Analysis: Bochenski is a goal scorer who has never been
given a solid opportunity to emerge at the NHL level. He's
never played more than 41 games in a season at the top level,
and will be joining his fourth team in three years. He could
be a nice fit in Nashville, where he could fit in as a
third-liner and won't have to compete with higher-priced
players for a reasonable amount of ice time.
Your analysis
Analysis: Hlavac returned to the NHL this season after
spending the last three seasons in Europe. Although he skated
alongside former Tampa Bay playmaker Brad Richards for a
majority of the season, Hlavac put up relatively disappointing
numbers. At $700,000, he's a cheap addition for the
penny-pinching Predators, but probably won't amount to more
than a third-liner.
Your analysis
Analysis: Motzko is a career minor leaguer who has put
up reasonable numbers in the AHL. He'll give the Thrashers
added depth as a call-up. Giroux, who was previously
part of the Capitals organization before signing with Atlanta
this past offseason, has excelled in the AHL, but has received
little opportunity to break in at the NHL level. This deal
will impact the teams' minor leagues systems more than
anything.
Your analysis
Analysis: Aubin became the odd-man out among Los
Angeles' long list of goalies. The goalie won't join Anaheim
immediately, but will be available as a call-up if the Ducks'
ever lose confidence in rookie backup Jonas Hiller. Aubin will
most certainly be added to Anaheim's roster for the
postseason.
Your analysis
Analysis: For all the defensive talent in Anaheim,
Bergeron will just squeeze into the Ducks lineup, as the
team's sixth defenseman. He is a power-play specialist, which
should help Anaheim's struggling power play, which ranks 23rd
in the league. Defensively, his small stature prohibits him
from racking up much ice time, but if paired with the right
partner, could log more minutes and points.
Your analysis
Analysis: The Panthers have lacked the toughness to
finish off games as of late, and Kilger could help in that
department. The veteran is a versatile forward who brings
speed, size and grit to the Panthers lineup. He's a bona fide
checking winger, who occasionally contributed on offense. Like
recent addition Wade Belak, Kilger's ability to play a
physical game will help keep Florida's opponents in check.
Your analysis
Analysis: In a deal that impacts each team's minor
league system more than anything, the big pieces in this deal
are Sjostrom and Hossa. They are former first-round draft
picks who have not lived up to expectations with their
respective clubs. Sjostrom boasts speed and defensive
awareness, while Hossa has good size and a hard shot. Both
have the capability to be a top-six forward, but lack the
intensity to become one.
Your analysis
Analysis: Dealt near the deadline for the second time
in as many years, Stuart is a crucial addition to the Red
Wings' aling blueline. His talent doesn't surpass the players
he'll be immediately filling in for (i.e. Nicklas Lidstrom,
Brian Rafalski), but he does a number of things well
enough. Stuart can play a physical game, set up offensive
chances and has a heavy shot. He is a top-four defenseman who
will also give the Red Wings more options defensively once
their injured blueliners return.
Your analysis
Analysis: Moving Simon to Minnesota gives the winger a
fresh start. It was clear his future with the Islanders would
be short-lived when he returned from a 30-game ban and was
booed by the home crowed every time he touched the puck. Simon
may have a hard time cracking the Wild lineup since his
offensive production is generally limited. But between Simon,
Derek Boogaard and Todd Fedoruk, the Wild are now the toughest
team in the NHL.
Your analysis
Analysis: This was the blockbuster deal many waited
for, and it was Pittsburgh who joined the bidding at the last
minute and pulled off the deal. Hossa will likely join Sidney
Crosby on the top line, and the combination could be potent
with the league's best playmaker feeding one of the NHL's top
snipers. Pittsburgh also gets a servicable winger who can help
the penalty kill in Dupuis. In terms of quantity, Thrashers GM
Don Waddell pulled off quite a coup. Unfortunately, it may not
be enough to lift the Thrashers into the postseason. Armstrong
is a grinder with a good attitude, but made his name in
Pittsburgh riding Crosby's coat tails. Christensen is a great
positional player with a nose for the net. Both players,
though, are second-liners at best, and won't be able to make
up for the offense Hossa provided. What makes this an
extremely costly rental for Pittsburgh though, is giving up
Angelo Esposito, who was a first-round pick in 2007, and a
first-round pick in this year's deep draft.
Your analysis
Analysis: Adding Gill to the lineup will give
Pittsburgh a much better presence in front of its own
net. Gill, at 6-foot-7, is a tough player in his own end,
whether it be clearing players away from the crease or
crushing them along the boards. He's limited offensively, but
the Penguins have plenty of other defenseman to compensate for
Gill.
Your analysis
Analysis: Backman isn't exactly the top-notch
defenseman the Rangers were looking to acquire, but he finally
gives New York a puck-moving blueliner. The Swede is adept at
breaking out of his zone and does have the potential for
contributing offensively. Although he's relatively
inexpensive, Backman could slightly handcuff the Rangers when
they try to re-sign players over the summer, as he's due $3.4
million during the 2008-09 season.
Your analysis
Analysis: Pettinger, whose game took off following the
lockout, has struggled immensely this season with two goals in
56 games. A versatile forward who plays with passion,
Pettinger could find his game again if matched with the right
players. The Capitals get a similar player in terms of work
ethic in Cooke, who is an adept penalty killer and agitator.
Your analysis
Analysis: Fedorov is much older and well past his
prime, but this is a deal that could rejuvinate his career,
even if it only for the short-term. It's a good bet that the
Russian will probably center countryman Alexander Ovechkin,
giving the Capitals a terrifying top line. Fedeorov still has
speed, excellent passing skills and is reliable
defensively. The former Hart Trophy winner also brings a
wealth of playoff experience to Washington. The fact GM George
McPhee made this move (in addition to the one for Cristobal
Huet earlier Tuesday) suggest the Capitals are extremely
serious about not only fighting for a playoff spot, but
capturing the Southeast Division and reaffirming their
commitment to giving Ovechkin a better cast to work
with. Ruth, who was a second-round pick in 2007, is a
stay-at-home defenseman, who is probably a couple seasons away
from the NHL if he makes it that far.
