The frenzy leading up to the NHL trade deadline often yields mixed results. Last season, the Boston Bruins and New York Rangers made significant acquisitions, only to be eliminated in the first round. Conversely, the Florida Panthers, who refrained from making big moves in 2023, reached the Stanley Cup Final. They were defeated by the Vegas Golden Knights, whose acquisition of Ivan Barbashev played a crucial role in securing their first NHL championship. As the March 8 deadline approaches, here are the needs for 12 teams:
EASTERN CONFERENCE
BOSTON BRUINS: DEFENSEMAN
The Bruins, who had a record-setting season last year, might be cautious due to their first-round upset and the departure of rental players in free agency. They rank around the middle of the league in goals and points by defensemen. Noah Hanifin, a pending unrestricted free agent from the Calgary Flames and a Boston native, could be a potential target.
TORONTO MAPLE LEAFS: PENALTY KILLING
The Maple Leafs have struggled with penalty killing and could benefit from a defensive-minded defenseman. Chris Tanev from the Flames is a potential target, given his connection with Toronto’s general manager.
NEW YORK RANGERS: SCORING WINGER
With winger Blake Wheeler out for the season, the Rangers are in need of a scoring winger. Filip Chytil’s season-ending injury also leaves a gap that needs to be filled.
CAROLINA HURRICANES: SCORING DEPTH
The Hurricanes could use more scoring depth, especially considering their past experiences with season-ending injuries.
TAMPA BAY LIGHTNING: DEFENSEMAN
The Lightning are missing defenseman Mikhail Sergachev due to injury and lack the draft picks to acquire a top defenseman. However, their general manager, Julien BriseBois, is known for finding creative solutions.
NEW JERSEY DEVILS: GOALTENDING
The Devils need an upgrade in goaltending, with Vitek Vanecek struggling and Nico Daws showing inconsistency.
WESTERN CONFERENCE
VEGAS GOLDEN KNIGHTS: INJURY REINFORCEMENTS
The Golden Knights are missing key players like Jack Eichel and Mark Stone due to injuries. Reinforcements could bolster their chances in the playoffs.
VANCOUVER CANUCKS: ADDITIONAL DEPTH
The Canucks have already made some moves but could still benefit from additional depth.
DALLAS STARS: RIGHT-SHOT DEFENSEMAN
The Stars could use a right-shot defenseman to balance their lineup.
COLORADO AVALANCHE: CENTER, BACKUP GOALIE
The Avalanche could use a more consistent second-line center and a veteran backup goalie to support Alexandar Georgiev.
EDMONTON OILERS: SCORING WINGER, DEFENSIVE DEPTH
The Oilers need a scoring winger for their top six forwards and a defensive-minded defenseman to improve their defense.
CALGARY FLAMES: GOOD RETURNS ON TRADES
The Flames need to balance getting returns for pending UFAs while staying competitive in the playoff race.
In conclusion, as the trade deadline approaches, teams are evaluating their needs and potential acquisitions to improve their chances in the playoffs.
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