With the NHL Playoffs about to get underway, it felt like an important time to have a look at those that made an impact from the NHL Trade Deadline. That’s correct. A couple of players shifted their teams into even higher versions of themselves.
Unlike last yr, when the Eastern Conference was so top-heavy on the NHL Trade Deadline, this yr’s trade deadline saw fewer standout moves. Nevertheless, the contending teams will still make some moves that can assist their possibilities within the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
Anyway, it’s time to reveal a few of our greatest.
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Impactful Eastern Conference Trade Deadline Moves
Dylan Cozens – Ottawa Senators
The Ottawa Senators made a smart hockey trade that no person saw coming. Ottawa traded Josh Norris and Jacob Bernard-Docker to the Buffalo Sabres for Cozens, Dennis Gilbert, and a 2026 2nd-round pick. It was a move that shook up the core for each teams competing for a playoff spot. But just one was going to get in, and it was the Ottawa Senators.
Though his production has cooled off some, Dylan Cozens has 11 points (4 goals and 7 assists) in 19 games with the Senators. You’ll be able to see he’s a unique player with the Senators than he was in Buffalo. Fair or unfair, the attention test doesn’t lie. He’s rather more engaged, showing off his skill together with a physical side to his game that those across the game didn’t see in Buffalo.
Come playoff time, the Senators are going to want others to step up besides Brady Tkachuk, Tim Stutzle, Thomas Chabot, Jake Sanderson, and the remainder of their young core. While Ottawa has the goaltender in Linus Ullmark, Cozens could be a difference-maker for the Senators in a decent series. Many will query Cozens’s ability within the playoffs because we now have not seen him in a pressure situation within the NHL. Nevertheless, there may be a reason GM Steve Staios went and traded for him, and it was for the playoffs.
Brandon Carlo – Toronto Maple Leafs
Sometimes, the little moves on the NHL Trade Deadline have probably the most impact. And we’ll learn the way much of an impact Brandon Carlo could have on the Toronto Maple Leafs come playoff time. Straight away, it’s working wonders with the defensive defenseman who was acquired from the rival Boston Bruins on the deadline.
Carlo is Mr. Regular Eddie back there on defense. He’s the stay-at-home guy who helped Morgan Reilly open up his offensive game. Carlo moves bodies in front of the Leafs goaltending. As well as, he clearly has pucks in front of the web together with his body and his stick. He understands his role with the Maple Leafs under head coach Craig Berube.
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The addition of Carlo has allowed the Maple Leafs to have slot guys properly on defense, who already had Chris Tanev, Oliver Ekman-Larsson, and Jake McCabe. That could be a formidable defense come playoff time when the ice shrinks, especially in front of goaltenders. You wish a giant body like Carlo to maneuver those players who have to go to the web front, and he’ll do this for the Leafs.
Seth Jones – Florida Panthers
Everyone could say Brad Marchand needs to be the impact player for the Florida Panthers, but in the event you give it some thought, it’s Seth Jones. Now, this trade happened six days before the deadline. Florida acquired Seth Jones from Chicago on March 1st, right before the Stadium Series. Soon, the Panthers learn that defenseman Aaron Ekblad was suspended for 20 games for an illegal substance. Whether GM Bill Zito knew in regards to the suspension or was organising for next yr, or potentially not having Ekblad, he filled a necessity on defense with the departure of Ekman-Larsson.
NHL Trade: Seth Jones Acquired by the Florida Panthers from Chicago
Let’s face it: Seth Jones was not engaged with the Chicago Blackhawks. His comments toward the tip of his time spoke volumes. Jones is playing top minutes for the Panthers, who’ve been struggling down the stretch. Nevertheless, slotted on second-pair defense for the Panthers, he’ll thrive when Ekblad comes back. Yes, he has eight points (two goals and 6 assists) and is a -2, but you’ll be able to see how he handles the puck in his own end.
There may be a flow to the sport. Jones is a superb puck-moving defenseman, which might be vital to the Panthers’ success within the Stanley Cup Playoffs. His defensive game may not be the most effective, but unlike another defenseman within the league, he just isn’t a liability in his own zone. He has one other level to take his game to, and it’ll be within the playoffs where he shines. Jones desires to play meaningful hockey within the playoffs.
Honorable Mention Move Of The Deadline
Yanni Gourde – Tampa Bay Lightning
Within the honorable mention category, you’ll be able to argue that the Tampa Bay Lightning has two players: Oliver Bjorkstrand and Yanni Gourde. Nevertheless, one stands above the remainder, and it’s Yanni Gourde.
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We all know the history of the Gourde and the Lightning. He helped the Lightning win two Stanley Cups in 2020 and 2021. There may be a reason the Lightning and GM Julien BriseBois traded for him on the deadline from the Seattle Kraken, together with Bjorkstrand. Gourde is so defensively responsible in his own end, especially late in games. He’s a hard-checking third-line player who makes the Lightning deeper.
Through 18 games, Gourde has 11 points (one goal and 10 assists) and is a +2. Speak about being effective. He has made a superb pair with Bjorkstrand on the third line for the Lightning. There are guys who know their roles on the team, and Gourde is one in every of them. His impact might be felt within the playoffs once more.
That does it for NHL Trade Deadline Impacts for the East. Stay tuned as we reveal the trade deadline impact players from the West.
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