After a day of many deals, we look at the top five acquisitions made at the 2015 NHL trade deadline that will have the biggest impact on the teams involved.
James Wisniewski to Anaheim: The Ducks needed to bolster their defense corps for the stretch run and acquired one of the best puck movers on the market. Wisniewski not only adds depth on the blueline, but he’ll be a big boost to their struggling power play unit. Another intriguing aspect: Wisniewski is one of the few players dealt Monday who is under contract beyond this season. He won’t become a free agent until after the 2016-17 campaign.
Chris Stewart to Minnesota: By acquiring Stewart, the Wild are getting a strong winger with solid scoring instincts that will surely boost their front line. During his time with the struggling Sabres, Stewart has certainly battled his share of inconsistencies, but months of trade talk and tanking will do that to any player. If (finally!) vying for a spot in the playoffs isn’t enough to jumpstart his scoring, the motivation to prove his worth certainly will be–the 27-year-old is a pending free agent come summertime.
Marek Zidlicky to Detroit: The Red Wings have been searching for a right-handed shooting defenceman for quite some time, so Zidlicky was a very logical addition, especially at his price. They sniffed around Dion Phaneuf, but weren’t willing to pay the acquisition cost. It only took a 2016 third-round draft pick to acquire Zidlicky from the Devils and he figures to be a solid addition to Detroit’s blueline. He provides an offensive punch and adds mobility to the defensive unit.
Sven Baertschi to Vancouver: The Canucks made a rare trade deadline move. Rather than getting a rental, Vancouver added the 13th overall pick from the 2011 draft who still has plenty of upside. Baertschi never lived up to his draft status in Calgary, but the 5-foot-11 forward has plenty of skill that can be unleashed. He was a poor fit under Flames president Brian Burke and the Canucks are hoping a fresh start will do him plenty of good. There’s little risk for Vancouver and it was certainly worth the gamble.
Jeff Petry to Montreal: The Canadiens were in the market for a strong defender and they got just that with Jeff Petry, who will be the large body they need to fill a spot on the second or third line. The 27-year-old right-handed defender has spent his entire NHL career with the Oilers, so it will be interesting to see how jumping from the bottom of the league to the top will affect his total output.
