Winners and Losers- Eastern Conference-Deadline Edition
Jan 25, 2016 2:57:20 GMT -5
Rob, Beans (BOS), and 6 more like this
Post by mattgough60 on Jan 25, 2016 2:57:20 GMT -5
Atlantic Division
Tampa Bay Lightning 44-17-4, 92 pts, 1st in Atlantic
Acquisitions:Chris Phillips(ott)
Losses: Jonathan Macleod
2016 4th rd pick(tb)
Verdict: Winner
When you're winning, when you're the best, what do you change? Not much. GM Justin Jackson has managed
his club to the number one spot in the INHL, and rightfully so. Though his club was 5-4-1 in their 10
games prior to the trade deadline, the INHL Lightning are an incredibly deep offensive group with exceptional goaltending. The Lightning
are 5th in goals this year, 1st in goals against, and the least penalized team in the league. Adding veteran defencemen Chris Phillips to this
group only strengthens their D-core. Losing Macleod: Tampa has the depth, he's a great defensive prospect without question, but weren't you
listening? They're first in goals against! Tampa bay, we know you're used to this, but you win.
Detroit Red Wings 39-25-1, 79 pts, 2nd in Atlantic
Acquistions:Martin Gernat(edm)
Kale Kessy( edm)
Losses: Robbie Russo
Verdict: Winner
Detroit is having a surprisingly fantastic year. With standout performances from Zetterberg,
Tatar, Datsyuk, Nyquist, and standout goaltender Petr Mrazek, Detroit has found their way to 6th
in scoring and 2nd in goals against. You can't knock Detroit's GM for not stirring the pot as the club adds
two depth players in Kessy and Gernat en route for the post season. Just a little feeler for what you'll
be facing if its the Red Wings in the post season. Four players hovering just above or below a ppg, and
a HOT goalie who is 2nd in Wins(34), 3rd in GAA(2.28), 3rd in SV PCT(.919), and 1st in Shutouts (8).
NO sacrificing of key players and an addition of depth to a top tier team, that to me is an easy WIN.
Montreal Canadiens- 36-24-6, 78 pts, 3rd in Atlantic
Aquisitions: None
Losses: None
Verdict: In between
The Canadiens have picked up their play of late, posting a 13-6-1 record in their past 20 games, thanks to
the resurgence of Carey Price and the rejuvenated scoring of their top six. That being said, the Canadiens
are holding the final Atlantic playoff position by a thread, and its rather questionable that GM Matt Gough
has decided to sit pat at the deadline. Time will tell if moves made earlier in the season will hold strong enough
for the Habs to have a strong post season showing. A thumbs up to Carey Price 7-2-1 in his last 10 prior to the deadline, with a dazzling
.934 Sv pct and a 1.8 GAA with 2 shutouts. A thumbs up to new defenseman Mark Girodano, who in his last 12 games has 7 G,
6 A, and is a +11 overall. A mere hand shake to the cap strung Montreal Canadiens. Their post season performance will
be completely dependant on their goaltending.
Ottawa Senators 35-29-3, 65 pts, 4th in Atlantic
Additions: 2016 7th round (sj)
2017 2nd round (sj)
Viktor Arvidsson( nsh)
2017 3rd rd pick (nsh)
Johnathan Macleod(tb)
2016 4th rd pick(tb)
2016 3rd rd NYI (nj)
2016 7th rd (nj)
Frazer McLaren(sj)
2016 2nd rd MTL (van)
Losses: J. Hansen (ott)
J.Mitchell (ott)
Milan Michalek (ott)
Joe Vitale (ott)
Chris Phillips (ott)
Patrick Weircioch (ott)
Filip Ahl (ott)
Verdict: Winner
The Ottawa Senators and Bob Lawblaw come away a winner this deadline, taking steps towards a slight rebuild.
Moving key core pieces like J.Hansen, M.Michalek and C.Phillips are steps in the right direction for
what was an aging roster. Ottawa gains a handful of 2016 and 2017 draft picks, but the biggest win comes from
acquiring prospects Johnathan MacLeod and Viktor Arvidsson. Macleod will likely develop into a top 4 defenseman,
while Arvidsson will eventually fill a top 6 roll. The biggest question for Ottawa remains to be whether or
not the Sedin twins will be staying or going in the off-season. With 45(Daniel) and 58(Henrik) points respectively,
its likely they will reach yet another 70+ point season. But at the age of 35 and contracts expiring in 2018, you have to think
the Sens will be looking to send the Sedins' for some return before its too late. Time will tell, but at this point, its a clear win here in Ottawa.
Florida Panthers 26-35-4, 56 Points, 5th in Atlantic
Acquisitions:Rene Bourque (clb)
2016 2nd round pick fla (clb)
Anton Slepyshev(wsh)
2017 4th rd (wsh)
Losses: J.Jagr(fla)
2016 3rd rd min (fla)
Brian Campbell (fla)
Verdict: Inbetween
The Florida Panthers have had a tough year. Shortly into the season making a blockbuster move for Winnipeg
Jets star Dustin Byfuglien seemed like the perfect move to help push Florida into the post season.
But with below average goal tending from 36 year old Roberto Luongo, a -19 overall, and bottom 5 power-play and penalty kill statistics, the Panthers see themselves
on the outside looking in, yet again. Not all is gloom, Steve Donaldson has embraced the sell of some the aging veterans, moving
long time star Jaromir Jagr to Columbus for a 2nd round pick ( WOW, even with Rene Bourque coming back! How old is Jagr again!? Oh that's right, 44!),
and bringing in an excellent offensive prospect in Anton Slepyshev for aging defenseman Brian Campbell. Flordia undoubtedly would love
to have their 2016 1st round pick back, but this team is in great shape. Tonnes of offensive prospect, as well as strength at the blue line
with Byfuglien, Ekblad and Gudbranson. Flordia needs to decide whether or not ol' Lu can get the job done for them. With a little more
defensive depth, there's no question Roberto has one or two more good seasons in him. But without adding D and work on the specialty teams,
next year may be all too familiar for the Panthers.
