-
Kristen Shilton, ESPN NHL reporter
The 2023-24 NHL trade season was a fruitful one for most NHL teams. Whether adding players for a playoff run or picks and prospects to build their next contender, there was certainly no shortage of volume.
How have players who were dealt to contenders done since they were traded? And what does their future look like this postseason and beyond?
With the benefit of the past five weeks of games, we have regraded 23 of the deadline’s biggest deals, as well as forecasted what happens next in the Stanley Cup playoffs and offseason.
Jump to a key trade:
Hertl (VGK)
Toffoli (WPG)
Guentzel (CAR)
Duclaii (TB)
Hanifin (VGK)
Mittelstadt (COL)
Tarasenko (FLA)
Tanev (DAL)
Monahan (WPG)
Grades then: VGK: A-; SJ: B-
Grades now: VGK: B-; SJ: B-
What he’s done: Vegas acquired Hertl from San Jose at the eleventh hour at the trade deadline. That was March 8. At the time, Hertl was still recovering from a February knee surgery.
The Golden Knights knew they’d have to wait for their deadline coup to take the ice. And Hertl finally did, exactly one month later, picking up an assist in Vegas’ 4-3 loss to Vancouver on April 8. That left Hertl with six games from debuting in black and gold to the end of this regular season; he’s done fine so far, with two goals (including an OT game-winner) and an assist in four contests.
Then again, right now is not when GM Kelly McCrimmon hopes the former 30-goal scorer (with an $8.137 million annual cap hit for the next six seasons) will truly make his mark for Vegas.
Future impact: The Golden Knights are committed long term with Hertl, so the fact he (expectedly) hasn’t done much to this point is completely fine. Vegas is chasing a second consecutive Stanley Cup and Hertl should be well-rested and ready to give that run his all. And if a championship isn’t in the cards this year, Hertl will be part of several more potential cracks at it.
Vegas is a perennial contender because McCrimmon isn’t shy about taking big swings (or fussing around with salary cap concerns) to ensure the Golden Knights are in a position to win. Hertl excelled even on poor Sharks teams (and has surpassed the 20-goal mark five times in his career) and that output should trend upward considerably given the talent Vegas has to surround Hertl with over the remaining six years on his deal. Suffice it to say, the Golden Knights ain’t seen nothing yet when it comes to Hertl’s possible prowess in their system.
Grades then: TB: B+; ARI: C-
Grades now: TB: B+; ARI: D
What he’s done: Tampa Bay was aiming to add blue-line depth, and Dumba has fit the bill. He’s a third-pairing staple who can carry a reasonable workload (averaging nearly 19 minutes of ice time per game) without any real pressure to perform.
Dumba doesn’t provide much offensively — he tallied just one assist through his first 16 games with the Lightning — but coach Jon Cooper has continuously praised the veteran for his work ethic, and providing the team with energy in and out of the locker room. The Lightning know it’s those complementary figures who can ultimately make the difference in a long playoff run, and that’s the path Dumba has been set on, too.
Future impact: It’s not like Tampa Bay can afford to look too far ahead when it comes to re-signing players, so Dumba (on a one-year, $3.9 million deal) will give the Lightning their money’s worth if he can elevate the team’s back-end play in the postseason. Top players can often cancel one another out in a series; that’s where guys like Dumba step up with a key goal or block or hit that creates positive momentum.
Dumba will be a free agent when the Lightning’s season ends, so these next few weeks will truly show if he is the type of defensive catalyst Tampa Bay hoped to bring on for a playoff push.
Grades then: NJ: C+; MTL: A
Grades now: NJ: B; MTL: A
What he’s done: New Jersey should have addressed its goaltending long before March, which could’ve put them in the playoff hunt for longer (if not in a postseason spot). Regardless, Allen is the upgrade New Jersey needed in its crease. He was solid out of the gate at 6-5-1 with a .906 save percentage and 3.04 goals-against average, easily the best stats of any of the Devils’ long-term goaltenders this season.
