NHL Trade Review: Grading January’s Deals

NHL Trade Review: Grading January’s Deals

The beginning of January seemed more like July 1st, in terms of trades that is.  On January 6th, there was a lot of activity in the National Hockey League as three trades went down in a span of three hours. As always, trades have an impact on a team and can be positive or negative. It’s been about a month and these players have become acclimated with their new teams, let’s review and grade these deals.

NHL Trade Review: Kings-Flyers, Predators-Blue Jackets, Richards in Washington

The Flyers trade Vinny Lecavalier and Luke Schenn to LA Kings in exchange for Jordan Weal and a 3rd round pick.

More from Puck Prose

• Detroit Red Wings 2023 Rookie Camp Has Plenty of Ups and Downs
• This Columbus Blue Jackets rookie doesn’t want to be forgotten
• 2 trades the Boston Bruins must make to secure the Stanley Cup
• 3 reasons the Avalanche won’t win the Stanley Cup in 2024
• This is a big year for Alex Turcotte and the Los Angeles Kings

The Philadelphia Flyers have Ron Hextall at the helm and he isn’t afraid to make moves. However his moves are much smarter and more logical than those of his predecessor Paul Holmgren. It was obvious that Vincent Lecavalier did not have a place in Philly, not to mention his huge cap hit as well. The veteran center was desperate to get back on the ice and knew that the opportunity would never come as long as he was in the orange and black. Luke Schenn, the former 5th overall pick in the 2008 draft did not fit well into Dave Hakstol’s system. With standout rookie Shayne Gostisbehere on the blueline, there was no need for the 26-year-old defenseman. Both of these players have a chance in LA, a team who was desperate for defense and a third line center.

In return the Flyers received, Jordan Weal who has been an elite player in the AHL with 173 points in 221 games. The former 8th overall pick in the 2010 draft has NHL potential and has the chance to prove himself as the 13th forward on the Flyers roster.  This trade worked out great for both teams as the Flyers were able to clear cap space and make room on the blue line for their plethora of young defensemen. The Kings have used Vinny to their advantage and things seem to have worked out for the former Stanley Cup champion. Since being traded Lecavalier has found his groove on the ice as he’s scored 5 goals in 12 games, and quite frankly has looked good in LA. Schenn provides a big body on the blue line. Unlike the team they left in Philadelphia, the Kings are a favorite to make it to the playoffs and have the potential to make a run at another Stanley Cup this spring.

Rating this trade thus far, I would give it an A because it has benefited both teams and has worked out wonderfully on each side.

Columbus Blue Jackets trade Ryan Johansen to the Nashville Predators for Seth Jones.

Peter Laviolette‘s Preds were in dire need of a number 1 center, well they got just that when they acquired Johansen. The Blue Jackets have been struggling all season, both on the ice and at the helm even after they brought in John Torterella. Jones, the former 4th overall pick in 2013 adds a glimmer of hope to a less than stellar season. The 21-year-old defensemen will help immensely in the rebuild of the organization as he has the potential to flourish into a top defensemen in the league.Nashville is in the hunt for a wild card spot and Johansen’s impact on the Predators will be immediate as he fills a void in their lineup.

This trade involved two unbelievably talented young players in the NHL, and out of all three moves made on January 6th, this was the most surprising. Each team benefited from this trade but I think it will take longer to see the true impact of it because of the predicament the two teams find themselves in. Johansen could potentially have an opportunity to play in the post season while Jones won’t see the post season for a few more years in Columbus.

Due to that reason, I would rate this trade as a B+ on the sole reason that it was a pretty even trade talent wise and benefits each team.

Mike Richards signs a one year contract with the Washington Capitals.

The two-time Stanley Cup champion and former Flyers Captain has had his fair share of issues that unfortunately effected his behavior both on and off the ice. His contract was voided by LA Kings and was sent to the AHL due to drug problems. It was reported that Richards was working with a trainer in Canada over the summer to get back on the ice. This signing is a low risk, high reward type of deal for the Caps who are hungry for a Cup.

Richards brings a veteran energy to the locker room who has never won a Stanley Cup. The Caps gave him a second chance in the NHL and as their 4th line center, Richards looks more comfortable than ever.The Caps are eyeing Lord Stanley and hope to make a run in the post season. There is really nothing to lose in this situation, however through his first eight games Richards has yet to score or even tally an assist.

Next: NHL Trade Deadline: Available Players Chances of Being Moved

Overall, I would rate this trade a B. The experience Richards has in the league and the type of player he is really amps up an already talented roster. As the season goes on and when the Capitals make it to the playoffs, that is when the real impact of this trade will be felt.