- The NHL trade deadline saw contenders beef up their rosters for the playoffs including the Dallas Stars who landed Mikko Rantanen. He signed an 8-year contract worth a reported $12 million per year.
- Other big trade deals included Dylan Cozens going from Buffalo to Ottawa and Brock Nelson from the Islanders to Colorado.
- Several teams like the Kraken, Penguins and Flyers made deals for the future, stocking up on draft picks and prospects.
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The National Hockey League’s Friday, March 7, 3 p.m. EST trade deadline was preceded by one big move which instantly changed the playoff race in the Western Conference. There was also a flurry of smaller moves from other contending teams hoping to plug holes in their roster before the stretch run.
Why did the Hurricanes trade Rantanen to Dallas?
The Carolina Hurricanes finalized a deal Friday, March 7, that sent Mikko Rantanen to the Dallas Stars. The Hurricanes were unable to sign the star winger to a contract extension after acquiring him from the Colorado Avalanche on Jan. 24.
The Stars signed Rantanen to an 8-year extension worth a reported $12 million per year. He has 27 goals and 70 points this season. With the deal, the Stars jumped to the top of the list to win the Stanley Cup at most sports books.
What other big names are switching teams?
Friday, March 7, the Florida Panthers are reportedly trading for long-time Boston Bruins forward Brad Marchand. The 36-year old Bruins captain helped the team win the Stanley Cup in 2011. He joins the defending champs a week after they acquired defenseman Seth Jones from the Chicago Blackhawks.
Other contending teams that made deadline deals include the Ottawa Senators, acquired got center Dylan Cozens from the Buffalo Sabres along with defenseman Dennis Gilbert.
Senators Head Coach Travis Green said his new players will 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,” Green said.
Late Thursday, March 6, the Colorado Avalanche picked up forward Brock Nelson from the New York Islanders. The 33-year-old had spent his entire 11-year career with the Islanders and adds another dangerous option to an Avalanche 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,” Colorado Head Coach Jared Bednar said. “He’s a really good player. Only the best players go and play for their country, and he’s played for USA forever.”
Which teams made smaller ‘depth deals?’
Friday, March 7, the Avalanche also added Charlie Coyle from the Boston Bruins. A few 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. The Flyers sent Scott Laughton to the Toronto Maple Leafs and Andrei Kuzmenko to the Los Angeles Kings.