Earlier than I swap my consideration to the upcoming 4 Nations Face-Off, I made a decision to sort out some questions which were bothering me for some time. Based mostly on the feedback I learn on hockey blogs, in PuckPedia’s GM mode, and even in articles by the skilled consultants within the media…your staff MUST add gamers on the deadline in the event that they actually need to win the Stanley Cup. And a number of them usually go farther than that by insisting Basic Managers’ have to take homerun swings by buying an “elite” addition, even at the price of 1st spherical draft picks or high-end prospects. Effectively, are the “go all in” sorts in the suitable? Or is it extra about making “the proper transfer(s)” that basically issues? Time to attempt to discover out….
NHL GM’s aren’t shy about making adjustments to their rosters on the final second, as TSN’s all day present usually will get between 16 and 30 offers to speak about. For the sake of this train, I’ll overview the commerce deadline strikes of the final 12 Stanley Cup Champions to attempt to decide how very important the transactions the respective GM’s made truly have been. So the information pool runs from Paul Maurice’s 2023-24 Florida Panthers lifting Lord Stanley’s trophy lower than a 12 months in the past to Patrick Kane’s 2012-13 Chicago Blackhawks profitable Cup run.
Earlier than we take an in depth take a look at the strikes made by the profitable GM’s over time, I believed I’d reply a few of the extra apparent questions primarily based on the accrued knowledge.
Has each Cup successful GM made a transfer on the deadline?
The reply to that’s sure…12 out of 12 eventual Cup winners made a transfer on the deadline, even the Covid pandemic couldn’t cease the GM’s impulse so as to add to their golf equipment.
Did each a kind of franchises add a participant that noticed post-season motion?
Over these 12 years, just one marketing campaign noticed the champs fail so as to add a participant that dressed for no less than one playoff sport. The exception was the 2018-19 St. Louis Blues, who did add one participant for depth on the deadline, however he by no means noticed motion within the post-season. The Blues caught lightning in a bottle half-way via the 12 months and properly selected to not mess with staff chemistry.
How lively have been the profitable GM’s on the deadline?
Effectively, a complete of 31 trades made by eventual Cup winners, a median of two.58 per staff, tells us that they have been fairly lively. In these transactions, the GM’s acquired a complete of 33 gamers, but solely 21 of these truly performed in no less than 1 playoff sport. 13 forwards, 8 defensemen.
How typically do the GM’s get a key offensive contributor in late February/early March?
Effectively, whereas the thought of “key” is a bit subjective, I can say that solely 4 or 5 of the forwards made a major offensive affect (i.e. shut to a degree each 2 video games). On two events, a traded for participant got here near the purpose per sport vary (22 pts in 26 gms & 18 pts in 22 gms) so that they clearly made a giant distinction.
What about protection & goaltending?
In the case of goalies, solely two have been acquired on the deadline and neither of these noticed any playoff motion. This looks as if a current development, with each the Panthers & Golden Knights including depth tending earlier than the ultimate stretch and nothing within the prior 10 campaigns.
GM’s picked up loads of forwards on the final cease “Hockey Gamers R Us” retailer earlier than the playoffs, however in addition they added defensemen at the next price if you evaluate the out there sport day positions (6 to 12). Of the 8 defenders that bought right into a playoff sport, no less than 3 or 4 defensemen noticed vital enjoying time. Not one of the d-men ever eclipsed the 8 level mark, so that they doubtless weren’t chosen for his or her offensive proficiency.
What did the profitable GM’s find yourself giving up?
24 draft picks traded by eventual Cup winners. Of these, solely three 1st spherical picks have been moved over the 12 seasons, whereas 2nds (4), 3rds (5), & 4ths (5) have been probably the most generally used commerce bait. Surprisingly with solely three 1st rounders departed with, who would have thought two of them can be finished by the identical GM on the identical commerce deadline. Presumably the most effective instance of the “homerun swing” on the deadline, however we’ll look extra into that later.
22 gamers have been traded by eventual Cup winners. None have been established prime six forwards or prime 4 defenders, most didn’t have a lot NHL expertise. When it comes to increased finish prospects, solely 4 have been drafted within the 1st spherical and one other two have been 2nd spherical picks.
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Alright sufficient of generalities, allow us to dig into the precise strikes of the previous Stanley Cup champions to see precisely what sort of transactions their GM’s have been making. Would possibly as nicely begin with the latest winners, since these recollections are freshest in our minds.
2023-24 Florida Panthers
- acquired Tarasenko (F) from OTT for a third & conditional 4th.
- traded for Okposo (F) from BUF for a fifth & Sjalin (fifth rd choose).
- bought Hellberg (G) from STL for seventh & Waeber (undrafted).