Allen has worked well in tandem with Kaapo Kahkonen — another deadline-day acquisition by New Jersey — and while the Devils didn’t have much to play for down the stretch, their netminding turned a corner with Allen.
Future impact: Allen has one year remaining on his contract at $3.85 million (and a full no-move clause too). So, unless Allen decides to facilitate another move away from New Jersey, he should be a factor for the Devils through 2024-25.
But his role could change depending on how GM Tom Fitzgerald approaches the offseason. Will Fitzgerald target a potential franchise goaltender via trade or free agency? Allen would slide into a backup spot next season in that case. Given how well Allen seems to have fit in thus far though, it would be a good situation for the Devils to have him available even as a No. 2.
Grades then: PHI: C+; BUF: B
Grades now: PHI: C-; BUF: B+
What he’s done: Philadelphia picked up Johnson to give their young blue line some veteran punch. It hasn’t worked out. The Flyers have collectively gotten worse since the deadline — falling all the way out of a playoff spot — and Johnson has been a poor fit on the back end when he’s actually in the lineup.
In his first 16 games, the 35-year-old had one goal and one assist, with a minus-10 rating, and Philadelphia’s record in those games was 5-8-3. Now, that’s not all on Johnson of course. But GM Danny Briere gave up a fourth-round draft choice for Johnson, with the intention he’d help the Flyers remain confident — and in the postseason hunt — until the bitter end. Instead it seems it’ll be Briere feeling the sting of a sour deal. On the other side, though — kudos (again) to Buffalo GM Kevyn Adams on fetching that high a return for Johnson.
Future impact: Johnson will be an unrestricted free agent this summer. Don’t count on Philadelphia offering him a new contract.
Grades then: NSH: A-; ARI: C-
Grades now: NSH: B+; ARI: C
What he’s done: Nashville rolled its way back into the playoffs partially because of strong depth — and Zucker has been party to that turnaround since he arrived on deadline day. The 32-year-old winger settled into a second-line slot, and has provided veteran leadership and offensive contributions, with four goals and seven points in his first 17 games.
Zucker was fortunate to have a past with Nashville coach Andrew Brunette from their overlapping seasons in Minnesota, because Brunette’s system hasn’t been an easy adjustment for all of the Predators this season (hence Nashville’s slow start). After Zucker stumbled slightly in his first few outings, he showed more of that skill and nastiness GM Barry Trotz was hoping to see at a critical time of the season.
Future impact: Zucker has playoff experience, and that’s invaluable for Nashville now. In Minnesota and Pittsburgh, Zucker dressed in nine total series, with eight goals and 15 points. If Zucker can translate any of what he’s learned into the Predators’ run and provide a few points on the scoresheet, then the low-risk, high-reward trade for Zucker (a pending UFA) will be worth Nashville’s investment.
Grades then: BOS: B; MIN: B
Grades now: BOS: C+; MIN: B
What he’s done: Maroon was traded to Boston on deadline day while dealing with a lingering back issue. The veteran forward finally made his Bruins’ debut last week in a bottom-six slot, playing 13:16 and tallying no points.
Future impact: Boston knew Maroon’s regular-season availability would be limited. The Bruins wanted their bruiser for the playoffs. He is a three-time Stanley Cup champion (once with St. Louis, twice with Tampa Bay), and he’s been able to shine as a role player in the postseason. And once again, that’s where GM Don Sweeney’s deal for Maroon will look genius — or a total bust.
Grades then: WPG: A; NJ: B
Grades now: WPG: A+; NJ: B-
What he’s done: Winnipeg had to elevate its scoring, and Toffoli has been the answer — and then some. Credit to Toffoli there; he knows how to adjust in a new environment. The Jets are Toffoli’s sixth team in five years, and he’s produced at every stop.
This one is no exception. Toffoli put up six goals and nine points in his first 16 games from a second-line spot, and he’s earned a role on the Jets’ second power-play unit too.
