We're closing in on one month since the NHL’s trade deadline on March 7, and a lot's happened since then.
One team that stood quiet looks like a group of geniuses one month later, while teams that looked like winners right away are holding up to that designation. Other squads that weren't among the top immediate winners are proving they do deserve to be considered for that category.
In alphabetical order, let's look at six of the biggest winners since the NHL trade deadline approaching the one-month mark.
Colorado Avalanche
The Avalanche made their defense corps one of the deepest in the NHL by adding Ryan Lindgren and Erik Johnson. They then brought in center Brock Nelson to lock down the No. 2 center role.
Colorado is the third-hottest NHL team since the deadline, going 10-2-2. They’re averaging two goals against per game in that span, which is tied for the second fewest. Nelson also has four goals and 10 points in 14 games, which is the type of secondary scoring Colorado needed. Deadline acquisition Charlie Coyle also has five points while averaging 13:32 in ice time.
The major long-term question is whether the team will be better off after trading former pending UFA Mikko Rantanen, who signed an eight-year contract extension with the Dallas Stars. Martin Necas has 26 points in 27 games in Rantanen’s place.
Nevertheless, the Avalanche’s moves on trade deadline week have paid off well – and that’s why they’re one of the more frightening teams heading into the playoffs.
Dallas Stars
Dallas has gone 9-2-2 since the deadline, and its big pickup – star right winger Rantanen – has fit right in. He has nine assists and 13 points in 13 games as one of five Stars players averaging at least a point per game since March 7. Earlier acquisition Mikael Granlund also has six goals and 18 points in 24 games since joining Dallas.
Rantanen is one of the reasons the Stars are now in a position to challenge the Winnipeg Jets for the top spot in the highly competitive Central Division. Tyler Seguin could even return in the playoffs as well, and if they get past the first round, Miro Heiskanen ...
