Monday, February 27, 2012

Deadline Recap


With a total of 16 trades, this was definitely the thinnest deadline in recent memory. To be fair, it was expected. A large disparity between the number of buyers and sellers drove prices too high for most GMs. The Rick Nash experiment was hopeful at best. To finalize a deal of that magnitude in only a few days is near impossible. He will be gone in June however. Mark my words. Scott Howson made the situation worse with his post-deadline press conference. He won't be employed much longer after his dealings this past year.

Although this wasn't the most active of deadlines, there were still a number of significant depth moves. Let's breakdown each team's movements.

Anaheim Ducks
In: Mark Fraser, Sebastian Erixon, Ryan O'Marra, Riley Holzapfel
Out: Dale Mitchell, Andrew Gordon, Bryan Rodney, Maxime Macenauer

Overall Grade: B-

I'm not even going to pretend to know half of these names or their potential. But I will notate the moves Anaheim did not make. They held onto Teemu Selanne and Bobby Ryan - two of the players rumored to be traded. While Selanne's contract is up at the end of the season, he still has gas in the tank to help with a final playoff push. Ryan is on the books for another three years. That's terrific news for Duck fans. It will be a tough accomplishment, but players like Ryan Getzlaf, Corey Perry, Saku Koivu, Lubomir Visnovky and Jonas Hiller, the Ducks have a shot at the playoffs.

Boston Bruins
In: Brian Rolston, Greg Zanon, Mike Mottau
Out: Steve Kampfer, Yannick Riendeau, Marc Cantin

Overall Grade: A

Brian Rolston is now the highest-paid Bruin. While that's a little unsettling, their new lineup is not. Zanon is a tremendous shot-blocking defensemen who plays important minutes. Mottau is a solid seventh defensemen if someone gets injured down the line. This enhanced lineup will contend for another Cup. Great moves!

Buffalo Sabres
In: Cody Hodgson, Alexander Sulzer, 1st-round pick (2012)
Out: Paul Gaustad, Zack Kassian, Marc-Andre Gragnani, 4th-round pick (2013)

Overall Grade: B+

Cody Hodgson is a player who I think will thrive with increases ice time and responsibility. His shot is top-notch and he's a tremendous two-way center - something the Sabres desperately needed. Unfortunately those players don't come cheap. Zack Kassian is a great power forward with soft hands and Marc-Andre Gragnani was a pretty decent puck-moving defenseman. Honestly, that was fairly even, mutually beneficial trade. The Sabres also swapped a 4th-rounder and Paul Gaustad for a 1st-round pick. Gaustad was an important piece, but a 1st-round pick is a nice return. He may very well go right back to the Sabres after this season.

Calgary Flames
In: Nothing
Out: Nothing

Overall Grade: D-

Once again, the definition of insanity: doing the same thing over and over, expecting different results. I guess they made one move when they traded Rene Bourque for Mike Cammalleri. While this team may squeak into the playoffs, that's all they will do. Lame. 

Carolina Hurricanes
In: Nothing
Out: Nothing

Overall Grade: C-

The only reason the Hurricanes have a better grade than the Flames is because thethey have some talented, young individuals in their pipeline. Calgary, not so much. I still think the 'Canes could have got something for Jaroslav Spacek.

Chicago Blackhawks
In: Johnny Oduya, 5th-round pick (2012), Future considerations
Out: John Scott, Brendon Segal, 2nd-round pick (2013), 3rd-round pick (2013)

Overall Grade: B-

The 'Hawks received a good defenseman in Oduya. He'll be a valuable asset on a back-end that's struggled to meet expectations this year. The team has played two more games than the 9th-seeded Los Angeles Kings - who sit 5 points behind Chicago - and has difficult match-ups left in the Central. A lot of work is still ahead if they want to make it back into the playoffs.

Colorado Avalanche
In: Jamie McGinn, Steve Downie, Danny Richmond, Michael Sgarbossa, Mike Connolly
Out: Kyle Quincey, Daniel Winnik, T.J. Galiardi, Mike Carman, 7th-round pick (2013)

Overall Grade: C+

Although they obtained valuable pieces in Downie and McGinn, they also paid a hefty price with the departures of Winnik, Quincey and Galiardi. This all is taking place as the team makes a nice push for the playoffs. Why mess with a good thing? No, the playoffs aren't definite, but it seems as though the Avs gave up too much and got back too little. 

Columbus Blue Jackets
In: Jack Johnson, Curtis McElhinney, Conditional 1st-round pick, 2nd-round pick (2012), two 4th-round picks (2012), 5th-round pick (2013)
Out: Jeff Carter, Samuel Pahlsson, Antoine Vermette

Overall Grade: C+

After an absolutely dreadful season, the Blue Jackets cleaned house as expected. They received a plethora of picks and Jack Johnson for the skill of Carter, Pahlsson and Vermette - three very good players. After Rick Nash leaves this summer, it'll be interesting to see how the team looks. They will definitely be better equipped in five years. The next few will be embarrassing however. The real prize: Nail Yakupov!

