NHL Trade Deadline: SELLER Grades
- iAmMizz!
- Feb 28, 2020
- 8 min read
There were a lot less SELLERS than BUYERS this season, but that's generally the nature of the NHL, which is one of the most competitive and well-balanced leagues in all of sports. The eight team playoff system (and the wild upset nature of the NHL Playoffs) encourages most teams to stay in the running for the coveted Stanley Cup, but there are still franchises in need of a rebuild. These teams are our SELLERS, and here is how they graded out at the 2020 trade deadline.
Ottawa Senators: A
I've heard some analysts argue other sellers were the biggest winners of this year's deadline, like the Rangers, but I have to give it to Ottawa. In full rebuild mode now for the past few seasons, the Senators haven't done the best overall job of flipping the franchise, but their performance this February gives them a lot more opportunity to do so in the future. None of the players the Sens gave up were a part of their future plans, and they were able to haggle steep prices out of other organizations, namely the Islanders. Their haul of draft picks includes an Islanders' 1st in either 2020 or 2021, as well as their 2020 2nd and possibly a 2022 3rd (if NYI were to win the Cup final this season, unlikely but not impossible), a Jets' 2020 3rd, an Av's 2021 4th, and an Oilers' 2021 5th. Ottawa has a boatload of picks over the next few seasons, better make them count.
New York Rangers: A -
It was a really nice day for the Broadway Blueshirts, but it may have been even nicer if not for a poorly timed twist of fate (or perhaps it was perfectly timed). Rookie phenom goaltender Igor Shesterkin and teammate Pavel Buchnevich were involved in a car accident the night before the deadline. Both are okay, but Shesterkin should miss some time due to a rib injury. The reason this is so important (besides the Rangers possible playoff hopes hanging in the balance) is that NYR's other two goalies, aged legend Henrik Lundqvist and over-performing youngster Alexandar Georgiev, were two of the juiciest names on the trade block at the position. Make no mistake, the goalie position is one of the most starved of talent in the NHL right now, and the Rangers had three viable starters before the accident. Instead, it became the trade that never was for a team like Colorado or Carolina. New York may not have gotten a large return for a goaltender, but that didn't stop them from turning defenseman Brady Skjei into a new Canes' 1st rounder in 2020. To me, Carolina overpaid, but they had no choice because of injury. The Rangers also swapped prospect D-Man Joey Keane with Hurricanes' winger Julien Gauthier earlier in the month, which was more of a win-win for both. With a plethora of young defensemen rising through the ranks, NYR didn't lose much and gained assets they needed. They also made one other shocking move, re-signing coveted winger Chris Kreider to a seven year deal at a reasonable cost (everyone seemed certain they would deal him). Kreider is a team leader and a massive part of the team's 2020 success, so I believe this was a smart decision. As a "rebuilding franchise" already on the doorstep of the playoffs again, it's been all gravy for the Blueshirts front office right now.
San Jose Sharks: A -
The Sharks were the third of the craftiest sellers for me. They managed to unload Patrick Marleau, a dinosaur that no one really wanted at the start of this season, for a 2021 3rd that could turn into a 2nd if the Penguins win the Cup (which wouldn't be stunning). They also received a Capitals' 2020 2nd, and a conditional 2021 3rd for rental Brenden Dillon (who was gone at the end of the year anyway). By far the biggest and most baffling swindle of all was what the Sharks pulled on Tampa Bay however... a prospect and a 2020 1st rounder for Barclay Goodrow?? Sure they also send a 2020 3rd back in the deal, but the Lightning do realize what they gave up for a step up from a third line grinder right? I couldn't believe that one. It was almost a perfect deadline for San Jose, but in the end they couldn't part with Moses look-alike Joe Thornton, who is a fan favorite with the Sharks. They probably should have though, and that keeps them just below Ottawa and NY.
New Jersey Devils: B+
The Devils made out pretty well, parting ways with a bunch of their veterans to clear the way for some fresh faces to get an opportunity as the season winds down. Their best deals this February were no doubt the Andy Greene and Blake Coleman trades. Tampa gave up a 1st and a prospect for Coleman, which I thought seemed like a lot, despite his goal-scoring nature in 2020. The Isles gave their rival a 2021 2nd and a prospect for Andy Greene, another nice return for NJ. From there, things got worse. Wayne Simmonds was a rental at a career low value, so the likely 5th for him was probably the best offer they got. It was the Sami Vatanen trade where I thought they got screwed, and I say this because Vatanen is hurt. If he had been healthy at the deadline, I think the Devils would have received much more for him. Instead, it was a 4th rounder and AHL talent. Even so, all that plus the Taylor Hall... well, haul... from earlier this season (remember Arizona could end up paying the Devils two 1st round picks plus the prospects if Hall re-signs with the Yotes and they win one playoff round) and New Jersey is primed for the Jack Hughes generation.
Los Angeles Kings: B
I'd categorize this deadline as productive for LA. They know this overhaul of their franchise (after the two championships) is not an overnight process. They still have some dead cap types from the golden era, like Dustin Brown or Jeff Carter, so I don't think they have any ideas about turning into a playoff team again anytime soon. Because of this self-awareness, which I believe is an intelligent mindset, they were able to part ways with Tyler Toffoli, Alec Martinez, and Derek Forbort (none of which are past their prime). These guys can still play, but they are unlikely to be a part of the next great Kings team (with expiring contracts), so why not use their value to invest in that future. They did, receiving three 2nd's, a conditional 4th, another 2022 conditional, and prospect Tyler Madden. They also sold a veteran grinder in Kyle Clifford, along with backup goaltender Jack Campbell, for two 3rd's and another young player in ex-Leaf Trevor Moore. I did feel the Kings got shortchanged once or twice here, which dropped their grade slightly, but they're on the right track.
