NHL Hockey Player News
Smith was a third-round pick in 2018 but was not planning on signing in Winnipeg. The 23-year-old had 18 goals and 31 assists (49 points) in 34 games with Minnesota State University this season.
Little is on LTIR and has two years left with a $5.291M AAV cap hit. The move doesn't change anything for the Jets this season but provides them some cap flexibility for the next two seasons. For the Coyotes, it will help them stay cap compliant down the road.
McBain was a third-round pick of the Wild in 2018 but his agent informed the Wild earlier this month that he planned to become a free agent this summer rather than sign with Minnesota. McBain led Boston College with 33 points (19G / 14A) in 24 games this season.
Beaulieu is in the final year of a two-year deal that carries a $1.25M AAV cap-hit and is set to become a UFA this summer. Beaulieu has had a tough few seasons in Winnipeg, compiling just 18 points (1G / 17A), 147 hits and 108 blocked shots in 105 games. He's currently on LTIR so this may just be a move to help create more cap space in Pittsburgh.
Appleton was picked in the expansion draft but the Jets reunite with the 26-year-old for a fourth-round pick. Appleton could replace Andrew Copp, who may be on the move before Monday's trade deadline. Appleton has scored six goals with 11 assists (17 points) in 49 games this season.
Anton Khudobin and Ben Bishop are out for the season and Braden Holtby is currently banged up, so the Stars acquired Wedgewood to serve as Jake Oettinger's backup. The move suggests that Holtby could be out long-term. Wedgewood has had an up-and-down season in Arizona, going 1012-2 with a 3.16 GAA and .911 SV% in 26 games (23 starts).
Lauzon was selected from Boston in the expansion draft and totalled six points (1G / 5A), 176 hits and 49 blocked shots across 53 games with the Kraken this season. With both Mark Borowiecki and Matt Benning on IR, Lauzon provides the Predators with additional defenseman depth.
Joseph was a fourth-round pick in 2015 and has not produced a lot offensively, playing largely in a depth role with the Lightning. In Ottawa, Joseph should play higher up the lineup and could find a little more offence. The 25-year-old has scored eight goals with 10 assists (18 points) in 58 games this season.
Paul is a strong two-way forward, who will help the Lightning third line but won't provide a lot of offence. Paul has scored 11 goals and seven assists (18 points) in 59 games this season. Look for him to start on a line with Ross Colton and Brandon Hagel.
Stecher is in the final year of a two-year contract worth $1.7 million. Stecher provides the Kings with some serious injury concerns at the moment. They've been without Drew Doughty, Mikey Anderson and Matt Roy for the last few weeks. There was also a report earlier in the weekend that Doughty's injury may be more serious than originally feared, so Stecher brings a veteran presence to a team relying on a lot of young defensemen right now.
Hamonic is in the first year of a two-year deal that carries a $3.0M AAV cap-hit. The Canucks did not retain any salary in the trade. Hamonic has picked up seven points (3G / 4A), 30 hits and 55 blocked shots in 24 games this season.
Hagg is in the final year of a two-year deal worth $1.6M AAV. The Panthers created room by placing Aaron Ekblad (lower-body) on LTIR and Hagg provides a little more defensive depth with Ekblad out for the rest of the regular season. Hagg has picked up one goal and seven assists (eight points) in 48 games with Buffalo this season.
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Understanding the Strategy Behind NHL Trades
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NHL Trades FAQs
NHL trades are decided between two or more team general managers. The front office’s job is building a winning team. Building a winning team means discussing trades with other general managers across the league.
During the NHL regular season, players can be traded up until the trade deadline. The deadline is the official cutoff point for when teams can no longer make moves between each other. Players can also be traded throughout the offseason.
Teams trade players in hockey for a variety of reasons, but generally, it is done to find success, whether that is in the short term or long term. Teams may trade their top players in search of draft picks if they are undergoing a rebuild, whereas contending teams may look to acquire talent to boost their playoff chances.
Trades are a common occurrence throughout the NHL and happen often. Some years feature less trades than others, it all depends on each teams needs and the availability of attractive talent.