Winnipeg’s season overall has felt precarious at times, and they’ve dealt with down stretches where the lack of offensive performance — particularly from top players — has raised questions about the club’s postseason viability. Having a forward with Toffoli’s consistency in the mix should give the Jets an edge their craving. And Toffoli playing with his former Montreal Canadiens teammate Sean Monahan has been a bonus for both skaters as well.
Future impact: Toffoli could be a game- or series-changing skater for Winnipeg in the playoffs. His versatility as a top-nine option skating big minutes in any role gives coach Rick Bowness options to keep the Jets’ attack fresh (and hold opponents at bay). Toffoli is a UFA (again) at the end of this season, and how he and Winnipeg mesh in the playoffs could determine whether there’s a mutual decision to stay together in the longer term as well.
Grades then: FLA: B+; BUF: B
Grades now: FLA: B-; BUF: B
What he’s done: The Panthers brought Okposo in as a depth forward who could come in handy during a long playoff run. That’s about how the team has treated him thus far. He’s dressed for six games since arriving in Florida post-deadline, and has yet to tally a point. But Okposo is a dressing room guy, too. His experience as a former captain is no doubt an asset the Panthers were looking for as well in acquiring him for the stretch drive.
Future impact: Okposo will have his opportunity to play in the postseason again, for the first time since 2015-16 with the New York Islanders. He’ll be in a fourth-line role providing energy and ideally some physicality, so the Panthers don’t get pushed around.
Okposo has said his main objective in going to Florida is winning that elusive Cup, and the pending UFA has to be wondering if this isn’t his last, best shot at making that dream a reality.
Grades then: CAR: B+; WSH: B
Grades now: CAR: A-; WSH: B+
What he’s done: The Canes gave Kuznetsov a fresh start after Washington placed their former top-line center on waivers and assigned him to the American Hockey League. In return, Kuznetsov has provided the Hurricanes with the type of scoring depth they were lacking in that Eastern Conference finals sweep against Florida last spring.
Kuznetsov has played throughout Carolina’s lineup — from the second to fourth line — while averaging over 15 minutes per game, with two goals and seven points through his first 18 contests. Given the tumultuous year Kuznetsov had prior to hooking up with Carolina — Kuznetsov also spent time in the NHL/NHLPA Player’s Assistance Program — he’s transitioned well onto a new team. Kuznetsov may no longer be in his prime, but he’s shown the Hurricanes that he has something left in his tank.
Future impact: Versatility is everything in the postseason. Injuries happen. Players get snakebit. Coaches are forced into changes. That’s where Kuznetsov will be an asset for Rod Brind’Amour. Because wherever Kuznetsov can contribute, it’s clear he’ll be determined to do so.
That bodes well with the playoffs beginning soon. Kuznetsov also has one year remaining on his eight-year, $62.4 million contract, so he’ll land somewhere within the Hurricanes’ organization for 2024-25 as well. Whether that’s another shot with the big club, or he winds up back on waivers for a different assignment, could be determined by how that postseason showing pans out.
Grades then: CAR: A-; PIT: B
Grades now: CAR: A+; PIT: B-
What he’s done: Let’s state the obvious here: Jake Guentzel was always more than just Sidney Crosby‘s linemate. The proof is in just how good Guentzel’s game has been with Carolina.
The Hurricanes coveted an elite finisher like Guentzel for years, and he’s delivered with eight goals and 24 points through his first 16 outings — his plus-16 rating is impressive, too. Pairing Guentzel with a similar scoring talent in Sebastian Aho and a rising performer in Seth Jarvis has put Carolina firmly in the driver’s seat as this season’s odds-on Stanley Cup favorites out of the East.
Whatever Guentzel lacks defensively he’s made up for with consistent contributions at 5-on-5 and special teams — he has unsurprisingly been a top power-play presence — which only underscore why Guentzel was the big fish of this year’s deadline class, and what made Carolina so eager to reel him in.