Buffalo Sabres 22-36-8, 52 pts, 6th in Atlantic
Acquisitions: Austin Watson(nsh)
Gustav Olofsson(Min)
Ladislav Smid (cgy)
Filip Chlapik(cgy)
2016 2nd rd (cgy)
Kyle Palmieri(nj)
2016 1st rd (nj)
Vitek Vanecek(nj)
Gabriel Carlsson(Nyr)
Ryan Gropp(nyr)
2016 3rd rd (NYR)
2017 2nd rd (NYR)
Losses: Mitch Moroz(buf)
2016 5th round mtl(buf)
Mats Zuccarello(buf)
Mike Weber(buf)
Zemgus Girgensons (buf)
Nathan Lieuwen (buf)
Evander Kane( buf)
Devante Stephens (buf)
John Dahlstrom (buf)
2017 5th rd (buf)
Verdict: Winner
We need to stop having so many winners here, this just can't be accurate, but without question
the Buffalo Sabres and Kristian Dixon were huge winners this deadline day. Buffalo, who had already made many
moves during the season to bring in draft picks and the home grown star Patrick Kane, continued the rebuild
this deadline, moving key players Zemgus Girgensons, Evander Kane, and flipping newly acquired forward Mats
Zuccarello. In return they brought in a deep line of prospects including: G.Olofsson, G.Carlsson, F.Chlapik, and
V.Vanecek. Buffalo goes into the off-season as one of the youngest and most promising for the coming seasons.
Gone are the days of Gilbert Perrault, Dominek Hasek, and Miro Satan. The new Buffalo Sabres led by Patrick Kane, and rookie
Phenom Jack Eichel will not disappoint.
Toronto Maple Leafs 17-40-7, 41 points, 7th in Atlantic
Acquisitions: B.Starrett (Chi)
Losses: R.Panik (Tor)
Verdict: Loser
Sorry Leaf fans, but this years team is a dud, and is in need of some rough work. New GM Corey Becker
has been left with a daunting task, a task so many have faced before him. How to make the leafs great again.
Leaf nation has seen numerous shifts at the GM position this year, and while bringing in Joe Morrow and Travis
Konecny were huge additions to the leafs prospect cupboards, the team is still hanging onto long time vets that are weighing
the team down. Though Dion Phaneuf's point totals have gone up this year, the trend of his +/- suggests he will finish at
around -16, which is not even close to good enough for your 7 mil per year captain. With Nathan Horton, RJ Umberger and Tyler Bozak contracts on
the cap with limited production( or none .. Sorry Horton ), the Leafs will find they are in a tight cap bind for young players who are soon to demand more cash. Toronto also
has to decide whether or not Jonathan Bernier going forward, is starting goalie material, although there's no question his defense hasn't helped
him much this year. The Leafs have a great prospect cabinet ,and the potential to be a very scary team in years to come, but the ghosts of leafs past are weighing them down.
Cut those anchors loose Mr Becker!
Boston Bruins- 14-46-6, 34 Pts, 8th in Atlantic
Acquisitions: 16 1st rd (van)
Gabriel Gagne(van)
2017 2nd rd pit (Edm)
Losses: 16 3rd rd (bos)
Leon Draisaitl(bos)
2017 2nd rd pick (bos)
Verdict: Winner
Fire Sale, Fire Sale. Get ready for the record books because this has been one for the ages for GM Beans
and the Boston Bruins. The Bruins from 1960-1967 were bad. Really bad. The bruins were unable to achieve over 21 wins
, and those were in 70 game seasons. Well the bruins this year have been pretty atrocious, but with 14 wins they are just
two wins away from escaping the worst bruins season ever. Now this isn't all bad for the B's, because what they've managed to
accomplish this year is nothing shy of incredible. GM Beans has completely torn down the shed, and the rebuild is bright.
Adding a number of draft picks as well as prospects, including: Pavel Zacha, Ivan Provorov, Jakub Zboril,
Julius Honka, and Gabriel Gagne. - 108 never looked so good, and its likely that come the draft lottery the Bruins will have the
highest odds of picking 1st overall. Austin Matthews or Matthew Tkachuk. Beans has been open to moving the likely 1st overall pick, but lets
be honest. Do you trade Crosby, Mackinnon, or Mcdavid? OF course not. Expect the Bruins to hang onto that pick unless they get one heck
of a landslide offer.
Metropolitan Division
Pittsburgh Penguins- 42-19-4, 88 pts, 1st in Metro
Acquisitions: Christian Djoos(wsh)
Stanislav Galiev (wsh)
J.Saros (anh)
Jared Spurgeon* (min)
Mason Mcdonald(cgy)
2016 6th round pick(cgy)
Nathan Gerbe (car)
Roland Mckeown(car)
Stephen Johns(dal)
Losses: Sergei Plotnikov(pit)
Anton Zlobin (pit)
Jay Merkley (pit)
2016 3rd rd (pit)
Matt Murray (pitt)
Dominik Uher(pit)
2016 4th rd pick(pit)
Brain Dumoulin(pit)
Dominik Simon (pit)
Ryan Segalla(pit)
Verdict: Winner
If you didn't already know, the Penguins are HOT. With a record of 16-3-1 in their last 20 games, they've climbed the Eastern
Conference standings, and may arguably be the hottest team in the league.
