
The trade deadline in the National Hockey League was preceded by one big move which instantly changed the race in the Western Conference, and a flurry of smaller moves from other contenders hoping to plug some holes on their roster before the playoffs.
The Carolina Hurricanes finalized a deal Friday that sent Miko Rantanen to the Dallas Stars. The Hurricanes were unable to sign the star winger to a contract extension after acquiring him from Colorado in January, but the Stars were able to reach a deal. They signed Rantanen to an 8-year extension worth a reported $12 per year. He has 27 goals and 70 points this season and with the deal the Stars jumped to the top of the list to win the Stanley Cup at most sportsbooks.
Other contenders that made deadline deals include the Ottawa Senators who got Center Dylan Cozens from the Buffalo Sabres along with defenseman Dennis Gilbert. Head coach Travis Green says they’ll bring a much-needed toughness to the group.
“I think Dylan is going to bring us a little bit of a different element but he’s also a highly skilled player as well. Obviously, Dennis does bring a physical element to the game that is still part of the game.”
Late Thursday, the Colorado Avalanche picked up forward Brock Nelson from the New York Islanders. The 33-year-old spent his entire career thus far with the Islanders but brings another dangerous forward to a group that already has the 5th most goals in the league.
“I think a guy like Brock can really help us down the stretch and if we get a spot he can help us in the playoffs. He’s a really good player, only the best players go and play for their country, and he’s played for USA forever. ”
Friday, the Avs also added Charlie Coyle from the Boston Bruins. Couple more deadline deals saw the Edmonton Oilers get better on defense with the addition of Jake Walman from the San Jose Sharks.
The East leading Washington Capitals shored up their forward depth by trading for Pittsburgh Penguins winger Anthony Beauvillier. And on the flip side, the Penguins,
Seattle Kraken and Philadelphia Flyers among others were all big sellers, trading away pieces for draft picks and prospects. For instance, the Flyers sent Scott Laughton to the Maple Leafs and Andrei Kuzmenko to the LA Kings.
Now it’s in the neighborhood of a 20-game race to the playoffs, we’ll just have to wait and see how these new players fit in with the teams they joined and which general manager earned his big paycheck.
For Straight Arrow News, I’m Chris Francis.