Future impact: Guentzel will be an unrestricted free agent in the summer. Carolina obviously knew that going in and paid the premium rental price anyway; Guentzel is a game-changing player — and the Hurricanes want to win now.
What Guentzel has already provided is everything Carolina was looking for, and there’s no reason to think that won’t continue right on into the postseason. If the Hurricanes can capitalize on Guentzel’s skill with a serious championship run and he walks away in July? That’s fine. But Guentzel may decide this Carolina team is built for more than one kick at the can, and want to stay put. In the immediate future though, all either side wants is for Guentzel to light up every comer in the weeks ahead.
Grades then: TB: A; SJ: B+
Grades now: TB: A+; SJ: B
What he’s done: Arguably the steal of this year’s trade season. The veteran forward has come on board and immediately produced for the Lightning, with seven goals and 13 points in 16 games on a 25.9% shooting percentage. Duclair has been a catalyst on the power play too, and plays over 14 minutes per game in a valuable top-nine role.
The Lightning went on their best stretch of the season post-deadline, and Duclair has been an integral part of that success by quickly carving out a key role for himself on a team desperate to win now. Tampa Bay has been a rejuvenating stop for the forward, and he’s paying back in full the Lightning’s confidence in adding him.
Future impact: Duclair is a pending UFA playing for his next contract — and there’s no better place or time for him to be doing it. Tampa Bay is back in the playoffs and will lean on Duclair’s contributions in their effort to make this another long spring.
If Duclair can provide an offensive spark, be a difference-maker at 5-on-5 and keep the Lightning’s power play potent, then he’ll be working his way into a potential new deal with Tampa Bay — assuming it can fit him under the salary cap. If not, there will be many suitors interested.
Grades then: TOR: B; WSH: B
Grades now: TOR: C; WSH: B
What he’s done: Toronto hasn’t seen the best — or much at all — of Joel Edmundson. The veteran blueliner appeared in just seven games for the Leafs — with zero points — before he hurt his foot blocking a shot. That sidelined Edmundson for Toronto’s next eight games, although the length of absence may have been precautionary given Edmundson said he would have pushed through the pain had the Leafs been playing postseason games.
Perhaps the extra rest will do Edmundson some good in securing a lineup spot for the playoffs within the Leafs’ crowded back end.
Future impact: It all comes down to opportunity. Maple Leafs coach Sheldon Keefe has options on defense, and who will or won’t dress for the playoffs has been a heated topic of conversation. Edmundson’s big frame (he’s 6-foot-5) is certainly an asset no other Toronto defenseman can claim, and he uses that in his physical play.
Being tougher along the boards and in the middle of the ice is something Toronto has struggled with in the past, and what drew them to Edmundson initially. That’s the sort of difference-maker the Leafs will be looking for him to be when his number is called in the postseason. When it’s all said and done, Edmundson will be looking to sign his next contract somewhere this summer. How he fares in the playoffs might be a critical bargaining chip.
Grades then: VGK: A; CGY: B+; PHI: B
Grades now: VGK: A+; CGY: B; PHI: B
What he’s done: The Golden Knights’ quest to repeat will be aided immeasurably by Hanifin helping to steer their defense. The top-pairing blueliner has been better than advertised for the Golden Knights in every respect — he’s handling over 23 minutes per game, adding offense (with two goals and nine points in 17 tilts), is an excellent quarterback on the power play, chips in shorthanded and simply boosts the Golden Knights’ attack whenever he takes the ice.
And to think Vegas was able to get all that in what looked, initially, like a rental trade with Calgary. The return for Hanifin — a conditional first-round choice, third-round choice and prospect — appears even more like peanuts now considering Vegas was in a dogfight to make the playoffs and Hanifin is one of the standouts who got them back in the mix.
Future impact: The idea ahead of the deadline was that any team trading for Hanifin would want him signed first to a long-term extension. That wasn’t a dealbreaker for Vegas. In the end, they got Hanifin for a reasonably small trade return, and then extended him anyway, on an eight-year, $58.8 million extension last week.
