NHL Pre-Deadline Trade Analysis

So far within the last 2 weeks there have been 9 NHL trades (trades not including ones for minor leaguers).  Here's a little instant analysis on each one.

Jeff Carter traded from the Columbus Blue Jackets to the Los Angeles Kings for Jack Johnson and a conditional 1st round pick. (2/23/12)

At first sight I think the Kings paid too much.  Especially since Columbus traded a lesser value asset in Jakub Voracek and a 1st round pick (even though it was a top-10 selection).  But I think it can help fix the King's scoring problems.  I think it definetly gets the Kings into the playoffs this season but going forward I think they're going to miss Jack Johnson.  On the flip side I think Columbus won big.  In getting Jack Johnson they're getting a bonafide number 1 defenseman.  He can provide some offense, and he will help in the defensive zone relieving pressure.  Also the 1st round pick is going to get the Jackets a solid piece.


Wojtek Wolski traded from the New York Rangers to the Florida Panthers for Mike Vernace and a 3rd round pick. (2/25/12)

This trade is simple for both teams, the Florida Panthers add a top 6 forward.  The Rangers get $3 million + to open up cap space, probably to make a push for Rick Nash. 


Minnesota Wild trade Marek Zidlicky to the New Jersey Devils for Kurtis Foster, Nick Palmeri, Stephane Veilleux, 2012 2nd round pick, conditional 2013 3rd round pick

Marek Zidlicky is one of the most underrated defensemen in the game of hockey.  He is a solid skating, 2-way defensean.  This is a great piece for the Devils to add.  I think they may have given up a little too much, especially considering Zidlicky's age (35) and lack of production this season (0 goals, 14 assists, -6).  But I think it will work out for both teams.


Tampa Bay sends Steve Downie to the Colorado Avalanche for Kyle Quincey. Tampa Bay sends Kyle Quincey to the Detroit Red Wings for a 2012 1st round selection and a defensive prospect. 

I like this trade for Colorado because they add a top-6 forward that can provide a great combination of grit, toughness, and offense.  He was a critical piece in Tampa's playoff run last season.  I like this for Detroit because they add depth on defense and this move gives them insurance if Brad Stuart leaves after this season or if Nick Lidstrom retires.  I think Tampa could've gotten more for Quincey, a quality top-4 defenseman of Quincey's status should've brought in another piece, either a roster player or another prospect.


Phoenix Coyotes get Antoine Vermette from the Columbus Blue Jackets for a 2nd round pick, a 5th round pick, and goaltender Curtis McElhinney

This is a good trade for both teams.  Vermette is a solid second line center but like many Jackets he was underperforming this season.  The Jackets get a nice return. 

These are the major trades that happened before the deadline.  I think this is what I expected, a lot of trades before the deadline, and I think other than a few minor moves, deadline Monday is going to be relativly quiet.  And I don't think the Blue Jackets are going to trade Rick Nash at the deadline.  I think they will wait until the draft to trade him if they're giong to at all.  But I could be wrong.