The Cats have been apparently glad with their protection on the deadline and turned their focus to different areas. As an alternative, Florida added a depth goaltender who by no means bought a sniff of playoff time, whereas addressing their ahead corps. Tarasenko was arguably their greatest addition despite the fact that he got here with an inexpensive price ticket. That being mentioned, the winger hardly lit issues up with 9 pts in 24 playoff contests. Okposo performed the vast majority of video games (17), however solely bought his title on the scoresheet twice.
2022-23 Vegas Golden Knights
- picked up Barbashev (F) from STL for Dean (1st rd choose).
- bought nothing for sending Weber & a fifth rounder to ARZ.
- traded for Blueger (F) from PIT for third & Dilibertatore (sixth rd choose).
- acquired Fast (G) from CLM for Hutchinson & a seventh rounder.
It’s hardly stunning that the playing Knights franchise is our first staff to maneuver the next finish asset on the deadline. Swapping Barbashev for a former thirtieth total choose that doesn’t seem like panning out that nicely (2 pts in 8 AHL gms) turned out to be an ideal transfer because the ahead produced 18 pts in 22 video games. Blueger is the one different addition that noticed post-season motion (2 pts in 6 gms), so the opposite two transactions have been extra about goalie depth & wage cap maneuvering.
2021-22 Colorado Avalanche
- snagged Lehkonen (F) from MTL for Barron (1st rd choose) & a 2nd rounder.
- added Manson (D) from ANA for Helleson (2nd rd choose) & a 2nd rounder.
- bought Cogliano (F) from SJ for a fifth rounder.
- picked up Sturm (F) from MIN for Jost.
The Avs are one other staff that was pretty aggressive on the deadline, shedding 4 excessive draft picks/prospects so as to add simply two gamers. The GM apparently thought his squad wanted extra help, since he acquired a pair extra additions to play an element within the Cup run. Each Manson (8 pts) & Lehkonen (14 pts) performed in all 20 contests whereas enjoying a major position, whereas the opposite two depth forwards noticed common motion too (mixed for 29 video games & 8 pts).
2020-21 Tampa Bay Lightning
- acquired Savard (D) from DET for a 4th rounder.
The Bolts took the minimalist method (probably because of the pandemic) to the deadline as they regarded for the 2nd straight Stanley. Solely parting with a 4th rounder for Savard, Tampa added a major defender who additionally chipped in 5 pts over the 20 playoff video games it took to raise the Cup.
2019-20 Tampa Bay Lightning
- traded for Coleman (F) from NJ for Foote (1st rd choose) & a 1st rounder.
- added Goodrow (F) & a third rounder from SJ for Greco (undrafted) & a 1st rounder.
On the lookout for the primary championship, the Lightning have been far more lively at this deadline. They beautiful a lot went “all in” after they traded the equal of three 1st rounders. Whereas the tip end result may need made the price worthwhile, the offensive manufacturing acquired wasn’t earth-shattering (mixed for 19 pts in 50 gms). That being mentioned, Coleman did assist the center six out by chipping in 13 pts, whereas Goodrow was lauded for his management & work within the backside six (in addition to 6 pts) by his eventual Cup successful teammates.
2018-19 St. Louis Blues
- bought Del Zotto from ANA for a sixth rounder.
The Blues instantly was a successful staff half manner via the season and rode the nice play from goalie Binnington all the way in which to the Stanley Cup parade. The GM appeared to not need to mess with issues, and solely picked up a spare half (no enjoying time for Del Zotto) as different franchises scrambled to make the suitable transfer.
2017-18 Washington Capitals
- picked up Kempny (D) from CHI for a third rounder.
- acquired Jerabek from MTL for a fifth rounder.
The Caps solely made two transactions at or close to the commerce deadline, however did add a full-time participant in defenseman Kempny (5 pts in 24 gms). One other d-man, Jerabek picked up a degree in 2 post-season contests, so you would say they each had some affect on the profitable run.
2016-17 Pittsburgh Penguins
- added Hainsey (D) from CAR for Kristo (2nd rd choose) & 2nd rounder.
- bought Streit (D) from TB for a 4th rounder.
- traded for Corrado (D) from TOR for Fehr, Oleksy, & a 4th rounder.
The Pens have been trying to wrap up the 2nd straight Cup at this deadline and their GM paid a reasonably excessive value to stiffen their protection with Hainsey (equal of two 2nd rd picks). The d-man did put up 8 pts in 25 playoff video games, serving to Crosby & firm grow to be champions for back-to-back seasons. Whereas Corrado by no means noticed motion, Streit did handle to get into 3 matches (2 pts).
2015-16 Pittsburgh Penguins
- snagged Schultz (D) from EDM for a third rounder.
- added Melindy, O’Donoghue, & Jeffrey from ARZ for Marcantuoni (4th rd choose).
- picked up Plachta from ARZ for Plotnikov (undrafted).
Pittsburgh might have made three transactions on the deadline, however solely one among them is/was of any significance. Schultz accrued 4 pts within the post-season, however was restricted to solely 15 appearances. Well worth the third rounder? In all probability.