Sidney Crosby is leading the way with 23 goals and 56 assists this season. His 79 points leads the NHL for the Art Ross, and Crosby shows no signs
of slowing down. GM Tom Rehm played things safe over the deadline, addressing some depth needs up front, and clearly has his sights on
going deep in the post season. The Pens will finish off the season trying to steal the stranglehold the Tampa bay Lightning have had on the conference for the last
few months, but will have their work cut out for them as most of their remaining 17 regular season games are against the congested Metro division.
New Jersey Devil- 39-20-8, 86 pts, 2nd in Metro
Acquisitions: Patrick Weircioch (ott)
J.Staal (car)
Justin Shugg(car)
Patrick Brown (car)
Drew Macintyre(car)
Zemgus Girgensons (buf)
Nathan Lieuwen (buf)
Noah Rod (sj)
Marian Hossa(chi)
2017 5th rd (chi)
2017 6th rd (edm)
2016 3rd rd NYI(van)
Losses: Reece Scarlett(nj)
2016 3rd rd NYI (nj)
2016 7th rd (nj)
Kyle Palmieri(nj)
2016 1st rd (nj)
Vitek Vanecek(nj)
Jan hejda (nj)
2017 6th rd (nj)
Damon Severson(nj)
Stefan Matteau(nj)
Joseph Blandisi(nj)
Blake Speers(nj)
2017 1st rd pick Van (nj)
2016 3rd rd pick Chi (nj)
Travis Zajac(nj)
Darnell Nurse(nj)
Mackenzie Blackwood(nj)
Verdict: Winner
GM Jon Bold had a huge trade deadline this year, and we expect his moves to make as big of waves in the post season as they did on
deadline day. NJD was able to add elite talents Zemgus Girgensons, Jordan Staal, and Marian Hossa to an already terrifying line up.
Of course these moves would come at a price, and saw valuable players, Vitek Vanecek, Kyle Palmieri, Mackenzie Blackwood and Darnell Nurse leaving the swamp,
among others. There's no question that Jon Bold has gone all in on his playoff hopes, as his draft pick cabinet grows thin, but there
are obvious reasons to be excited for this New Jersey team. The Devils lead the league in Power-play %(22.5), and Face-off %(52.6), and also sit in the top
10 for Goals per game, Goals Against, and Penalty Kill %. Add Hossa, Staal, and Girgensons to the mix? It's a cocktail that boasts potentially the scariest Devils teams the
league has ever seen. Don't look behind you Pittsburgh, the Devils are coming.
Philadelphia Flyers- 38-22-5, 81 pts, 3rd in Metro
Acquisitions: David Savard (car)
Brody Sutter(car)
Derek Ryan(car)
Losses: Travis Sanheim(phi)
Alexander Khoklachev(phi)
Nick Holden(phi)
Verdict: Winner
The Philadelphia Flyers have been on a tear of late, and you can credit their success to their architect and GM,
Bjorn Thelin. There was a time where the Flyers were on the outside looking in, and playoff hopes were dwindling in the
city of brotherly love. But patience proved to be key, and the Flyers came out of the new year swinging, winning 19, and 8 of their
last 10. Their resilience has placed them 3rd in the Metro, but they will need to continue to fight tooth and nail to keep it, with the Caps
and Blue Jackets close behind. The Flyers had one trading partner at the deadline with the rebuilding Hurricanes, bringing in Top 4 defenseman
David Savard and depth forward Brock Sutter. If its not broke, don't fix it. Bjorns flyers look great going into the final stretch.
With Tukka Rask putting up Tukka-like numbers( No big, just 2nd in both GAA (2.17) and SV PCT(.927), and the Flyers scoring at a 2nd best 3.34 Goals per game, I find it extremely likely
that the Flyers will continue to soar.
Washington Capitals- 37-23-6, 80 pts, 4th in Metro
Acquisitions: Iiro Pakarinen(Edm)
Nicklas Grossman(Arz)
Martin Hanzal (arz)
2016 2nd round pick(arz)
Sergei Plotnikov(pit)
Anton Zlobin (pit)
Kris Versteeg(van) ( previous from Car)
2018 3rd rd (van)
Brian Campbell (fla)
Matt Hendricks(cgy)
Losses: 2017 3rd round (wsh)
Jonas Siegenthaler(wsh)
Fredrik Claesson (wsh)
Jason Chimera (wsh)
2016 1st rd pick chi(wsh)
Christian Djoos(wsh)
Stanislav Galiev (wsh)
Anton Slepyshev(wsh)
2017 4th rd (wsh)
2018 3rd rd (wsh)
2018 2nd rd edm (wsh)
Verdict: Winner
The Washington Capitals, that offensively scary bunch that boasts Ovie, Backstrom, Kuznetsov, Wheeler and Oshie, have added
more guns to their arsenal. GM Jason Gilmartin was busy at the deadline, acquiring forwards Martin Hanzal, Kris Versteeg, and
defencemen Nicklas Grossman and Brian Campbell. With the moves, Washington solidifies their 3 defensive pairings that had proved to
be inconsistent at times. Another team in a win now situation, the Caps sent away numerous draft picks and some namely prospects
to bolster their lineup, and it couldn't have come at a better time. The Caps have lost 13 of their last 20, with 8 of those games
giving up 5 or more goals. A scary trend for the Caps, as the post season looms. Can Holtby find his former self? Can Gilmartins
newest acquisitions help to solve the Caps defensive woes...
