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NHL Trade Deadline: Best Trades for Atlantic Division

By Shepard Price

Vegas Golden Knights: Montreal Canadiens left wing Max Pacioretty (67) celebrates his goal against Buffalo Sabres with teammates during the second period at Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: Jean-Yves Ahern-USA TODAY Sports
Vegas Golden Knights: Montreal Canadiens left wing Max Pacioretty (67) celebrates his goal against Buffalo Sabres with teammates during the second period at Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: Jean-Yves Ahern-USA TODAY Sports /
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Feb 9, 2017; Ottawa, Ontario, CAN; Ottawa Senators right wing
NHL Trade Deadline: Marc DesRosiers-USA TODAY Sports /

Ottawa Senators

Here’s the crazy thing about the Ottawa Senators this season – they could catch the Montreal Canadiens and take the Atlantic division title. They have four games in hand as of the writing of this article, and are 8 points down.

There have been crazier things than a 4 game winning streak this season, and Craig Anderson returned Saturday. That could be crucial for the Senators, especially as we reach the three-quarter pole.

The Senators also have a completely solid top 4 in terms of defense. That group includes Erik Karlsson, Cody Ceci, and Dion Phaneuf. They’re the fifth best defense in the conference according to goals allowed.

The problem is, Ottawa has a negative goal differential. They have been exceptional all year, winning 10 more games than regulation losses. But they’re still not generating more goals than they’re allowing. That’s a reflection on the offense. So:

Senators Give Up: Matt O’Connor, G

Senators Get: Lee Stempniak, LW; Dependant Pick (Carolina makes playoffs = 1st, if not, 2nd)

Carolina needs goaltending. The Senators may have their goaltender duo in Mike Condon and Craig Anderson going forward. They have to re-sign Condon, considering how great he’s been for the team in the absence of Anderson. That makes prospect O’Connor expendable.

Stempniak is signed through next offseason, and Ottawa needs more forwards to carry over into next season. Plus, Stempniak gives them another good forward to extend their depth and give them more goal scoring ability.

Toronto Maple Leafs

nhl trade deadline
NHL Trade Deadline: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports /

The Leafs are doing it. Right now, they have the ability to make the playoffs, which a lot of people didn’t believe would happen this year. But between the coaching ability of Mike Babcock and the playing ability of the Leafs’ young core, they have turned the potential into action.

I still think of Toronto as being a year or two away, but as of this moment, they could be ready now. They need a bit more depth in some positions, but they’re a young exciting team.

Toronto Gives Up: 2 2nd Round Picks, Roman Polak, D

Toronto Gets: Mike Green, D

It’s time for Detroit to embrace the tank. The streak will end this year, and it’s time to cash in. Getting some picks out of Toronto is a worthwhile investment in the future, and Polak can help the Red Wings tank for Patrick.

The Maple Leafs need another defenseman. Green brings both sides of the puck, as he has kept his Corsi and Fenwick up on a bad team, and he has 26 points. The Maple Leafs need an offensive defenseman like Green. Plus, around the time the Maple Leafs will need cap for Matthews, Marner, William Nylander, Zach Hyman, and Morgan Rielly, Green’s contract ends.

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