Grading NHL Trade Deadline Performances: Central Division
Arizona Coyotes: C
The Coyotes made several small moves at the trade deadline, the most notable of which saw the team acquire the rights to prospect Jack McBain from the Wild.
In addition, Arizona added prospect Nathan Smith in a deal that also brought Bryan Little’s contract to the dessert, which is the type of deal that the Yotes have become known for making. For the most part, this deadline is what you would expect: an influx of picks.
Unfortunately, the picks weren’t copious (a third and two fourths), and the Coyotes even shipped out a second-rounder. It was also odd to see that players like Phil Kessel and Jakob Chychrun remained in Arizona.
I don’t feel as though this was a bad deadline for the Yotes, but I do feel like there were a couple of missed opportunities.
Chicago Blackhawks: B-
The Blackhawks moved a couple of notable names at the trade deadline, giving Chicago a favorable grade.
Goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury is out, as is forward Brandon Hagel, both of which fetched solid returns for the Hawks. Moving both players made sense given the underwhelming campaign in the Windy City.
Unfortunately, the Blackhawks have a lot of valuable players that remained on the roster, and I wonder why the organization did not feel compelled to hit the reset button completely.
Veterans like Jonathan Toews and Patrick Kane could have proved valuable to several contenders, and younger players like Alex DeBrincat and Dylan Strome have been talked about frequently as potential players on the block. All four are still in Chicago.
I’m not sure if the Blackhawks did enough at the deadline, but they got great value for those that they did move, so the grade here is positive.
Colorado Avalanche: A-
The Avalanche took a buyer’s approach at this trade deadline, acquiring four new roster players in preparation for the playoffs.
Most of the trades made by the Avs featured draft picks as the return, which makes sense for a team that’s attempting to win it all this season. The players that will now be a part of that Cup run are headlined by former Anaheim Ducks defenseman Josh Manson.
Veteran forward Andrew Cogliano also ended up in Colorado, as did young forwards Artturi Lehkonen and Nico Sturm. This is a strong group of additions that did not cost the Avalanche much in terms of current assets.
The only part that I don’t like about this trade deadline for Colorado is that every player is a rental. Not one of the acquired players is under contract this season, which only adds to the pressure that the Avs will be feeling this spring.