Columbus Blue Jackets- 36-23-7, 79 pts, 5th in Metro
Acquisitions: J.Jagr(fla)
2016 3rd rd min (fla)
Klas Dahlbeck(Arz)
James Wisniewski (car)
Joakim Nordstrom (car)
Losses: Rob Scuderi (clb)
Fedor Tyutin (clb)
Kerby Rychel(clb)
2016 3rd rd wsh (clb)
Rene Bourque (clb)
2016 2nd round pick fla (clb)
Verdict: Winner
This Columbus Blue Jackets team has come a long way. With the coming home of Rick Nash, and the early welcome of Ryan O'Reilly,
GM Josh Hoff had a vision for the Jackets, that many have not been able to execute before him. His work didn't stop there, adding a top
league defenseman in James Wisniewski, as well as forwards J.Jagr and Joakim Nordstrom. This Columbus team is hugging the cap tight,
but they have some great pieces in place and could surprise should they continue on trend to make the playoffs. Most of Columbus'
numbers are fairly average in respect with the league, however they do boast a Top 5 Face off Pct and Power Play Pct. They will need
Sergei Bobrovsky to continue to play well during the end stretch to keep their playoff dreams afloat, as they have key matchups against the Canes, Islanders, and Rangers.
Carolina Hurricanes- 33-27-6, 72 pts, 6th in Metro
Acquisitions: 2016 3rd rd pick MTL (Chi)
Travis Sanheim(phi)
Alexander Khoklachev(phi)
Nick Holden(phi)
D.Deshernais (cgy)
Matt Irwin (cgy)
Jon Gillies(cgy)
Emile Poirier(cgy)
Damon Severson(nj)
Stefan Matteau(nj)
Joseph Blandisi(nj)
Blake Speers(nj)
2017 1st rd pick Van (nj)
2016 3rd rd pick Chi (nj)
Clarke Macarthur (van)
Taylor Fedun(van)
2016 5th rd (van)
Matt Murray (pitt)
Dominik Uher(pit)
Fedor Tyutin (clb)
Kerby Rychel(clb)
2016 3rd rd wsh (clb)
Losses:Eric Staal(car)
Rasmus Tirronen(car)
Carter Sandlak(car)
J.Staal (car)
Justin Shugg(car)
Patrick Brown (car)
Drew Macintyre(car)
Nathan Gerbe (car)
Roland Mckeown(car)
James Wisniewski (car)
Joakim Nordstrom (car)
David Savard (car)
Brody sutter(car)
Derek Ryan(car)
Verdict: Winner
Michael Napoleon, did you ever have your hands full. First prize for completely reshaping your team in the shortest time goes to the Canes GM, VERY narrowly
beating out rival closet cleaner Beans(Bos). A huge win for Carolina and their GM, for recognizing that the Metro is just too D*** deep, and sometimes that aging roster
needs to go. The Canes have actually had a great season so far, and that worked out perfectly for Mike, because lets face it, who doesn't want players who are
playing great. The Canes lose big faces like the Staal brothers, Wis, Nordstrom and Gerbe, but acquire a literal BUTTLOAD of prospects with Severson, Speers, Rychel and Poirier
to name a few. That's not even including the draft picks, which ended up amounting to three 3rd round picks,as well as a 1st and a 5th. The Canes, somehow keep winning, but after
clearing out all the lockers we expect to start seeing a losing trend. But of course there's absolutely nothing wrong with that, why not just add another blue chip prospect to the mix
at this years draft. Carolina may not have their year this year, maybe not next, but without question will be one of the top teams from 2018 and onward.
New York Islanders 35-27-72, 72 pts, 7th in Metro
Acquisitions: None
Losses: None
Verdict: Losers
Another team that has suffered through the season with the inability to keep GM's. Their record isn't too bad, the Islanders are
right in the hunt for the playoffs. Unfortunately we all know that not EVERYONE in the Metro can get in, and with the Islanders
inactivity at the deadline, its looking like the Isles are going to be narrowly disappointed, both for the Post Season and at
the Draft. The Islanders are barely sitting above the cap floor, with a team salary of 58 Mil, and that's including ugly contracts
like Nikolai Kulemins' and Mikhail Grabovskis'. Outside of those two, there really isn't too much to be unhappy with the " Brooklyn Islanders"
about. They have a roster that is riddled with RFA's and entry level contracts, and are literally oozing with talent. Lets hope the new
Islanders GM can whip this team into shape in the off-season, and get their roster ready to compete with that scary metro next season. In the meantime,
its a loss for Brooklyn.. the Brooklyn Islanders.. just terrible.
New York Rangers- 32-27-7, 71 pts, 8th in Metro
Acquisitions: Evander Kane( buf)
Devante Stephens (buf)
John Dahlstrom (buf)
2017 5th rd (buf)
Losses: Mats Zuccarello(Nyr)
Gabriel Carlsson(Nyr)
Ryan Gropp(nyr)
2016 3rd rd (NYR)
2017 2nd rd (NYR)
Verdict: In-between
This is tough. This Rangers team has been in free fall, and its really hard to pinpoint why. GM Tom Ward has done a nice job
all season shaping his roster, bringing in players like Marchand, Ennis, Panarin and Runblad. But following the departure of Mats
Zuccarello, this Rangers team started to sink. The Rangers have lost 14 of their last 20, being shutout 3 times, and scoring over 3 goals
or more 7 times. The Rangers season is far from over, as they are still very much in the hunt for a wild card spot, but time is drawing
thin, and the Rangers will need to win a large percentage of divisional match-ups in order to make their playoff hopes a reality.