2014-15 Chicago Blackhawks
- acquired Vermette (F) from ARZ for Dahlbeck (third rd choose) & a 1st rounder.
- bought Timonen (D) from PHI for 2nd & 4th rounders.
- traded for Desjardins (F) from SJ for B. Smith (sixth rd choose) & a conditional seventh rounder.
The Hawks have been trying to win one other Cup so as to add to the 12-13 trophy they not too long ago picked up, so the GM was pretty lively on the deadline. They paid pretty excessive costs for Vermette & Timonen, nevertheless it was Desjardins who ended up suiting up probably the most (4 pts in 21 gms). The added defenseman didn’t present any offense in his 18 contests, however did assist the staff out in his personal finish. Vermette noticed motion in 20 video games that 12 months, chipping in 7 pts.
2013-14 Los Angeles Kings
- picked up Gaborik (F) from CLM for Frattin (4th rd choose), a 2nd rounder, & a conditional 4th rounder.
- added a pair 2nd rounders & prospects McNabb & Parker from BUF for Fasching (4th rd choose) & Deslauriers (third rd choose).
The Kings’ GM did somewhat of including to his present roster and his draft pool when the deadline rolled round of their championship season. Spending a 2nd rounder plus for Gaborik ended up being an ideal transfer as he put up 22 pts in 26 video games to play a pivotal position. I actually am unsure what Buffalo was doing within the second commerce, giving up a future NHLer in McNabb and two 2nd spherical picks for a few gamers who weren’t excessive draft picks of their years and haven’t appeared to pan out very nicely.
2012-13 Chicago Blackhawks
- snagged Handzus (F) from CHI for a 4th rounder.
- added prospects Gotovets & Sauve from TB/BOS for prospects Paradis (1st rd choose) & Flick (4th rd choose).
Our last season performed out a bit oddly, because the affect participant (Handzus) who amassed 11 pts in 23 contests got here cheaply, whereas a few prospects who by no means developed price a former 1st spherical choice, who additionally by no means panned out.
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So in any case that, what’s the greatest path for a GM to take when the commerce deadline approaches? Does it repay to take a giant swing and half with a 1st rounder or 1st spherical equal on the minimal so as to add a major piece? Or ought to they take an opportunity whereas protecting their greatest belongings near their chest (i.e. taking 1st & excessive finish prospects off the desk)? Maybe taking a small swing and solely spending 3rds or much less is the way in which to go?
Sadly, this experiment didn’t provide any clear solutions to that as a result of 5 of the Cup winners ended up paying a excessive value so as to add a participant or two, whereas 3 took swings with out going so far as a prime draft choose or prospect, and 4 took the reasonable method on the highway to the championship. Not one of the classes are considerably higher than the others…too shut to essentially name. That being mentioned, the precise homerun trades have been few and much between.
I’m guessing it extra comes all the way down to the GM’s efficiently attempting to plug holes of their roster, no matter price in the event that they assume the acquired participant(s) can put them excessive. However since 96.9% of GMs ending every season with out a Stanley Cup ring, it’s at all times going to be an enormous gamble.
In the case of our Winnipeg Jets, I believe there are some issues that Kevin Cheveldayoff ought to keep away from. First, contemplating shifting an affect participant like Nikolaj Ehlers on the deadline appears counter-productive if the True Northers actually have desires of lifting the Stanley Cup. Even when which means shedding him for nothing. One other suggestion is perhaps that the true excessive finish prospects like Brad Lambert, Brayden Yager, Elias Salomonsson, & Nikita Chibrikov ought to by no means actually be thought-about. Due to the shortage of defensive prospects within the Peg and his play in his rookie AHL season, I believe Salomonsson must be thought-about probably the most untouchable although.
Maybe the Jets would contemplate parting with increased finish prospects that haven’t seen their improvement go easily like Chaz Lucius & Colby Barlow, however I’d provided that Winnipeg is absolutely filling a gap nicely and for greater than only a partial season. The Jets do have a number of ahead prospects and if one among them might help get a youthful prime 4 defenseman with staff management (ideally right-handed), then that needs to be one thing the staff has to contemplate. Unsure any potential future NHL second line facilities might be thought-about by Chevy although, so that will take away Yager, Lambert, and for me even Lucius.
Would love to listen to your ideas on the strikes the profitable groups made within the Remark part. Which acquisition did you assume was probably the most pivotal? Who was the most important steal? Additionally, did this text put any concepts into your heads about how Chevy ought to method the upcoming March eighth deadline?
Benefit from the upcoming 4 Nations Face-Off in case you have the time or simply take a mini-vacation from hockey. I’ll put up no less than one article concerning the match to permit members to share their ideas because it goes on. Would possibly find yourself being extra if I occur to put in writing extra Winnipeg Jets content material within the subsequent couple weeks.