The trade was already such a slam dunk for Vegas that locking Hanifin in as essentially a replacement (and bonafide upgrade on) Alec Martinez was a best-case scenario for both Hanifin and Knights GM Kelly McCrimmon. The Golden Knights should have Hanifin for the prime seasons of his career, and that lengthens Vegas’ window as a contender.
Will that begin immediately? If the rest of Hanifin’s teammates play on his level, they’ll mount a serious challenge to go back-to-back as Cup champs.
Grades then: NYR: B+; SEA: B+
Grades now: NYR: A; SEA: B
What he’s done: The search for an upgrade at center after Filip Chytil was injured led the Rangers to Wennberg, who has emerged as the perfect third-line addition. Wennberg is a defensive specialist, so his tallying of just one goal and five points in 18 games is hardly reflective of his value — or the reason why New York traded for him.
Wennberg can play in that shut-down role and is an effective penalty killer; plus, the added depth from Wennberg has allowed coach Peter Laviolette to redistribute other players into roles that better suit their skill sets. Wennberg has skated primarily with Kaapo Kakko and Will Cuylle, and can also create matchup nightmares across the board, yet another valuable asset heading into the postseason. And if Chytil is able to come back and play too? That only makes New York more dangerous down the middle with both he and Wennberg available.
Future impact: There’s a good chance Wennberg stands out as a sort of X factor for the Rangers in the postseason. When top-line players are neutralized in a series, it’s the depth skaters who shine brightest. Wennberg has that ability and, if injuries crop up, Laviolette should feel good about utilizing Wennberg’s two-way game in an increased role too.
This is a critical playoff run for Wennberg as well, since he’s a UFA this summer, and looking to sign a big contract. If all goes well with the Rangers this spring, it’s possible Wennberg will stick around with the Blueshirts.
Grades then: COL: A; BUF: A
Grades now: COL: A+; BUF: A
What they have done: Colorado lacked high-end depth down the middle until Mittelstadt entered the lineup. Since arriving from Buffalo in exchange for Byram, the 25-year-old has been a fantastic middle-six addition for an Avalanche team eyeing another championship sprint. Mittelstadt put up four goals and nine points in 16 games as not only a consistent top-nine skater, but a fixture on Colorado’s top power-play unit.
Mittelstadt has the speed and smarts to keep up with the Avalanche’s other offensive threats, and that’s made for a fairly seamless transition for Mittelstadt into his new home.
That was also true for Byram going to Buffalo. The 22-year-old needed a fresh start after an up-and-down tenure in Colorado, and the Sabres had an immediate opening for him. He hit it off on Buffalo’s second pairing, recording three goals and five points in his first four games following the trade. That initial spike of offensive production wouldn’t last — Byram has just two assists in his last nine games — and Buffalo has wilted now that they’re no longer chasing a playoff berth. But Byram has continued to be a key piece of the blue line, playing over 21 minutes per game and appearing on the Sabres’ second power-play unit.
Plus, Byram already recorded his first fight with Buffalo when he and Detroit’s Joe Veleno dropped the gloves after Veleno took issue with Byram’s hit from behind.
Future impact: Mittelstadt will finally get a taste of the postseason this year after failing to make playoffs throughout his six seasons in Buffalo. It could be a defining stretch for both Middelstaft and the Avalanche, given Mittelstadt is a pending restricted free agent (with arbitration rights). Part of the reason Sabres’ GM Kevyn Adams shipped Mittelstadt off at the deadline was that Buffalo is so invested in its core players that the chances of also satisfying Mittelstadt on a new long-term pact were slim.
Colorado will have an opportunity to work out a logical extension of some kind, though. How Mittelstadt performs in the postseason could influence those prospective negotiations, and whether the two sides find a satisfying common ground. It’s tough to think Colorado wouldn’t want Mittelstadt to stay in the fold, given how he’s immediately elevated their offensive play and filled a glaring need on the roster.
