Trade Deadline 2016
Live Blog:
The day opens with a splash as an absolute blockbuster goes down between Toronton and Washington.
WSH acquires RW Phil Kessel (59gp, 23-19-42, -9), LW Sean Bergenheim (56gp, 3-5-8, -7), RD Adam Clendening (30gp, 4-6-10, -2);
TOR acquires RW Andre Burakovsky (21yo, 43gp, 7-4-11, +2), prospect G Vitek Vanecek (20yo, AHL 32gp, 2.25gaa, .926sv%), prospect D Neal Pionk (20yo, AHL 57gp, 4-18-22, +3), 2016 WSH 1st, 2017 WSH 1st, 2016 WSH 3rd. Instant Analysis: Washington jumps on the biggest fish of the deadline early, going all in by sending their next two first rounders and their top two prospects (Vanecek and Burakovsky, who is currently playing his rookie season in the NHL), along with defensive prospect Pionk and a third rounder this year to Toronto for Phil Kessel and a couple depth NHLers in Bergenheim and Clendening to make the contracts work. Toronto was reportedly looking for a bigger talent than Burakovsky, but a similar aged player, to go along with two first rounders but they simply weren't getting any offers close to that. Vanecek was a key piece to them with their relatively unimpressive future between the pipes. In spite of giving up multiple premium assets Washington wins the trade by virtue of acquiring the best player in the deal, Phil Kessel, to give Ovi an elite winger to play with.
A relatively minor deal to report, as Chicago shores up their center depth with Riley Nash from Carolina.
CHI acquires C Riley Nash (63gp, 6-11-17, +5); CAR acquires prospect C Vince Hinostroza (21yo, 9gp, 0-1-1, AHL 47gp, 9-23-32), 2017 BOS 3rd. Instant Analysis: Nash is considered by many insiders to be underrated around the league. He has shouldered a lot of defensive responsibility on a dumpster fire of a Hurricanes team while still remaining a plus five. Chicago has had a hole at third line center after moving on from Selke winner Marcus Kruger in the offseason and this move should fill that hole nicely as they gear up for another run. The 'Canes add a young center with NHL potential and a future third rounder. Chicago wins this deal by a nose, but it's a good move for both front offices.
In a relatively quiet market with not a lot of aggressive buyers the Kings have stepped up to get towering veteran center Brian Boyle from Arizona.
LAK acquires C Brian Boyle (60gp, 6-13-19, -12);
ARI acquires 2018 LAK 2nd, 2016 LAK 6th. Instant Analysis: Los Angeles has been short on depth down the middle ever since offseason acquisition Selke winning Marcus Kruger went down with a serious arm injury. This adds size for the playoffs and strengthens their center depth. Arizona is not in a position where Boyle fits their competitive window, and procuring a second rounder, even two drafts down the road, is great asset management. This deal is a win for Arizona.
In a surprising move the Penguins, ten points out of a playoff spot, act like buyers in a trade with Carolina. PIT acquires
LD Paul Martin (57gp, 3-9-12, -4),
RD John-Michael Liles (38gp, 5-4-9, -17) and
RW Justin Abdelkader (61gp, 11-15-26, +10);
CAR acquires prospect G Karel Vejmelka (19yo, AHL 25gp, 2.31gaa, .928sv%), prospect C Teddy Blueger (21yo, AHL 58gp, 12-12-24, -4), D Christian Ehrhoff (22gp, 0-0-0, -7) and 2017 PIT 2nd. Instant Analysis: A strange move for Pittsburgh, who is clearly desperate to validate their big offseason moves and claw their way into the playoffs to make some noise. Abdelkader should add something to their lineup up front, and they are comfortable with Martin as well since he had a great run with them last post-season. However, Blueger has a chance to be a defensively responsibly middle six NHL center and Vejmelka could at least develop into a backup goalie, to say nothing of the potential of next year's second rounder. A lot of futures to give up in a desperate attempt to make the playoffs. Carolina wins this deal.
Los Angeles continues to be busy as they make another trade, again with the Coyotes.
LAK acquires RD Michael Stone (49gp, 6-14-20, -24);
ARI acquires prospect C Dylan Gambrell (19yo, AHL 57gp, 11-29-40, +4) and 2016 LAK 2nd. Instant Analysis: Stone should fit in as a top four defenseman on a thin Kings blueline, and his relative youth makes him an investment longer term than your usual rental. He's a defense first blueliner, though his plus minus on a brutal Arizona squad may not look the part. Gambrell is lighting up the AHL as a rookie but most project his ceiling to be limited to a depth or fourth line role in the NHL. Arizona does well to add another quality pick here, but Los Angeles wins the trade.
A couple of original six clubs hook up as the deadline looms, with Toronto and Chicago very natural partners.
CHI acquires RD Trevor Daley (60gp, 8-14-22, +5);
TOR acquires 2017 CHI 2nd, 2016 CHI 5th. Instant Analysis: Chicago is desperate for defensive depth if they want to make a deep run and the veteran Daley gives them just that as they pay a premium in draft capital. Daley addresses their weakest area of need and rounds out the deadline for them. Chicago wins this trade.
Vancouver makes a minor deal near the end of the deadline, moving out underperforming winger Joffrey Lupul for a late draft pick.
DET acquires RW Joffrey Lupul (53gp, 6-3-9); V
AN acquires 2016 DET 6th. Instant Analysis: Pretty simple here, Vancouver signed Lupul for two years coming off his 32 goal season and he hasn't really lived up to the billing so they move on without spending any assets to get rid of him, while Detroit adds some veteran scoring depth and hopes a change of scenery may restore last season's form. Detroit wins this trade.
The Canucks close out their deadline with another minor deal, moving out disappointing prospect Nicklas Jensen, who never really made enough of an impression with the big club.
CBJ acquires prospect RW Nicklas Jensen (22yo, AHL 53gp, 18-23-41, +6), 2016 DET 6th;
VAN acquires prospect RW Josh Anderson (21yo, AHL 58gp, 9-23-32, 119pim, -3). Instant Analysis: The Blue Jackets probably see Jensen as a young guy who can contribute sooner rather than later and brings some more offensive pop if he can stick in the NHL. Vancouver gives up a late round pick in this prospect exchange, but they get a younger (albeit less productive) prospect who is stylistically similar to the recently traded Zack Kassian. Columbus wins this trade.
Arizona was also busy up to the wire, slipping in two last minute moves.
ARI acquires LW Brett Connolly (32gp, 3-6-9, -8);
TBL acquires prospect C Dylan Gambrell (19yo, AHL 57gp, 11-29-40, +4). Instant Analysis: Connolly's development was stalled in Tampa so the Coyotes take a flyer on him while moving out a young playmaking center (just acquired today for Michael Stone) who could have potential as well. If Connolly can turn his fortunes around in the desert this could be a solid move for them as his ceiling is definitely higher than Gambrell's.
MIN acquires C Justin Hodgman (AHL 58gp, 24-24-48, +2);
ARI acquires RD Christian Folin (AHL 56gp, 6-18-24, 118pim, +11).