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Grading each NHL team’s performance at the 2020 trade deadline

By Dave Stevenson

OTTAWA, ON - NOVEMBER 27: Ottawa Senators Center Jean-Gabriel Pageau (44) before a face-off during third period National Hockey League action between the Boston Bruins and Ottawa Senators on November 27, 2019, at Canadian Tire Centre in Ottawa, ON, Canada. (Photo by Richard A. Whittaker/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
OTTAWA, ON - NOVEMBER 27: Ottawa Senators Center Jean-Gabriel Pageau (44) before a face-off during third period National Hockey League action between the Boston Bruins and Ottawa Senators on November 27, 2019, at Canadian Tire Centre in Ottawa, ON, Canada. (Photo by Richard A. Whittaker/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
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A

Vegas Golden Knights

The Vegas Golden Knights addressed their two biggest needs at the trade deadline. First, they acquired Alec Martinez for an expensive, but necessary, price (two second-round picks). But at least the Knights didn’t give up a coveted defensive prospect.

Their biggest move, though, came at the deadline. They worked some magic to get Robin Lehner from the Chicago Blackhawks. The Toronto Maple Leafs had to get involved to make the finances work, but the Golden Knights got the best goaltender available. To complete the day, they paid a reasonable price to get Nick Cousins from the Montreal Canadiens.

Pittsburgh Penguins

Take notes, everyone. The Pittsburgh Penguins had a great deadline because they didn’t pay outrageous prices. Their deadline work started when they traded for Jason Zucker. The Penguins doubled down on forwards by trading for Patrick Marleau, Evan Rodrigues, and old friend Connor Sheary on deadline day.

New Jersey Devils

A lot of people would have given them an A-, but given the circumstances, I’m boosting it up to an A. Getting a first-round pick and Nolan Foote for Blake Coleman was huge. They got a nice return for Andy Greene as well. The Devils didn’t get as much as expected for Sami Vatanen, but to be fair, his recent ankle injury killed his value. They could have as many as three first-round picks in the loaded 2020 draft, which is a heck of a way to rebuild your team.

A-

San Jose Sharks

The San Jose Sharks were a Joe Thornton trade away from getting an A. They got a second and a third-round pick for Brenden Dillon. Next, the Sharks managed to get a conditional third-round pick for Marleau. Their best trade, though, was getting a first-round pick for Barclay Goodrow. The Sharks get negative marks for not granting Thornton a trade to a contender.

Los Angeles Kings

It’s scary how good the Los Angeles Kings prospect pipeline is right now. You know what’s frightening? It’s about to get better. The Kings got three second-round picks for Tyler Toffoli and Alec Martinez.

They also got Tyler Madden, one of the Vancouver Canucks top prospects, for the latter. The Kings traded Kyle Clifford and Jack Campbell to the Maple Leafs as well. I didn’t give them an A because I would have liked to see them do a little bit more.

Carolina Hurricanes

The Carolina Hurricanes had a terrific deadline day. Aside from a minor deal with the Rangers, they did nothing until deadline day. And then they woke up. The Hurricanes began the day by trading for Vincent Trocheck of the Florida Panthers, giving up only two spare parts and two prospects.

Next, the Canes addressed their blueline by adding both Brady Skjei of the New York Rangers and Sami Vatanen of the Devils. Unfortunately, they didn’t get a goalie, so they didn’t quite get an A.

Washington Capitals

They got Brenden Dillon and Ilya Kovalchuk for a second-round pick and two third-rounders. That’s really good value.

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