Dallas Stars
In: 2nd-round pick (2012), 3rd-round pick (2013)
Out: Nicklas Grossman

Overall Grade: B

The Stars didn't trade away Steve Ott or any other valuable pieces, which is a plus. Theyare currently fighting for a playoff spot and, in my opinion, have a decent chance of getting it. Grossman brought back two  solid picks that will better this organization down the line.

Detroit Red Wings
In: Kyle Quincey, Conditional 7th-round pick (2013)
Out: Mike Commodore, Sebastien Piche, 1st-round pick (2012)

Overall Grade: B-

The price for Quincey was a bit high, but the Wings are familiar with his play and he'll definitely be counted on in the lineup. After Jonathon Ericsson suffered a broken wrist, I thought the Wings would go after another defenseman, but instead traded away Mike Commodore. We'll see how this team fares if there's an injury down the line.

Edmonton Oilers
In: Nick Schultz, Bryan Rodney
Out: Tom Gilbert, Ryan O'Marra

Overall Grade: C-

Tom Gilbert > Nick Schultz. I'm not quite sure why the Oilers made this move. It only saves $1.5 million over the next three years. Oh, Edmonton. The good news: another top pick. Is there a cap on how many lottery picks you can get in a row?

Florida Panthers
In: Jerred Smithson, Wojtek Wolski
Out: Mike Vernace, 3rd-round pick (2013), 6th-round pick (2012)

Overall Grade: B+

Smithson and Wolski are both NHL-caliber players and will bring added depth to a Panther team on the playoff bubble. Florida has surprised a lot of critics this year, including myself, and these additions should be of some help. 

Los Angeles Kings
In: Jeff Carter
Out: Jack Johnson, Conditional 1st-round pick 

Overall Grade: B-

Carter should provide some scoring depth to a team that desperately needs it. Dustin Brown was retained and King fans should be ecstatic. Jack Johnson will be missed on defense, but LA does have some pretty good prospects. I really want to see them make the playoffs. 

Minnesota Wild
In: Tom Gilbert, Erik Christensen, Kurtis Foster, Nick Palmieri, Stephane Vielleux, Steve Kampfer, 2nd-round pick (2012), Conditional 3rd-round pick (2013), 7th-round pick (2013)
Out: Marek Zidlicky, Nick Schultz, Greg Zanon, Casey Wellman

Overall Grade: B-

I guess the Minnesota Wild are calling it a season. They traded away three of their top defensemen and acquired a number of draft picks. Gilbert is a nice addition to replace one of those lost defensmen and Jared Spurgeon has had a terrific year. Hopefully, these picks turn into something. It'd be nice to see the Hockey State succeed.

Montreal Canadiens
In: Blake Geoffrion, Robert Slaney, two 2nd-round picks (2012 & 2013), Conditional 5th-round pick (2013)
Out: Andrei Kostitsyn, Hal Gill, 5th-round pick (2013)

Overall Grade: C

The Canadiens traded away a talented, yet frustrating, forward for two "meh" picks. They also lost Hal Gill. This team needs to get its act together...now. They don't take hockey lightly in Montreal. Let's hope Geoffrion's bloodline kicks in soon.

Nashville Predators
In: Andre Kostitsyn, Hal Gill, Paul Gaustad, 4th-round pick (2013), 5th-round pick (2013), 6th-round pick (2012)
Out: Jerred Smithson, Blake Geoffrion, Robert Slaney, 1st-round pick (2012), two 2nd-round picks (2012 & 2013), Conditional 5th-round pick (2013)

Overall Grade: A-

The Nashville Predators are serious contenders in the Western Conference now. They added a potential scoring punch, a shutdown defenseman and a face-off wizard - not to mention a few late picks in the coming drafts. Sure, the price was steep for these pieces, especially Gaustad, but the Predators realize they have a good team NOW. It helps that Ryan Suter and Shea Weber need new contracts come June. Convincing much?

New Jersey Devils
In: Marek Zidlicky
Out: Kurtis Foster, Nick Palmieri, Stephane Veilleux, 2nd-round pick (2012), Conditional 3rd-round pick (2013)

Overall Grade: B- 

Although the Devils gave up a lot for Marek Zidlicky, he fits into their current situation quite well. If we look at the other trades, Johnny Oduya was worth a second and a third. Zidlicky is that, plus three NHL players? Admittedly, Foster is the only real impact player. Zidlicky is signed for another year and will definitely provide stability on the blueline. He should help their playoff run if Martin Brodeur can stay strong, which shouldn't be an issue. 

New York Islanders
In: Yannick Riedneau, Marc Cantin
Out: Brian Rolston, Mike Mottau

Overall grade: C-

The Islanders cleared some cap space as usual, getting ready for "the future." When is that by the way?

