.
Current Grades: Red Wings: B, Blues: B+
Columbus Blue Jackets Bring In Conor Garland From the Vancouver Canucks
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The Trade: Columbus Blue Jackets received winger Conor Garland from the Vancouver Canucks in exchange for a third-round pick in the 2026 NHL Draft and a second-rounder in 2028.
Initial Reaction: "Garland, 29, was part of our Top-15 NHL Trade Board heading into the deadline. An energetic, physical middle-six forward, he can play either wing and has a decent scoring touch, reaching 50 points last season. He will likely see playing time on their second line."
"The Canucks didn't get much back for Garland in this deal. However, clearing his upcoming contract from their books provides flexibility to add to their roster starting next season."
Grades: Blue Jackets: A-, Canucks: C+
The Aftermath: Garland's been a solid fit with the Blue Jackets as they jockey for the playoff berth down the stretch. Skating as a middle-six winger, he had five goals and seven points in 16 games, though his production has tailed off lately, with one point in his last eight games.
The Canucks weren't likely to get much more for Garland. As we indicated earlier, shedding his expensive contract was the greater need to free up salary-cap space for their rebuilding efforts.
Current Grades: Unchanged.
New York Islanders Land Brayden Schenn From the St. Louis Blues
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The Trade: New York Islanders get forward Brayden Schenn from the St. Louis Blues for a first-round pick and a third-round pick in the 2026 NHL draft, forward Jonathan Drouin and goaltender Marcus Gidlof.
Initial Reaction: "Schenn brings postseason experience and skilled leadership to the Islanders as they jockey for an Eastern Conference playoff berth."
"The Blues are rebuilding with the focus on adding younger talent. They got a good return from this deal."
Grades: Islanders: A-, Blues: B+
The Aftermath: Schenn has provided a welcome boost to the Islanders' anaemic offense with five goals and 10 points in 15 games. He's also been a mentor for young linemate Calum Ritchie. This bodes well for both players over the remaining two years of Schenn's contract.
Drouin has only played five games for the Blues. It's the two draft picks they received for Schenn that could determine how this trade pans out for them over the long term.
Current Grades: Islanders: A, Blues: B
Seattle Kraken Snag Bobby McMann From the Toronto Maple Leafs
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The Trade: Seattle Kraken acquired forward Bobby McMann from the Toronto Maple Leafs in exchange for a fourth-round pick in the 2026 NHL Draft and a conditional second-round pick in 2027.
Initial Reaction: "Battling for a Western Conference wild-card berth, the Kraken add some size and energy to their middle-six forward lines...The 6'2", 217-pounder isn't a scoring star that the Kraken need, but he will help offensively, and his hardworking style will be useful in their quest to reach the postseason."
"The Maple Leafs were reportedly seeking a first-round pick for McMann. That was wishful thinking, but a second-rounder in 2027 and a fourth-round pick in 2026 isn't a bad return for a player of his caliber."
Grades: Kraken: B+, Maple Leafs: B
The Aftermath: The Kraken's playoff hopes are fading, but McMann has given them hope for the future. He's been outstanding for his new club, tallying eight goals and 12 points in 11 games for Seattle. Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman reported on March 28 that they are interested in re-signing him.
The Leafs could get some value out of this trade if one of those draft picks turns into a decent NHL player, or if they can use one or both picks as trade bait to acquire a quality player. Otherwise, this return could look worse for them if McMann goes on to bigger things in Seattle or with another team.
Current Grades: Kraken: A, Maple Leafs: B-
Anaheim Ducks Acquire John Carlson From the Washington Capitals
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The Trade: The Anaheim Ducks landed defenseman John Carlson from the Washington Capitals for a conditional first-round pick in the 2026 NHL Draft and a third-round pick in 2027.
Initial Reaction: "A puck-moving right-shot defenseman who still logs over 20 minutes per game, Carlson could slot in on the Ducks' first or second defense pairings. He will provide another measure of experienced depth, skill, and leadership to the young Ducks roster in their quest for a postseason berth."
"With the Capitals transitioning their roster toward younger talent, Carlson no longer fits into their long-term plans. Picking up an additional first-round pick will help them bolster their prospect depth. Nevertheless, his departure after 17 seasons as the linchpin of their defense corps marks the end of an era."
Grades: Ducks: A, Capitals: B
The Aftermath: Carlson needed four games to adjust to his new club, but the 38-year-old blueliner has become a significant addition to their defense corps. He has nine points in 11 games with the Ducks and was named the NHL's third star for the week ending March 29.
The Capitals still got a decent return for Carlson, but the impact won't be felt until years later, depending on how well they use those two draft picks, especially that conditional first-rounder.
Current Grades: Unchanged.
Colorado Avalanche Reacquire Nazem Kadri from the Calgary Flames
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The Trade: The Colorado Avalanche received Nazem Kadri and a fourth-round pick in the 2027 draft from the Calgary Flames for a conditional 2028 first-round pick, a conditional second-rounder in 2027, forward Victor Olofsson and unsigned prospect Maxmilian Curran.
Initial Reaction: "The league-leading Avalanche are among this season's Stanley Cup contenders. Bringing back a player who played a big role in their 2022 championship run could turn them into favorites to win hockey's holy grail."
"The Flames received a depth forward in Victor Olofsson, who is UFA-eligible this summer. They also picked up prospect center Maxmilian Curran, a conditional first-round pick in 2028, and a conditional second-rounder in 2027, all of which could be crucial to building up their roster in the coming years."
Grades: Avalanche: A+, Flames: B+
The Aftermath: On March 31, Sportsnet's Eric Francis reported the Avalanche were very happy with Kadri's return. They have good reason to be pleased. In his 14 games as the Avs' third-line center, he has four goals and nine points, including a game-winning goal on March 30 against the Flames.
Olofsson's been a good fit as a third-liner with Calgary. Netting six points in 14 contests, he could earn a contract extension. Time will tell if the future assets they received will have a greater impact on this deal and on the Flames moving forward.
Current Grades: Unchanged.
Stats and trade details (as of Apr. 5, 2026) via NHL.com. Line combinations via Daily Faceoff.
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