Here's hoping for the Broadway Blue-shirts, but its not looking good.
WESTERN CONFERENCES TO FOLLOW
Tampa Bay Lightning 44-17-4, 92 pts, 1st in Atlantic
Acquisitions:Chris Phillips(ott)
Losses: Jonathan Macleod
2016 4th rd pick(tb)
Verdict: Winner
When you're winning, when you're the best, what do you change? Not much. GM Justin Jackson has managed
his club to the number one spot in the INHL, and rightfully so. Though his club was 5-4-1 in their 10
games prior to the trade deadline, the INHL Lightning are an incredibly deep offensive group with exceptional goaltending. The Lightning
are 5th in goals this year, 1st in goals against, and the least penalized team in the league. Adding veteran defencemen Chris Phillips to this
group only strengthens their D-core. Losing Macleod: Tampa has the depth, he's a great defensive prospect without question, but weren't you
listening? They're first in goals against! Tampa bay, we know you're used to this, but you win.
Detroit Red Wings 39-25-1, 79 pts, 2nd in Atlantic
Acquistions:Martin Gernat(edm)
Kale Kessy( edm)
Losses: Robbie Russo
Verdict: Winner
Detroit is having a surprisingly fantastic year. With standout performances from Zetterberg,
Tatar, Datsyuk, Nyquist, and standout goaltender Petr Mrazek, Detroit has found their way to 6th
in scoring and 2nd in goals against. You can't knock Detroit's GM for not stirring the pot as the club adds
two depth players in Kessy and Gernat en route for the post season. Just a little feeler for what you'll
be facing if its the Red Wings in the post season. Four players hovering just above or below a ppg, and
a HOT goalie who is 2nd in Wins(34), 3rd in GAA(2.28), 3rd in SV PCT(.919), and 1st in Shutouts (8).
NO sacrificing of key players and an addition of depth to a top tier team, that to me is an easy WIN.
Montreal Canadiens- 36-24-6, 78 pts, 3rd in Atlantic
Aquisitions: None
Losses: None
Verdict: In between
The Canadiens have picked up their play of late, posting a 13-6-1 record in their past 20 games, thanks to
the resurgence of Carey Price and the rejuvenated scoring of their top six. That being said, the Canadiens
are holding the final Atlantic playoff position by a thread, and its rather questionable that GM Matt Gough
has decided to sit pat at the deadline. Time will tell if moves made earlier in the season will hold strong enough
for the Habs to have a strong post season showing. A thumbs up to Carey Price 7-2-1 in his last 10 prior to the deadline, with a dazzling
.934 Sv pct and a 1.8 GAA with 2 shutouts. A thumbs up to new defenseman Mark Girodano, who in his last 12 games has 7 G,
6 A, and is a +11 overall. A mere hand shake to the cap strung Montreal Canadiens. Their post season performance will
be completely dependant on their goaltending.
Ottawa Senators 35-29-3, 65 pts, 4th in Atlantic
Additions: 2016 7th round (sj)
2017 2nd round (sj)
Viktor Arvidsson( nsh)
2017 3rd rd pick (nsh)
Johnathan Macleod(tb)
2016 4th rd pick(tb)
2016 3rd rd NYI (nj)
2016 7th rd (nj)
Frazer McLaren(sj)
2016 2nd rd MTL (van)
Losses: J. Hansen (ott)
J.Mitchell (ott)
Milan Michalek (ott)
Joe Vitale (ott)
Chris Phillips (ott)
Patrick Weircioch (ott)
Filip Ahl (ott)
Verdict: Winner
The Ottawa Senators and Bob Lawblaw come away a winner this deadline, taking steps towards a slight rebuild.
Moving key core pieces like J.Hansen, M.Michalek and C.Phillips are steps in the right direction for
what was an aging roster. Ottawa gains a handful of 2016 and 2017 draft picks, but the biggest win comes from
acquiring prospects Johnathan MacLeod and Viktor Arvidsson. Macleod will likely develop into a top 4 defenseman,
while Arvidsson will eventually fill a top 6 roll. The biggest question for Ottawa remains to be whether or
not the Sedin twins will be staying or going in the off-season. With 45(Daniel) and 58(Henrik) points respectively,
its likely they will reach yet another 70+ point season. But at the age of 35 and contracts expiring in 2018, you have to think
the Sens will be looking to send the Sedins' for some return before its too late. Time will tell, but at this point, its a clear win here in Ottawa.
Florida Panthers 26-35-4, 56 Points, 5th in Atlantic
Acquisitions:Rene Bourque (clb)
2016 2nd round pick fla (clb)
Anton Slepyshev(wsh)
2017 4th rd (wsh)
Losses: J.Jagr(fla)
2016 3rd rd min (fla)
Brian Campbell (fla)
Verdict: Inbetween
The Florida Panthers have had a tough year. Shortly into the season making a blockbuster move for Winnipeg
Jets star Dustin Byfuglien seemed like the perfect move to help push Florida into the post season.
But with below average goal tending from 36 year old Roberto Luongo, a -19 overall, and bottom 5 power-play and penalty kill statistics, the Panthers see themselves
on the outside looking in, yet again. Not all is gloom, Steve Donaldson has embraced the sell of some the aging veterans, moving
long time star Jaromir Jagr to Columbus for a 2nd round pick ( WOW, even with Rene Bourque coming back! How old is Jagr again!? Oh that's right, 44!),
and bringing in an excellent offensive prospect in Anton Slepyshev for aging defenseman Brian Campbell. Flordia undoubtedly would love
to have their 2016 1st round pick back, but this team is in great shape. Tonnes of offensive prospect, as well as strength at the blue line
with Byfuglien, Ekblad and Gudbranson. Flordia needs to decide whether or not ol' Lu can get the job done for them. With a little more
defensive depth, there's no question Roberto has one or two more good seasons in him. But without adding D and work on the specialty teams,
next year may be all too familiar for the Panthers.