On Buffalo’s side, this was another difficult season all around where the Sabres fell short of expectations. Byram will have a chance to help get Buffalo back to the postseason next season — and perhaps in many more after that. Byram is signed (for now) through 2024-25, and projects to be a key part of the Sabres’ blue line next season. That’s good news for Buffalo given all the talent already available there — from Rasmus Dahlin to Owen Power and others — with whom Byram has worked well with since arriving.
Byram having a long summer ahead where he can potentially train in Buffalo and become more comfortable with teammates and the organization overall isn’t a bad thing, either. He’ll be a restricted free agent when his current deal runs out, so there’s time for Buffalo and Byram to assess if there’s a longer journey for them in the cards. Considering Byram’s age, what he’s done so far should only be scratching the surface of what he’s capable of offering the Sabres.
Grades then: EDM: B+; ANA: A; TB: A-
Grades now: EDM: B; ANA: A; TB: A-
What he’s done: Edmonton rightly focused on securing forward depth at the deadline, and Henrique has been a low-key addition. The veteran came over from Anaheim and settled in early to a third-line checking role that highlighted his defensive assets more than offensive ones (it took Henrique six games to finally break through with his first goal).
Henrique has found his footing over time though and recently moved up to a second-line spot when Connor McDavid was sidelined by injury. That’s the sort of versatility allowing Henrique to hang in Edmonton’s top-nine while averaging around 14 minutes per game — and more production eventually followed from him too, with Henrique gathering five goals and six points in 18 games. He’s also contributed on special teams when needed as a piece of Edmonton’s penalty kill.
Future impact: The Oilers have been top-heavy (to put it bluntly) in previously disappointing postseason appearances. Henrique projects to help there in the playoffs as a forward that coach Kris Knoblauch can shuffle around as matchups dictate. True, Henrique hasn’t been on an extensive playoff run since 2011-12 with New Jersey, but he’ll be in a more sheltered role with the Oilers as a complementary skater supporting their top scorers.
Henrique will be an unrestricted free agent this summer, making this impending run with Edmonton all the more critical to his personal future, too.
Grades then: COL: A; PHI: B+
Grades now: COL: A+; PHI: B
What he’s done: Colorado traded away Bowen Byram and then immediately acquired a replacement on the blue line in Walker. He’s raised the Avalanche to where their right-side defense (with Cale Makar and Josh Manson) is arguably among the league’s best, and Walker himself only seems to improve.
In a third-pairing slot, he’s added four goals and six points in 16 games while handling nearly 18 minutes of ice time per game. Walker has also carved out a role on the penalty kill to up the ante on his overall value for Colorado heading into the postseason.
Future impact: Walker will be a key part of the Avalanche’s back end throughout their playoff run, and that’s why Colorado targeted him to fill the void they created by trading Byram. The question is whether Walker is just a rental for the Avalanche. He’ll be an unrestricted free agent in the summer, and there might be several incoming offers for Walker’s services.
Either way though, Walker has the chance to excel now on a good team. That should be incentive enough for the near future.
Grades then: FLA: A; OTT: B
Grades now: FLA: A+; OTT: B-
What he’s done: Tarasenko was open to a trade to the Panthers, and it’s no wonder — he’s slid in superbly. Tarasenko has been a top-six stalwart for the Panthers, providing first-line insurance when Carter Verhaeghe was recently injured, and he has the ability to contribute from the left or right wing. Tarasenko was productive right away in Florida with six goals and 13 points in 17 games to make a dynamic Panthers attack more dangerous (compare that to Tarasenko’s numbers post-trade to New York last season, when he gathered just eight goals total over 31 regular season games).
The veteran is a staple on Florida’s power play too, and uses his elite shot to frustrate opponents — and give coach Paul Maurice ideas about how he can maximize Tarasenko’s strengths to help Florida win playoff games.
Future impact: There are over 100 games of postseason experience for Taranseko to lean on as the Panthers look to avenge last spring’s Stanley Cup Final loss with a more successful ride to the finish. Tarasenko won a Cup with St. Louis in 2019 and can bring skills and insight to the table as Florida fights its way back to that precipice.
