Last Word On Hockey will do an examination on every division at the trade deadline. Whether the teams were buyers, sellers, or stood pat we examine how each team did. No matter how big or small, we take a look at how these moves impact the clubs going forward. Today, we examine the Central Division Trade Deadline Moves.
Examining The Central Division Trade Deadline
Arizona Coyotes
The first examination of the Central Division trade deadline lies in the desert. Arizona was a busy team. They played broker for multiple teams as they went for the big fish. However, they made big splashes of their own. Trading their two best defencemen in Jakob Chychrun and Shayne Gostisbehere. They can finally put the Chychrun move to rest and focus on the future. Arizona managed to hang onto Nick Schmaltz and Lawson Crouse, but things can change this off-season.
Chicago Blackhawks
One team that was busy, was the Chicago Blackhawks. With a full rebuild underway, they managed to sell as much as they could. Out the door is Max Domi, Jake McCabe, and Sam Lafferty. However, one name, in particular, is also gone. Franchise icon Patrick Kane has officially been dealt to the team of his dreams. Chicago will be in the running for Connor Bedard and fans will get a good glimpse of a new era of hockey.
Colorado Avalanche
Our next Central Division Trade Deadline team is the defending Stanley Cup Champions. Unlike prior deadlines, Joe Sakic was quieter this time. Overall Colorado is a solid group, but major moves aren’t needed. Sakic did bring in veteran centre Lars Eller from Washington. Eller is a solid depth centre that brings much value to this group. Health is the biggest concern for the team as they still have multiple key players out of the lineup.
Dallas Stars
Jim Nill said he liked his team and wouldn’t go bonkers and make drastic moves. However, he did make moves necessary to benefit this team down the stretch. He went on to ship out struggling winger Denis Gurianov for Evgeni Dadonov. Dadonov has been an instant fit with the club and has three points in four games. In addition, they went out and got Max Domi. Domi can slot in and be the second-line centre and get players like Mason Marchment and Tyler Seguin going. The top team in the division made the necessary moves to ensure a playoff run is achieved.
Minnesota Wild
Bill Guerin was a busy guy this deadline. Like Arizona, he played broker as well. But he made deals of his own to boost his club. Matt Dumba was in fact not dealt and as the team pushes for a deep run, that move was smart. Centre Jordan Greenway was sent to Buffalo, but multiple players got brought in. Familiar face Marcus Johansson returns to Minnesota and Gustav Nyquist as well. Johansson has had a nice year for Washington and this team needs help down the middle. Despite Nyquist being hurt, he has a scoring touch to him and plays with intense speed. Big splash of the day was adding John Klingberg. He has had a tough year in Anaheim, but that team overall is not very good. A better-structured Wild system should benefit him as he is still top-four defencemen. Overall, not bad for Guerin as he aims to push further this playoff run.
Nashville Predators
Our next team at the Central Division trade deadline made splashes. With Nashville well out of the playoff race, they became sellers. First player off the block was Nino Niederreitter heading to Winnipeg. But the biggest move was trading young gun Tanner Jeannot to the Tampa Bay Lightning. Great move as the kings ransom that came their way sets them up nicely for the future. Mikael Granlund went over to the Penguins, but moving other high-profile players did not happen. It will be something to watch as Barry Trotz hits the ground running as the new general manager. He has plenty of picks the next few years. Also, this year’s draft is in Nashville.
St. Louis Blues
The Blues shipped everyone off. Long time veterans Ryan O’Reilly and Vladimir Tarasenko we’re sent off. It kicks off a new era of hockey as they leaders are now Jordan Kyrou and Robert Thomas. In addition, depth players in Noel Acciari and Ivan Barbashev we’re also dealt.
Winnipeg Jets
The Winnipeg Jets are in playoff position and have no real reason to go nuts. The biggest addition they made was Nino Niederreitter. He is big, physical, and provides a great net-front presence. His ability to score is huge and depth is perfect for this well-balanced Jets team. Life under Rich Bowness has gone well for the club and they can push towards a good seed for round one.
Main Photo: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
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