Buffalo Sabres 22-36-8, 52 pts, 6th in Atlantic
Acquisitions: Austin Watson(nsh)
Gustav Olofsson(Min)
Ladislav Smid (cgy)
Filip Chlapik(cgy)
2016 2nd rd (cgy)
Kyle Palmieri(nj)
2016 1st rd (nj)
Vitek Vanecek(nj)
Gabriel Carlsson(Nyr)
Ryan Gropp(nyr)
2016 3rd rd (NYR)
2017 2nd rd (NYR)
Losses: Mitch Moroz(buf)
2016 5th round mtl(buf)
Mats Zuccarello(buf)
Mike Weber(buf)
Zemgus Girgensons (buf)
Nathan Lieuwen (buf)
Evander Kane( buf)
Devante Stephens (buf)
John Dahlstrom (buf)
2017 5th rd (buf)
Verdict: Winner
We need to stop having so many winners here, this just can't be accurate, but without question
the Buffalo Sabres and Kristian Dixon were huge winners this deadline day. Buffalo, who had already made many
moves during the season to bring in draft picks and the home grown star Patrick Kane, continued the rebuild
this deadline, moving key players Zemgus Girgensons, Evander Kane, and flipping newly acquired forward Mats
Zuccarello. In return they brought in a deep line of prospects including: G.Olofsson, G.Carlsson, F.Chlapik, and
V.Vanecek. Buffalo goes into the off-season as one of the youngest and most promising for the coming seasons.
Gone are the days of Gilbert Perrault, Dominek Hasek, and Miro Satan. The new Buffalo Sabres led by Patrick Kane, and rookie
Phenom Jack Eichel will not disappoint.
Toronto Maple Leafs 17-40-7, 41 points, 7th in Atlantic
Acquisitions: B.Starrett (Chi)
Losses: R.Panik (Tor)
Verdict: Loser
Sorry Leaf fans, but this years team is a dud, and is in need of some rough work. New GM Corey Becker
has been left with a daunting task, a task so many have faced before him. How to make the leafs great again.
Leaf nation has seen numerous shifts at the GM position this year, and while bringing in Joe Morrow and Travis
Konecny were huge additions to the leafs prospect cupboards, the team is still hanging onto long time vets that are weighing
the team down. Though Dion Phaneuf's point totals have gone up this year, the trend of his +/- suggests he will finish at
around -16, which is not even close to good enough for your 7 mil per year captain. With Nathan Horton, RJ Umberger and Tyler Bozak contracts on
the cap with limited production( or none .. Sorry Horton ), the Leafs will find they are in a tight cap bind for young players who are soon to demand more cash. Toronto also
has to decide whether or not Jonathan Bernier going forward, is starting goalie material, although there's no question his defense hasn't helped
him much this year. The Leafs have a great prospect cabinet ,and the potential to be a very scary team in years to come, but the ghosts of leafs past are weighing them down.
Cut those anchors loose Mr Becker!
Boston Bruins- 14-46-6, 34 Pts, 8th in Atlantic
Acquisitions: 16 1st rd (van)
Gabriel Gagne(van)
2017 2nd rd pit (Edm)
Losses: 16 3rd rd (bos)
Leon Draisaitl(bos)
2017 2nd rd pick (bos)
Verdict: Winner
Fire Sale, Fire Sale. Get ready for the record books because this has been one for the ages for GM Beans
and the Boston Bruins. The Bruins from 1960-1967 were bad. Really bad. The bruins were unable to achieve over 21 wins
, and those were in 70 game seasons. Well the bruins this year have been pretty atrocious, but with 14 wins they are just
two wins away from escaping the worst bruins season ever. Now this isn't all bad for the B's, because what they've managed to
accomplish this year is nothing shy of incredible. GM Beans has completely torn down the shed, and the rebuild is bright.
Adding a number of draft picks as well as prospects, including: Pavel Zacha, Ivan Provorov, Jakub Zboril,
Julius Honka, and Gabriel Gagne. - 108 never looked so good, and its likely that come the draft lottery the Bruins will have the
highest odds of picking 1st overall. Austin Matthews or Matthew Tkachuk. Beans has been open to moving the likely 1st overall pick, but lets
be honest. Do you trade Crosby, Mackinnon, or Mcdavid? OF course not. Expect the Bruins to hang onto that pick unless they get one heck
of a landslide offer.
Metropolitan Division
Pittsburgh Penguins- 42-19-4, 88 pts, 1st in Metro
Acquisitions: Christian Djoos(wsh)
Stanislav Galiev (wsh)
J.Saros (anh)
Jared Spurgeon* (min)
Mason Mcdonald(cgy)
2016 6th round pick(cgy)
Nathan Gerbe (car)
Roland Mckeown(car)
Stephen Johns(dal)
Losses: Sergei Plotnikov(pit)
Anton Zlobin (pit)
Jay Merkley (pit)
2016 3rd rd (pit)
Matt Murray (pitt)
Dominik Uher(pit)
2016 4th rd pick(pit)
Brain Dumoulin(pit)
Dominik Simon (pit)
Ryan Segalla(pit)
Verdict: Winner
If you didn't already know, the Penguins are HOT. With a record of 16-3-1 in their last 20 games, they've climbed the Eastern
Conference standings, and may arguably be the hottest team in the league.
