Photo courtesy of ESPN
The NHL trade deadline passed last week sending some big names moving across the league.
Some last-minute trades throughout last week leading up to the deadline have been keeping NHL fans on their toes. Teams had until 3pm on March 8th to finalize any deals with opposers. Some teams came out of the deadline with some big names and big changes, while others did not make many moves at all. Take a look at my top highlights of the 2024 NHL trade deadline!
Vanecek for Kahkonen!
Photo courtesy of the New Jersey Devils
The San Jose Sharks are one of the only teams here making goalie trades, acquiring Vitek Vanecek from the Devils in exchange for Kaapo Kahkonen. The Sharks have also picked up goalie Devin Cooley from Buffalo in exchange for a seventh-round draft pick for 2025.
Along with Kahkonen, New Jersey has acquired some draft picks from Winnipeg, a third-round for 2024 and a second-round for 2025, in exchange for forward Tyler Toffoli. The Devils will be retaining half of Toffoli’s salary as well.
Vegas made some big moves ahead of the deadline picking up center Tomas Hertl, defenseman Noah Hanifin, and forward Anthony Mantha, along with the right to Mikhail Vorobyov, and some third-round draft picks for 2025 and 2027.
Tomas Hertl!
Photo courtesy of the National Hockey League
Tomas Hertl did not come without a price, as the Knights traded away David Edstrom and a 2025 first-round pick to San Jose, who will continue to retain 17% of Hertl’s salary.
Noah Hanifin!
Photo courtesy of the National Hockey League
Noah Hanifin and the rights to Vorobyov came to Vegas from a three-team trade with Calgary and Philly. However, it looks like Vegas will only retain 25% of Hanifin’s salary, as 50% of it is going to Calgary, along with forward Daniil Miromanov, a 2026 first-round pick, and a conditional 2025 third-round pick in exchange for Hanifin. The other 25% of Hanifin’s salary will be given to Philadelphia in addition to a fifth-round pick for the 2024 Entry Level Draft in exchange for the rights to Vorobyov, who actually plays for the KHL, he has just been sitting on Philly’s reserve list since the 2019-20 season.
Anthony Mantha!
Photo courtesy of the National Hockey League
Mantha came to Vegas from Washington, who received two draft picks in return. A second-round pick for 2024, and a fourth-round pick for 2026.
Lots to process on that one. I promise that one’s the most complicated. Continuing on!
Speaking of Washington, they have traded center Evgeny Kuznetsov to Carolina for a third-round pick for 2025 and 50% of his salary. Kuzy was one of Washington’s star players in the past, however, his career has gone downhill, especially this season. He only had 17 points in 43 games this season before entering the player assistance program in February. He was actually assigned to the AHL Hershey Bears just before being traded, but for now, Kuznetsov is still an NHL player.
Jake Guentzel and More!
Photo courtesy of the National Hockey League
Carolina has also picked up left wing Jake Guentzel and defenseman Ty Smith from Pittsburgh, trading away left wing Michael Bunting, and some prospects; Right wing Ville Koivunen, center Vasily Ponomarev, and the rights to right wing Cruz Lucius. Carolina also gave Pittsburgh conditional first-round and fifth-round draft picks for 2024, and the Penguins will retain 25% of Guentzel’s salary.
That seems like a lot for the Hurricanes to give away, but Smith, and Guentzel especially, are sure to make a difference for Carolina. Guentzel was at the top of his game with 52 points in 50 games before being placed on LTIR on Valentine’s Day. He was, however, taken off of IR on March 12th, allowing him to make his Hurricanes debut with new linemate, Evgeny Kuznetsov.
Patty Maroon and other Boston moves!
Photo courtesy of the National Hockey League
The Boston Bruins have joined the mix as well, acquiring forward Patrick Maroon from Minnesota in exchange for AHL Providence prospect, forward Luke Toporowski, and a conditional sixth-round pick for 2026. Maroon, however, is not expected to play for at least another four to five weeks after having back surgery in early February.
Let’s hope Jack Edwards will be able to live this one down after calling Maroon fat on live television in late 2022…….
Along with Maroon, Boston picked up defenseman Andrew Peeke from Columbus, giving away Jakub Zboril and a third-round draft pick for 2027. Zboril was assigned to the AHL Cleveland Monsters soon after his trade.
It seems like Peeke and Maroon are excited for their Boston debuts and a chance to play in the playoffs, and as a Bruins fan, I am excited to see what they will do for the team!
Along with Zboril, the Blue Jackets received goalie Malcolm Subban from St. Louis for future considerations. Subban was almost immediately assigned to the AHL Monsters.
Moves in the Sunshine State!
Photo courtesy of the National Hockey League
Heading down to Florida, the Panthers have received forward Vladimir Tarasenko, giving Ottawa a conditional fourth-round pick for 2024 and a third-round pick for 2025. The Sens will also be retaining half of Tarasenko’s salary.
On the other side of the state, Tampa Bay picked up defenseman Matt Dumba and a seventh-round pick for the 2025 draft. In exchange, the lightning gave Arizona a fifth-round pick for 2027.
There have been many more trades around the league in lieu of the deadline, but these were just my top highlights. More information on these trades and others can be found on ESPN.