It’s also clear Tarasenko would like to stick in Florida, since it’s where his family is based in the offseason. Would Tarasenko give GM Bill Zito some wiggle room on a hometown discount prior to exploring another free agent contract this summer?
Grades then: VGK: A; WSH: B+
Grades now: VGK: A-; WSH: B+
What he’s done: Vegas pulled off something special in getting Mantha from Washington in a deal where the Capitals retained half his salary. That Mantha fits in nicely with the Golden Knights? Even better.
Mantha is a dominating presence at 6-foot-5, and he uses that size to bring physicality for Vegas without sacrificing his offensive or defensive value in the process. The 29-year-old immediately contributed on the scoresheet, with three goals and 10 points in his first 13 games, and has been a distinct play driver on Vegas’ third line.
Mantha was brought in partially to help Vegas stay afloat while captain Mark Stone was out with a lacerated spleen; now that Stone is back in the picture, and if Mantha continues to play at the level he has for Vegas, then the Golden Knights should be in solid shape on their path to defending the Cup.
Future impact: Mantha looked like a rental when Vegas grabbed him and that does not appear likely to change. He’ll be an unrestricted free agent this summer, and while the Golden Knights do love them some salary cap gymnastics, even GM Kelly McCrimmon might not be able to find room for Mantha in the longer term.
And that’s fine. Vegas is in a season-to-season, win-now mode, and Mantha can be of assistance there as a shutdown skater focused on good defensive habits.
Grades then: TOR: B; ANA: B; CAR: B
Grades now: TOR: B+; ANA: B; CAR: B
What he’s done: Lyubushkin was brought in to bolster Toronto’s defensive depth — and immediately sidestepped disaster when he was hurt in his first post-trade game. Fortunately for the Leafs, that hit from New York Rangers’ forward Matt Rempe didn’t keep Lyubushkin out for long, and he’s been a top-pairing option for them ever since.
The veteran has filled in alongside Morgan Rielly amid alarming struggles for TJ Brodie and overall defensive health issues elsewhere. The 30-year-old won’t add anything offensively — Lyubushkin doesn’t have a single goal this season and has tossed in just four assists through 17 games — but scoring isn’t generally the Leafs’ problem. What Toronto coveted in Lyubushkin was solid minutes (he’s playing over 17 per game), penalty kill help (he’s on the Leafs’ second unit) and a reliable presence in their own zone. Most of the time, Lyubushkin can deliver.
Future impact: The Leafs have been pushed around in postseason series recently, and having a few potential bruisers in their midst now could be a difference-maker in the playoffs. Beyond the intimidation, Lyubushkin projects to be an integral part of Toronto’s defensive game plan going forward, given how some of the team’s other skaters have fallen off. He won’t be a savior of any sort, but if Lyubushkin can remain solid and allow the Leafs’ offense and goaltending to shine, then Toronto is getting the minimum it needs. Lyubushkin will be a UFA in July, so his stay with the Leafs may be a short one.
Grades then: DAL: A-; CGY: C-; NJ: A-
Grades now: DAL: A; CGY: C-; NJ: A-
What he’s done: The Stars were a good team before acquiring Chris Tanev. What the Stars needed to be great was, well, someone like Chris Tanev.
More specifically, Dallas required right-side help, and the veteran fits the bill as a top-pairing option who can take on nearly 20 minutes per game. Tanev is a defensive specialist after all, with excellent details to his game, good gap control and he’s smart with the puck and when breaking up plays.
Tanev is also a brilliant shot blocker — he’s second on the Stars in that category since the trade — and is a critical presence on the penalty kill. Plus, he’s kicked in one goal and five assists through 18 games, too. Now that Tanev has landed, Stars’ coach Peter DeBoer has been able to spread out Dallas’ other skaters and put them in spots to succeed. That’s a positive ripple effect that helped the Stars go on a 12-3-0 run following Tanev’s arrival.