New York Rangers
In: John Scott, Casey Wellman, Mike Vernace, 3rd-round pick (2013)
Out: Wojtek Wolski, Erik Christensen, 5th-round pick (2012), 7th-round pick (2013)

Overall Grade: B-

The Rangers didn't need to do much. They shed some figurative weight, while getting literal weight back in Scott. He'll provide some grit to a team that's, well...gritty. New York may be for real this year. Long live King Hank. 

Ottawa Senators
In: Matt Gilroy
Out: Brain Lee

Overall Grade: ?

Only time will tell if this was a good swap - both very young defensemen.

Philadelphia Flyers
In: Pavel Kubina, Nicklas Grossman, Matt Ford
Out: Kevin Marshall, Jon Kalinski, two 2nd-round picks (2012 & 2013), 3rd-round pick (2013), Conditional 4th-round pick (2013)

Overall Grade: B+

The Flyers gave up a few picks in the coming years, but got back two solid defensemen they desperately desired - brought by the absence of Chris Pronger. Philadelphia is set to do some damage in the playoffs if their goaltending can be consistent enough.


Phoenix Coyotes
In: Antoine Vermette
Out: Curtis McElhinney, 2nd-round pick (2012), 5th-round pick (2013)

Overall Grade: B+

Vermette adds speed to an all ready fast team. They gave up a few picks and a back-up goalie, but it's a small price to pay for a very good center. The Coyotes have played extremely well as of late and this move is only going to add fuel to the fire.


Pittsburgh Penguins
In: Nothing
Out: Nothing

Overall Grade: B

Why mess with a good thing? Evgeni Malkin is carrying the team while Marc-Andre Fleury has another strong season.

San Jose Sharks
In: Daniel Winnik, T.J. Galiradi, Dominic Moore, two 7th-round picks (2012 & 2013)
Out: Jamie McGinn, Michael Sgarbossa, Mike Connolly, 2nd-round pick (2012)

Overall Grade: A-

I believe the Sharks are a better team post-deadline. Winnik, Moore and Galiardi are tremendous role-players. McGinn will be missed, but San Jose is set up for another Cup run in a difficult Western Conference. This team could use an appearance in the Finals.

St. Louis Blues
In: 2nd-round pick (2013)
Out: Ben Bishop

Overall Grade: B

There is no need to alter this team. Ken Hitchcock has made them a legitimate contender.

Tampa Bay Lightning
In: Keith Aulie, Mike Commodore, Brian Lee, Brendon Segal, Sebastien Piche, Jon Kalinski, 1st-round pick (2012), two 2nd-round pick (2012 & 2013), Conditional 4th-round pick (2013)
Out: Steve Downie, Dominic Moore, Pavel Kubina, Carter Ashton, Matt Gilroy, two 7th-round picks (2012 & 2013 - conditional), Future considerations

Overall Grade: B+

Talk about a rebuild. After a terrible season, GM Steve Yzerman shook up the roster. He let some good players go for a few picks - all in the top four rounds. I think their biggest concern is goaltending right now. We'll see what happens with Cory Schneider at season's end. Schneider for some top picks...I think so.

Toronto Maple Leafs
In: Carter Ashton, Dale Mitchell
Out: Keith Aulie, Mark Fraser

Overall Grade: C-

The team needed to address a few issues - goaltending especially. Prices were too high and a deal couldn't be made. It's time to get back to fighting for that playoff spot. Good luck.

Vancouver Canucks
In: Zack Kassian, Samuel Pahlsson, Marc-Andre Gragnani, Andrew Gordon
Out: Cody Hodgson, Alexander Sulzer, Sebastian Erixon, two 4th-round picks (2012)

Overall Grade: B+

Hodgson is a good prospect and will be sorely missed in Vancouver. That being said, the Canucks added some nice pieces. Pahlsson is an extremely reliable two-way center, Kassian is a big body with soft hands and Marc-Andre Gragnani is a young puck-moving defenseman.  The Western Conference is going to be a real battle this year.

Washington Capitals
In: Mike Carman, Kevin Marshall
Out: Matt Ford, Danny Richmond

Overall Grade: F

What's the best thing to do with a struggling team? Stand pat. Tisk, tisk.

Winnipeg Jets
In: Maxime Macenauer, 2nd-round pick (2013), 3rd-round pick (2013)
Out: Johhny Oduya, Riley Holzapfel

Overall Grade: B-

While Oduya brought back some decent picks, he's going to be missed on defense. Still, Zach Bogosin, Dustin Byfuglien and Tobias Enstrom provide the Jets with a good core of d-men. I'd have like to see the Jets add a piece on offense, but hopefully the team can keep up their recent winning ways.

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That's it! Does my Stanley Cup Final prediction change? Yes. Instead of Pittsburgh going to the Finals, I'm going to have to pick Boston.

Boston vs. San Jose

What do you think?

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