Sidney Crosby is leading the way with 23 goals and 56 assists this season. His 79 points leads the NHL for the Art Ross, and Crosby shows no signs
of slowing down. GM Tom Rehm played things safe over the deadline, addressing some depth needs up front, and clearly has his sights on
going deep in the post season. The Pens will finish off the season trying to steal the stranglehold the Tampa bay Lightning have had on the conference for the last
few months, but will have their work cut out for them as most of their remaining 17 regular season games are against the congested Metro division.
New Jersey Devil- 39-20-8, 86 pts, 2nd in Metro
Acquisitions: Patrick Weircioch (ott)
J.Staal (car)
Justin Shugg(car)
Patrick Brown (car)
Drew Macintyre(car)
Zemgus Girgensons (buf)
Nathan Lieuwen (buf)
Noah Rod (sj)
Marian Hossa(chi)
2017 5th rd (chi)
2017 6th rd (edm)
2016 3rd rd NYI(van)
Losses: Reece Scarlett(nj)
2016 3rd rd NYI (nj)
2016 7th rd (nj)
Kyle Palmieri(nj)
2016 1st rd (nj)
Vitek Vanecek(nj)
Jan hejda (nj)
2017 6th rd (nj)
Damon Severson(nj)
Stefan Matteau(nj)
Joseph Blandisi(nj)
Blake Speers(nj)
2017 1st rd pick Van (nj)
2016 3rd rd pick Chi (nj)
Travis Zajac(nj)
Darnell Nurse(nj)
Mackenzie Blackwood(nj)
Verdict: Winner
GM Jon Bold had a huge trade deadline this year, and we expect his moves to make as big of waves in the post season as they did on
deadline day. NJD was able to add elite talents Zemgus Girgensons, Jordan Staal, and Marian Hossa to an already terrifying line up.
Of course these moves would come at a price, and saw valuable players, Vitek Vanecek, Kyle Palmieri, Mackenzie Blackwood and Darnell Nurse leaving the swamp,
among others. There's no question that Jon Bold has gone all in on his playoff hopes, as his draft pick cabinet grows thin, but there
are obvious reasons to be excited for this New Jersey team. The Devils lead the league in Power-play %(22.5), and Face-off %(52.6), and also sit in the top
10 for Goals per game, Goals Against, and Penalty Kill %. Add Hossa, Staal, and Girgensons to the mix? It's a cocktail that boasts potentially the scariest Devils teams the
league has ever seen. Don't look behind you Pittsburgh, the Devils are coming.
Philadelphia Flyers- 38-22-5, 81 pts, 3rd in Metro
Acquisitions: David Savard (car)
Brody Sutter(car)
Derek Ryan(car)
Losses: Travis Sanheim(phi)
Alexander Khoklachev(phi)
Nick Holden(phi)
Verdict: Winner
The Philadelphia Flyers have been on a tear of late, and you can credit their success to their architect and GM,
Bjorn Thelin. There was a time where the Flyers were on the outside looking in, and playoff hopes were dwindling in the
city of brotherly love. But patience proved to be key, and the Flyers came out of the new year swinging, winning 19, and 8 of their
last 10. Their resilience has placed them 3rd in the Metro, but they will need to continue to fight tooth and nail to keep it, with the Caps
and Blue Jackets close behind. The Flyers had one trading partner at the deadline with the rebuilding Hurricanes, bringing in Top 4 defenseman
David Savard and depth forward Brock Sutter. If its not broke, don't fix it. Bjorns flyers look great going into the final stretch.
With Tukka Rask putting up Tukka-like numbers( No big, just 2nd in both GAA (2.17) and SV PCT(.927), and the Flyers scoring at a 2nd best 3.34 Goals per game, I find it extremely likely
that the Flyers will continue to soar.
Washington Capitals- 37-23-6, 80 pts, 4th in Metro
Acquisitions: Iiro Pakarinen(Edm)
Nicklas Grossman(Arz)
Martin Hanzal (arz)
2016 2nd round pick(arz)
Sergei Plotnikov(pit)
Anton Zlobin (pit)
Kris Versteeg(van) ( previous from Car)
2018 3rd rd (van)
Brian Campbell (fla)
Matt Hendricks(cgy)
Losses: 2017 3rd round (wsh)
Jonas Siegenthaler(wsh)
Fredrik Claesson (wsh)
Jason Chimera (wsh)
2016 1st rd pick chi(wsh)
Christian Djoos(wsh)
Stanislav Galiev (wsh)
Anton Slepyshev(wsh)
2017 4th rd (wsh)
2018 3rd rd (wsh)
2018 2nd rd edm (wsh)
Verdict: Winner
The Washington Capitals, that offensively scary bunch that boasts Ovie, Backstrom, Kuznetsov, Wheeler and Oshie, have added
more guns to their arsenal. GM Jason Gilmartin was busy at the deadline, acquiring forwards Martin Hanzal, Kris Versteeg, and
defencemen Nicklas Grossman and Brian Campbell. With the moves, Washington solidifies their 3 defensive pairings that had proved to
be inconsistent at times. Another team in a win now situation, the Caps sent away numerous draft picks and some namely prospects
to bolster their lineup, and it couldn't have come at a better time. The Caps have lost 13 of their last 20, with 8 of those games
giving up 5 or more goals. A scary trend for the Caps, as the post season looms. Can Holtby find his former self? Can Gilmartins
newest acquisitions help to solve the Caps defensive woes...