Future impact: The Stars are one of the top Stanley Cup contenders this season, and Tanev only ups their chances of a long spring when he’s playing at this high level. His ability to boost Dallas in multiple areas and provide DeBoer with matchup options he wouldn’t have otherwise will be crucial to the Stars’ upcoming success.
Tanev has to be pleased at the spotlight Dallas is wielding now too, since he’s a pending unrestricted free agent looking to cash in on a serious new contract somewhere by summer. Even if the fit has been a slam-dunk in Dallas so far, it wouldn’t be wrong for Tanev to hope he’ll pull several offers to choose from after a strong postseason.
Grades then: MTL: A+; WPG: B
Grades now: MTL: A; WPG: A
What he’s done: The Jets got in early on Monahan (they acquired him from Montreal on Feb. 2), and the returns have been sensational. Through 32 games with the Jets, Monahan had 13 goals and 24 assists, while giving Winnipeg punch up the middle they’d been lacking in seasons past.
Monahan’s overall consistency was especially important for the Jets when several of their stars floundered in late March and April, putting Winnipeg’s successful playoff prospects in question. No matter, though. The Jets are headed towards the postseason and Monahan is a significant reason why. His role in Winnipeg is larger than it was in Montreal, and he’s gotten a boost from skating alongside former Canadiens teammate — and fellow trade acquisition — Tyler Toffoli.
Monahan holds down a spot on the Jets’ power play, but does more of his damage through an improved 5-on-5 game that can help sustain Winnipeg when others stumble around him. Plus, the fact Monahan has had more weeks in the Jets’ system than most deadline additions bodes well for how he’ll continue to improve as Winnipeg prepares for their first-round series.
Future impact: Monahan signed a one-year “show me” sort of deal with Montreal last summer, and if anything, being traded to the Jets has only given Monahan a larger platform. The Jets were a prominent Western Conference contender before Monahan joined, and there’s no question he’s made them better in the regular season.
That’s not where either side wants his A+ efforts to come from, though. If all of the Jets’ top-nine forwards — including, Monahan — are buzzing in the playoffs, then Winnipeg will be a tough out no matter who they play. That’s all Monahan should be concerned with now; taking care of business in May and June would be a superior bargaining chip in July.
Grades then: VAN: A-; CGY: A
Grades now: VAN: B; CGY: A
What he’s done: The Canucks can only hope they’re about to see the best few weeks of Lindholm’s season coming up, because his Vancouver tenure to date has been rockier than expected.
The Canucks got the trade season rolling when they acquired Lindholm from Calgary, and he took his time settling into a new team. Then, the center suffered a wrist injury in late March and the Canucks skidded accordingly without Lindholm’s defensive capabilities at 5-on-5 and especially on the penalty kill. For context, while Lindholm was absent Vancouver gave up nine power-play goals on 26 chances to rank as the fifth-worst kill in the league during that stretch.
Once Lindholm was resettled into the lineup, he got quickly back to speed and put together perhaps his top performance of the season last week quieting Leon Draisaitl and the Oilers. Lindholm isn’t a prolific scorer — he has five goals and 10 points in 24 games with the Canucks — but his shutdown abilities are elite, and that’s valuable to Vancouver as they make their playoff return this spring.
Future impact: Lindholm is healthy and confident. That’s exactly where Vancouver wants him as the Canucks make their way back to the playoffs. He will be relied on to do what he did against Draisaitl, and that’s neutralize the opponent’s top skaters and allow the Canucks’ depth to work its magic on the scoresheet.
When Lindholm is on his game there are few skaters in the league who can compete with him as a two-way player and for the next several weeks (they hope) Vancouver will rely on him for that. But after the postseason? That future is murkier. Lindholm will be an unrestricted free agent and, at 29 years old, looking for a big new deal. At the moment, all his energy should be on giving the Canucks what they paid for in a trade, and that’s high-caliber, two-way play.