The NHL trade deadline recently passed, and it definitely did not disappoint. There were many key players moved to either bulk up for a Stanley Cup run or to get some draft picks to build for the future. There were some teams that didn’t make any moves that made people wonder why they wouldn’t try to add to their roster. For the most part, many teams made some big moves that are definitely worth talking about. There are four main trades to cover.
The first was the Pittsburgh Penguins trading for Jeff Carter. I like this trade for the Penguins. They’re building up their depth and adding a big body for the playoffs. Cater has experience in the playoffs and has won a couple of Cups already, so he knows what it takes to get there. The Penguins also didn’t give up much with only giving up a conditional third- and a fourth-round pick. The only thing I disagree with is the Penguins is not adding any depth to their defense.
“I really was excited when I saw Jeff Carter was traded to Pittsburgh,” said Penguins fan Phil Pedano, a senior a Prep. “Carter is someone the Penguins need with his experience and ability to be a huge piece on this Penguins team if they want to go on a long playoff run.”
Next, the New York Islanders trading for Kyle Palmieri. The Islanders have been one of the most surprising teams this year, and they just added more scoring threats that can also help their defensive style of play. They gave up a first- and second-round pick and some other prospects. The Islanders keep pulling tricks out of their sleeves and just keep adding on to make a deep run in the playoffs.
Next, the Washington Capitals trading for Anthony Mantha. Mantha adds more speed and scoring to the Capitals’ roster, which is scary for the rest of the teams who have to play them in the playoffs. I think the Capitals gave up way too much for him because he’s not a player you give up first and second-round picks and two roster players for. It is hard to tell who won this trade, but I think Detroit won this one because they got a lot for a struggling forward.
Lastly, probably the biggest trade of all was the Boston Bruins trading for Taylor Hall. Being a Bruins fan myself, I absolutely love this trade. Yes, Hall has been struggling with the Sabres, but that was with the Sabres. He has a new squad and an elite linemate with him to actually get him the puck. The Bruins also added center depth by adding Curtis Lazar. The Bruins gave up Anders Bjork and only a third-round pick for the former Art Ross winner and depth center was an absolute steal. Boston won this trade in a landslide.
The top-5 winners of the trade deadline are the Boston Bruins, Toronto Maple Leafs, New York Islanders, Tampa Bay Lightning, and Pittsburgh Penguins.
