Looking at the best NHL trades of 2024-25 so far
While everyone is starting to focus on the upcoming trade deadline, it is worth looking at a few of the players who have already made considerable impacts since being moved to new homes this season.
One trade that caught everyone’s eye back in August was when Patrik Laine was dealt by the Columbus Blue Jackets to the Montreal Canadiens. While a preseason injury delayed his debut with the team, the Finnish sniper has been a key reason why the Habs are fighting for a Wild Card spot.
Pierre-Luc Dubois has been playing with a renewed sense of confidence since joining the Washington Capitals. After the Los Angeles Kings sent the veteran forward to America’s capital, Dubois has found that scoring touch that made him a hot prospect years ago.
On Tuesday’s edition of Daily Faceoff LIVE, Tyler Yaremchuk and Frank Seravalli give their favorite trades of the season so far.
Frank Seravalli: There were a couple of win-win trades…that Darcy Kuemper for Pierre-Luc Dubois trade is actually working out for both sides. Kuemper has been excellent. Dubois seems to be reinvigorated in Washington. The term on those contracts, while not apples-to-apples, there was lot of risk involved for both sides.
How about the Jakob Chychrun trade for Nick Jensen? That looks like a deal that both sides are also very happy with so far. Chychrun’s already a double-digit goal scorer as a Cap. Jensen has helped stabilize that Sens back end, particularly in a year where they’ve been hit by some injuries.
To me, the move of the year was the one that wasn’t made, and that’s the Minnesota Wild. Filip Gustavsson was on my trade board for months. They could’ve easily moved him…they hang onto Gustavsson, and I just filled out my midseason awards ballot – Gustavsson’s on my Vezina ballot. He’s been excellent for the Wild so far this year.
Tyler Yaremchuk: I thought about the Jake Guentzel one to go to the free-agent route. I think Tampa, again, not an easy decision to say, “We’re letting go of Steven Stamkos after everything he’s done in the organization.” …that move seems to be working out.
The Patrik Laine deal for Montreal. I know he hasn’t played a ton, but nine goals in 14 games for Laine, and they got a second-round pick to take him…For them to get a second-round pick – I think about the work they did with the Sean Monahan deal…this Montreal front office, if they keep pulling off moves like this, it’ll pay off for them coming out of the rebuilding phase.
You can watch the full segment and entire episode here…