Minnesota Wild: B
The Wild are still battling for the playoffs, but they were also smart enough to realize they shouldn't be buyers right now. The team is on the decline, and they need to start swapping some vets for upside talent. They only made one move this month, but the trade followed that exact blueprint. They dealt Jason Zucker to Pittsburgh, a solid player, but not one that was key to Minnesota's future. In return, they received a 1st rounder in one of the next two drafts, a D-prospect, and Alex Galchenyuk. Now Galchenyuk's NHL career may not have gone quite like he planned thus far, moving around a few times and never breaking out like we thought he might, but this is the type of guy you take a chance on if you're the Wild.
Montreal Canadiens: B -
The Habs weren't flashy, but they made some positive moves, selling off the few pieces they had to offer. Nick Cousins and Nate Thompson each packed their bags for lower picks (4th and a 5th). A few borderline NHL players were exchanged with the Penguins, Phil Varone and Riley Barber departing. Ilya Kovalchuk even managed to bring in a 3rd rounder from Washington, which was kind of curious with his current age and output. The shrewdest move for Montreal was acquiring defenseman Marco Scandella for a 4th back on January 2nd, then flipping him for a St. Louis 2nd rounder along with a conditional 4th, about a month and a half later.
Anaheim Ducks: C+
The Ducks kept flipping players for other players, rather than draft picks. I'm not crazy about that plan when talking about a team in their position. Whether it was sub-par D-Men Korbinian Holzer for Matt Irwin (plus a 6th), prospects with the Oilers, forwards Devin Shore for Sonny Milano, Daniel Sprong for Christian Djoos, or Nick Ritchie for Danton Heinen (the trade with the most name value)... it might have served Anaheim better to stack some picks and take some shots next draft. They did get a 4th for Derek Grant, along with Kyle Criscuolo, and their largest catch was certainly a 1st and Axel Andersson for Ondrej Kase (plus David Backes as a freebie). Kase showed flashes and is under team control though, so this was a "must" return in some ways. The Ducks have a long way to go in their return to glory, the trek shouldn't be so casual.
Buffalo Sabres: C
The Sabres had an odd deadline, because it almost feels like they believe they have a shot of making the final Atlantic playoff spot by leap-frogging both Toronto and Florida. I personally do not see it at all, and thought the Wayne Simmonds rental deal was idiotic for them, but then again it's only a 5th rounder that becomes a 4th if they actually make it (which they won't). Still, it feels like they just lit a 5th round draft pick on fire. Their other deal was much better, sending away Conor Sheary and Evan Rodrigues, two players that don't feel like key cogs in the Buffalo core, for a promising young forward in Dominik Kahun (who might flourish in a different unit). Overall, the Sabres were stuck in the middle and didn't make too much noise this deadline, but with a mostly youthful roster, they didn't really have to. Now it's time to complement Eichel with more pieces like Kahun, and a better goalie pair... I mean, good God.
Detroit Red Wings: D
Only two trades for one of the worst teams in hockey. I know Detroit doesn't have assets that teams are clambering for, but with all the waste-of-space veterans that are still suiting up for the Wings you would of thought they might have at least rid a few more contracts. Instead they only rid themselves of defenseman Mike Green, who got them a conditional 4th and a hollow contract in Kyle Brodziak (I doubt he'll ever play for Detroit). The other move was actually one that might have set the team backwards, shipping Andreas Athanasiou (a rare bright spot forward for the bottom-feeders) and a second player to Edmonton for two 2nd rounders and yet another waste-of-space veteran, Sam Gagner. I know Double A is a free agent, but they should be re-signing him not trading him. I doubt he ever comes back after playing for a winning team. It's okay though, at least they got Gagner! Sheesh, this team is in trouble.
Chicago Blackhawks: D -
I really don't understand how the Blackhawks only got a 2020 2nd, Malcolm Subban (a lousy backup net-minder), and a prospect for the ONLY above-average goalie that ended up being on the market... when there were at least five teams that DESPERATELY needed a starting tendy. Did Chicago just jump at the first offer? I really cannot figure it out. They must have heard of the term bidding war, I mean they are an original six franchise after all, and a good one at that. I know Robin Lehner is a rental but come on, this return was garbage considering the circumstances. Lehner was a Vezina finalist last season with the Isles and having a solid campaign in 2020 with the Hawks, I'm just at a loss here. Even what they got for defenseman Erik Gustafsson was just okay (2020 3rd from Calgary), he's put together a decent season. They also continue to hold players like Brandon Saad and others for no reason at all, other than illusions of grandeur. Not good enough from Chicago, making them this year's biggest loser, and that's exactly why their reconstruction of the recent dynasty has taken twice as long as other franchises around the league.
The only organization that elected not to make a trade was the Dallas Stars (they would have been a buyer if they had). Looking forward to another heart-stopping Stanley Cup Playoffs, see you then!
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