Fast returns: Five trade deadline acquisitions thriving with their new teams

Credit: Sergei Belski-USA TODAY Sports

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We’re now two weeks removed from the NHL Trade Deadline, with the lead-up creating some of the most dramatic action we’ve seen on the trade market in quite some time.

We’re also now exactly one month away from the start of the Stanley Cup playoffs. So it’s put up or shut up time for the biggest deadline acquisitions, with teams hoping their moves paid off ahead of the most important time of the year.

Here’s a look at five players that have stood out since joining their new clubs:

Jakob Chychrun, D (Ottawa Senators)

Chychrun has been exactly as advertised for the Senators, which wasn’t always guaranteed after having to sit for nearly an entire month. But Chychrun was rested, healthy and raring to go, and sits second among all Sens players with 21:35 in ice time since the trade. Chychrun’s inclusion has made Ottawa’s defense harder to play against, and he has a solid four points in eight games to boot.

The Senators have an uphill climb to make the playoffs. If they do, bonus. If not, Chychrun is still signed at $4.6 million until 2025, which is tremendous value for the Sens. They acquired a cornerstone piece without having to give up a lot – and the first-rounder they moved is top-five protected, with the 2024 first-rounder moving instead. So, imagine if they got the 2023 pick back on top of landing Chychrun.

Jonathan Quick, G (Vegas Golden Knights)

Yeah, he had a rough go in a 7-2 loss to the Calgary Flames on Thursday. But it wasn’t all his fault – none of Vegas’ top players seemed to show up. Bad start aside, there’s been some solid moments early on. After a brutal season with the L.A. Kings, Quick was traded away from the only team he ever suited up for and eventually landed in Vegas. With injuries plaguing the team’s crease situation, Quick emerged with four straight wins and a .930 save percentage through his first four starts. That includes wins against Carolina and Tampa, two quality opponents.

Despite missing Mark Stone and Logan Thompson (for the time being), Vegas is shaping up to be quite the force, and Quick’s ability to come in and steal a few games has helped. We know what type of performances Quick can put up in the post-season. And while his best days are far behind him – and this might just be some new-team energy – the numbers don’t lie right now. Let’s see how long this run can last.

Rasmus Sandin, D (Washington Capitals)

The 23-year-old defenseman showed glimmers of promise with the Toronto Maple Leafs over the past few years, but never could take the next step. Sandin never hit the mark many believed he could, whether due to injuries or roster opportunities. Toronto needed someone who can make a big mark immediately, and that’s why they sent Sandin to Washington in a deal that brought over Erik Gustafsson.

So, what’s Sandin been up to? He now has nine points in just six games and has played over 26 minutes in three outings, highlighted by 29:58 against New Jersey last Thursday. Sandin has two three-point efforts to his credit and has quickly taken over as Washington’s top defenseman after the trade of Dmitry Orlov and the injury to John Carlson. The Caps have had mixed results with a 3-2-1 record since his arrival, and it feels like a lost season, but Sandin could end up being a pivotal part of Washington’s future.

Anthony Beauvillier, LW (Vancouver Canucks)

Beauvillier has the most significant sample size after getting acquired by Vancouver in the deal that sent Bo Horvat to Long Island in January. And after just posting OK numbers with 20 points in 49 games with the Islanders, he’s already up to seven goals and 16 points in 18 games for a Canucks team has become quite competitive down the stretch.

Vancouver is 9-7-2 since his arrival, and he’s easily playing the best hockey of his pro career. The Canucks are playing meaningless hockey for the most part based on their spot in the standings, and it seems like they’re all loosey-goosey. That’s working well for Beauvillier, who has another year on his deal left at $4.15 million. Maybe a new home was all the 25-year-old needed to unlock a previously unheard-of gear in his game. That comes at a perfect time for Vancouver, who added some extra scoring depth at the deadline despite trading away Bo Horvat.

Jakub Vrana, LW (St. Louis Blues)

Vrana was a low-risk, high-reward pickup for the Blues. His off-ice issues and damaged relationship with Detroit allowed the Blues to snag him for a low-end prospect and a 2025 seventh-round pick. In five games with the Blues, Vrana already is up to four goals, building upon a run that saw him record eight points in his last six AHL games with Grand Rapids. The Blues are in retooling mode now after the trades of Vladimir Tarasenko, Ryan O’Reilly and Ivan Barbashev, but Vrana’s recent play has been a huge boost for the Blues.

It’s not like it was unexpected, either. He scored at a 0.50 rate last year, but injuries limited him to just 26 games. He was one of the best per-60 scorers in Washington and was electric in his short time in Hockeytown. Hopefully, he can find stability and stay healthy – and if he does, his $2.625 million cap hit next year will look like a mighty fine steal.