With the passing of the NHL trade-deadline at the end of February, it has become apparent which teams are really going to play all their chips in pursuit of the Stanley Cup. In total, 18 trades were made on Deadline Day, with 37 players moving one way or another. Some, like Minnesota, decided they were more or less happy with their hand. Others, like Tampa Bay, look like they are going for broke.
Tampa Bay probably had the most-eye catching acquisitions. They took both Ryan
Goalie Andrei Vasilevskiy (#88), Defenseman Andrej Sustr (#62) of the Tampa Bay Lightning File photo by Lewis Bleiman
McDonagh and J.T Miller from New York Rangers, sending Vladimir Namestnikov, a couple of prospects and two draft picks (one first round) in return. You could argue that Lightning did not need the trades but, regardless, they have added two elite players to an already brilliant roster. McDonagh, in particular, looks an astute acquisition, with the two-time All-Star bolstering Tampa Bay’s options for defensemen during the grueling play-off schedule.
Bruins also take one of Rangers’ star men
They were not the only side to raid the Rangers either. The day before their division rivals Boston acquired the services of power forward Rick Nash. He has already made a good start to life in Boston, scoring in the Bruins 8-1 demolition of the Penguins on 1st March. They really do look like a team on the up and one that has serious hopes of going all the way.
While the rumoured arrival of Erik Karlsson to Las Vegas did not occur, the Golden Knights did acquire Tomas Tartar. Three draft picks was a hefty price for Vegas to pay for his services, but he should chip in with a handful of goals and assists over the next couple of months. They look like a lock to be the first expansion team in 50 years (when the league doubled in size) to make the play-offs. They may keep surprising and go one better than that.
Mike Fisher return can inspire Predators
Nashville got Ryan Hartman from the Black Hawks, but the headlines were stolen by the news that former captain Mike Fisher has come out of retirement to help the team make it to the Stanley Cup Finals. The veteran player will add plenty of experience and nous, both on and off the ice.
Goalie Pekka Rinne (#35),Defenseman P.K. Subban (#76) and Left Wing Viktor Arvidsson (#33) of the Nashville Predators
Those trades did have an impact on the Stanley Cup odds, with Tampa Bay fortifying their position as favourites. You can see the current odds for top teams below. If you want up-to-the-minute odds and the chance to get great betting offers, bet on hockey at onlinesportbetting.ca.
Tampa Bay Lightning 5/1
Nashville Predators 13/2
Vegas Golden Knights 15/2
Boston Bruins 9/1
Winnipeg Jets 12/1
Pittsburgh Penguins 14/1
Lightning look to be in pole position for play-offs
It’s difficult to say who did the best business over the last few weeks. Big deals in the past, like Kevin Shattenkirk moving to the Rangers, do not always go the way it is expected. However, it is hard not to sit back and admire Tampa Bay’s business. The team was already good enough to go on to win its second Stanley Cup. In adding McDonagh, they have just made that even more likely.
You must be logged in to post a comment.