Columbus Blue Jackets- 36-23-7, 79 pts, 5th in Metro
Acquisitions: J.Jagr(fla)
2016 3rd rd min (fla)
Klas Dahlbeck(Arz)
James Wisniewski (car)
Joakim Nordstrom (car)
Losses: Rob Scuderi (clb)
Fedor Tyutin (clb)
Kerby Rychel(clb)
2016 3rd rd wsh (clb)
Rene Bourque (clb)
2016 2nd round pick fla (clb)
Verdict: Winner
This Columbus Blue Jackets team has come a long way. With the coming home of Rick Nash, and the early welcome of Ryan O'Reilly,
GM Josh Hoff had a vision for the Jackets, that many have not been able to execute before him. His work didn't stop there, adding a top
league defenseman in James Wisniewski, as well as forwards J.Jagr and Joakim Nordstrom. This Columbus team is hugging the cap tight,
but they have some great pieces in place and could surprise should they continue on trend to make the playoffs. Most of Columbus'
numbers are fairly average in respect with the league, however they do boast a Top 5 Face off Pct and Power Play Pct. They will need
Sergei Bobrovsky to continue to play well during the end stretch to keep their playoff dreams afloat, as they have key matchups against the Canes, Islanders, and Rangers.
Carolina Hurricanes- 33-27-6, 72 pts, 6th in Metro
Acquisitions: 2016 3rd rd pick MTL (Chi)
Travis Sanheim(phi)
Alexander Khoklachev(phi)
Nick Holden(phi)
D.Deshernais (cgy)
Matt Irwin (cgy)
Jon Gillies(cgy)
Emile Poirier(cgy)
Damon Severson(nj)
Stefan Matteau(nj)
Joseph Blandisi(nj)
Blake Speers(nj)
2017 1st rd pick Van (nj)
2016 3rd rd pick Chi (nj)
Clarke Macarthur (van)
Taylor Fedun(van)
2016 5th rd (van)
Matt Murray (pitt)
Dominik Uher(pit)
Fedor Tyutin (clb)
Kerby Rychel(clb)
2016 3rd rd wsh (clb)
Losses:Eric Staal(car)
Rasmus Tirronen(car)
Carter Sandlak(car)
J.Staal (car)
Justin Shugg(car)
Patrick Brown (car)
Drew Macintyre(car)
Nathan Gerbe (car)
Roland Mckeown(car)
James Wisniewski (car)
Joakim Nordstrom (car)
David Savard (car)
Brody sutter(car)
Derek Ryan(car)
Verdict: Winner
Michael Napoleon, did you ever have your hands full. First prize for completely reshaping your team in the shortest time goes to the Canes GM, VERY narrowly
beating out rival closet cleaner Beans(Bos). A huge win for Carolina and their GM, for recognizing that the Metro is just too D*** deep, and sometimes that aging roster
needs to go. The Canes have actually had a great season so far, and that worked out perfectly for Mike, because lets face it, who doesn't want players who are
playing great. The Canes lose big faces like the Staal brothers, Wis, Nordstrom and Gerbe, but acquire a literal BUTTLOAD of prospects with Severson, Speers, Rychel and Poirier
to name a few. That's not even including the draft picks, which ended up amounting to three 3rd round picks,as well as a 1st and a 5th. The Canes, somehow keep winning, but after
clearing out all the lockers we expect to start seeing a losing trend. But of course there's absolutely nothing wrong with that, why not just add another blue chip prospect to the mix
at this years draft. Carolina may not have their year this year, maybe not next, but without question will be one of the top teams from 2018 and onward.
New York Islanders 35-27-72, 72 pts, 7th in Metro
Acquisitions: None
Losses: None
Verdict: Losers
Another team that has suffered through the season with the inability to keep GM's. Their record isn't too bad, the Islanders are
right in the hunt for the playoffs. Unfortunately we all know that not EVERYONE in the Metro can get in, and with the Islanders
inactivity at the deadline, its looking like the Isles are going to be narrowly disappointed, both for the Post Season and at
the Draft. The Islanders are barely sitting above the cap floor, with a team salary of 58 Mil, and that's including ugly contracts
like Nikolai Kulemins' and Mikhail Grabovskis'. Outside of those two, there really isn't too much to be unhappy with the " Brooklyn Islanders"
about. They have a roster that is riddled with RFA's and entry level contracts, and are literally oozing with talent. Lets hope the new
Islanders GM can whip this team into shape in the off-season, and get their roster ready to compete with that scary metro next season. In the meantime,
its a loss for Brooklyn.. the Brooklyn Islanders.. just terrible.
New York Rangers- 32-27-7, 71 pts, 8th in Metro
Acquisitions: Evander Kane( buf)
Devante Stephens (buf)
John Dahlstrom (buf)
2017 5th rd (buf)
Losses: Mats Zuccarello(Nyr)
Gabriel Carlsson(Nyr)
Ryan Gropp(nyr)
2016 3rd rd (NYR)
2017 2nd rd (NYR)
Verdict: In-between
This is tough. This Rangers team has been in free fall, and its really hard to pinpoint why. GM Tom Ward has done a nice job
all season shaping his roster, bringing in players like Marchand, Ennis, Panarin and Runblad. But following the departure of Mats
Zuccarello, this Rangers team started to sink. The Rangers have lost 14 of their last 20, being shutout 3 times, and scoring over 3 goals
or more 7 times. The Rangers season is far from over, as they are still very much in the hunt for a wild card spot, but time is drawing
thin, and the Rangers will need to win a large percentage of divisional match-ups in order to make their playoff hopes a reality.
Here's hoping for the Broadway Blue-shirts, but its not looking good.
WESTERN CONFERENCES TO FOLLOW