NHL Trade Deadline Analysis

Analysis:

While it might be difficult for the Capitals fans to see a long-time veteran traded away, Washington is being realistic about their spot in the standings.  They got a good return here for Carlson by bringing back meaningful draft capital that will accelerate their retooling process. 

With Carlson, Anaheim is getting a veteran presence on the right side of their blue line as they gear up for a playoff run.  This is a classic “rental” move but giving up the 1^st could be detrimental if they suffer an early playoff exit.

Grade: Washington Capitals – A

            Anaheim Ducks – B+

Analysis:

Similar to the Carlson trade, the Capitals unload Dowd and get a good return “selling” to a competitive market. Dowd is older now (35) and a bottom-six forward so this was a fantastic return for them.

For Vegas, Dowd gives them more center depth of the middle and can now move Mitch Marner to his natural wing position. Dowd will also give them help on the penalty kill and is a solid defensive forward who they now have under contract through the 2027 season too, but this is a lot to give up for Dowd

Grade: Washington Capitals – A

            Vegas Golden Knights – B-

Analysis:

The Sabres are going “all in” to end their playoff drought.  Reports are making it sound like Buffalo needed to settle here as they were hard after Colton Parayko, but adding Stanley and Schenn gives added toughness and depth on the back end.

For the Jets, Bryson should enter the lineup right away and play out the rest of his contract here until he enters free agency this summer.  Rosen was Buffalo’s 1^st round pick in 2022 and is only 22 years old, but has struggled when he’s been called up from the AHL.  Maybe a chance of scenery here will help him continue to develop.

Grade: Buffalo Sabres – B

            Winnipeg Jets – B+

Analysis:

The Avalanche now have a gluttony of riches as bringing Kadri back to Colorado (and Nicolas Roy in another deadline deal) gives them the best center depth in the NHL. They also got Calgary to retain 20% of Kadri’s $7million cap hit. Colorado solidifies themselves as the cup favorite with this deal.

Calgary trades an aging veteran in exchange for future draft capital and a promising young prospect in Curran. Olofsson is have a solid season, but will be a free agent heading into this summer so it’s all about the future here for the Flames.

Grade: Colorado Avalanche – A

            Calgary Flames – B+

Analysis:

Detroit is trying to fight to end their nine-season playoff drought and now add a reliable, right-shot veteran to complement their defensive core.  Faulk will slot right into the top four and the added bonus is he’s signed through the 2026-27 season which makes the cost of the 1^st round pick easier for the Red Wings to stomach.

St. Louis is firmly in “sell” mode as they prioritize draft capital over veteran players.  By moving Faulk they accumulate (along with another player I’ll talk about next) they now have a significant stockpile of draft picks which help accelerate their rebuild. Holl and Buchnelnikov are currently playing in the AHL and KHL, respectively so this trade is really all about the picks.

Grade: Detroit Red Wings – B

            St. Louis Blues – B+

Analysis:

The Islanders acquire Schenn to slot in as the second-line center, which will allow Matt Barzal to stay on the wing.  Schenn brings over a 54.2% faceoff win rate and should help out in high-leverage situations, but he brings a veteran presence to a relatively young group (along with a high cap hit of $6.5million).  He’s also 34 years old and the numbers haven’t been there this season so this was a lot for the Islanders to give up.

The Blues get back a 1^st round pick for a 34 year old with declining statistical production.  They add Marcus Gidlof, who could potentially a long term back up goaltender.  Druin is a veteran player who is under contract for 2026-27 so potentially he could be another asset they move next season to continue their rebuild.

Grade: New York Islanders – C+

            St. Louis Blues - A

Analysis:

The Oilers improve their bottom-six and penalty-kill here.  Dickinson is considered one of the most effective defensive centers in the league and they get Chicago to retain 50% of his salary.  Dach is a high-energy player who brings some much needed physicality that Edmonton has lacked in previous playoff runs.  Edmonton also added Connor Murphy (D) from Chicago a few days earlier which gives them a right-shot defenseman who will settle into their bottom pair.

Chicago gets Mangiapane who is a former 35 goal scorer and will likely get top minutes playing next to Connor Bedard.  This could build up his trade value for next season and maybe the Blackhawks can eventually move him for good value.  By retaining half of Dickinson’s salary they were able to “buy” a 1^st round pick to continue their rebuild.

Grade: Edmonton Oilers – B+

            Chicago Blackhawks – B

Analysis:

Utah, currently holding a wildcard spot, makes a big move here by bringing in a top pairing defenseman in Weegar; who will add more grit to their blueline.  Weegar is puck-moving workhorse who immediately will stabilize their top four playing alongside Mikhail Sergachev and Sean Durzi.  Weegar is signed through the 2031-32 season so they get a rock solid defensemen who will be a part of their core for the next several years.

Calgary continues to tear down its roster, but receiving three 2^nd round picks in one draft is an amazing return and it gives them flexibility to move up and down the draft board this summer.  Maatta provides a steady left-handed veteran presence which will help with all the young players they have.  I really like this move for how both teams will operate going forward.

Grade: Utah Mammoth – A

            Calgary Flames – A-