A lot of trade deadline praise will go to the Vegas Golden Knights who made a blockbuster trade acquiring star winger Tomas Hertl from the San Jose Sharks.
Not only that, they acquired a number one defenseman from the Calgary Flames in Noah Hanifin. These two moves propelled Vegas to have undoubtedly the best trade deadline in the league.
A team that should also get praise for their deadline is the Winnipeg Jets who made a couple of solid moves.
Before the deadline, the Jets acquired Sean Monahan from the Montreal Canadians. Monahan has been everything that the Jets could've hoped for.
He has scored 8 goals, 2 assists, and 10 points in 14 games with the team and has been the perfect second-line center. It cost them a first and a conditional third but Monahan's production has been worth that value so far.
Whether you want to consider Monahan a trade deadline acquisition or not, he has made an impact on the Jets since coming over from Montreal. They were not done, however, as they made a huge addition on deadline day.
The Winnipeg Jets acquired Tyler Toffoli from the New Jersey Devils
The Jets' big addition this year came in acquiring Tyler Toffoli from the New Jersey Devils in exchange for a third-round pick in 2024 and a second-round pick in 2025.
Toffoli has been a spectacular goal scorer this season, tallying 26 in 61 games played so it makes you question why New Jersey was unable to acquire a first-rounder here. Winnipeg has had stretches this season where they just couldn't score so Toffoli seems like the perfect fit.
The Jets' deadline moves were underrated mostly because of how little they had to give up for how much talent they brought in. They gave up four draft picks for two top 6 forwards who are sure to blossom in their system. They also added Colin Miller from New Jersey in a separate deal.
The obvious question is if these moves put them over the top with the very best teams in the league. They have an elite forward core, they have a pretty solid blueline, and they have an elite goalie.
They have all the makings of a complete team, but the same can be said about the other contenders in the West. The Stanley Cup Playoffs can't come soon enough.