Your analysis
Analysis: Davison, a defensive defenseman with plenty
of size, was used sparingly in San Jose over the past two
seasons, and never really had the opportunity to crack the
Sharks lineup for a full-time job. He's likely to face a
similar fate on Long Island.
Your analysis
2008 or 2009 conditional first-round pick,
2009 conditional fourth-round pick
Analysis: Despite Foote's desire to stay in Columbus,
contract talks between the team and defenseman fell through at
the last minute. In the end, he returns to Colorado, the
organization he spent 11 seasons with. He'll fill the need for
a physical blueliner and brings leadership to a team full of
with young talent. The move is good for the Avalanche in that
it doesn't require them to rip apart the team they've
constructed, but it could be costly to the team's future. If
Colorado makes the playoffs, it gives up a first-round pick in
this year's deep draft. If they re-sign the unrestricted free
agent this summer, they'll cough up an additional fourth-round
pick next year.
Your analysis
Analysis: Lapointe is a gritty winger who plays a tough
game despite his size. He's an adequate fit for any checking
line, and brings character and leadership to the Senators
locker room. Like recent acquisition Cory Stillman, Lapointe
also brings plenty of playoff and Stanley Cup experience to
Ottawa.
Your analysis
Analysis: The Hurricanes get a little more experience
in Ruutu, but also a great deal of risk given the winger is
injury-prone. Ruutu showed he's capable of producing without
much of a supporting cast, so having skilled linemates in
Carolina could reveal the best in the Finn. Ladd, who recently
got promoted to the Hurricanes' second line, has the size of a
power forward, but hasn't shown it on the ice. He's only
2, though, and playing on a young Blackhawks team could
work to his advantage.
Your analysis
Analysis: Salei is a character guy who will will bring
a physical presence to Colorado's zone. Although he's not a
natural offensive-defenseman, Salei registered career highs
across the board in Florida, largely because he backed up the
Panthers' top lines. Skrastins is a defenseman who
concentrates on his own end, which is an area Florida has been
lacking. Another benefit of adding Skrastins over other
defensemen is the fact he's familiar with the habits of
goaltender Tomas Vokoun, his former teammate in Nashville.
Your analysis
Analysis: With Olaf Kolzig aging and due to become an
unrestricted free agent this summer, it was only fitting for
GM George McPhee to seek some assistance in net. The only
problem is, Huet's contract also expires in July. In the
meantime, Huet improves Washington's situation in
goal. Although he can be streaky, Huet displays incredible
poise and rarely caves in high-pressure situations. That
should be valuable for Washington down the stretch as they
battle for a playoff berth in an extremely close Southeast
Division. It is possible the Capitals could platoon Huet and
Kolzig until one clearly emerges as the hot goaltender.
Your analysis
Analysis: Richards is a first-line center who got
shoved onto lesser lines in Tampa Bay because of the stellar
play of Vincent Lecavalier. Richards is an impressive
playmaker with a vision for the ice, but was in desperate need
of a change of scenery. The 27-year-old has seen a decline in
production across the board over the past two seasons. That
shouldn't be of concern to Dallas, as he significantly
upgrades the team's depth at center. Assuming Dallas can go
deep in the playoffs, Richards has proven to be a valuable in
the postseason, capturing the Conn Smythe Trophy in 2004. The
big piece in this deal for Tampa Bay is Mike Smith. As Dallas'
backup, he put up a 24-14-2 record with five shutouts over two
seasons. He's still raw, but at 25, he's only entering his
prime and could be the potential solution to the Lighthing's
goaltending woes if the team is willing to show some patience.
Your analysis
Analysis: Campbell fills a number of San Jose's
needs. He's got excellent puckhandling skills and mobility, is
a power play quarterback and a veteran with a decent amount of
playoff experience. Like the deal to get Craig Rivet last
season, acquiring Campbell will only help the Sharks groom
youngsters Matt Carle and Marc-Edouard Vlasic. Buffalo gets a
first-round pick and Steve Bernier for the defenseman, but
probably could have received more in return given Campbell's
stature. Bernier is a young power forward who has occasionally
struggled with consistency. The winger saw his role fluctuate
in San Jose, bouncing between the Sharks' second and fourth
lines.
Your analysis
Analysis: The Panthers have been desperate for an
enforcer for the past couple seasons and Belak is expected to
fill that void. He received little ice time in Toronto, but
may see a bit more, not only to police opponents, but because
the Panthers' lineup been decimated by injuries. Like
Florida's Steve Montador, Belak can line up at both defense
and wing. Toronto, which is in the process of
rebuilding, receives a late-round pick in return.
Your analysis
Analysis: Salvador is a prototypical fit for
defensive-minded New Jersey, and brings a physical presence
that has been lacking since the departure of Scott
Stevens. The 32-year-old won't provide much in terms of
offense, however. Janssen, meanwhile, joins his hometown team
and should give the Blues more grit. The right wing has been
hampered by a shoulder injury all season, so it is unknown
what kind of an impact he'll have this year. But Janssen is
only 23, so he figures to be part of St. Louis' long-term
plans.
Your analysis
D Alexandre Picard,
2009 conditional second- or third-round draft pick
Analysis: Prospal returns to the Flyers, the team that
drafted him in 1993. His move comes with little surprise given
the fact he had public run-ins with coach John Tortorella as
of late. Philadelphia hopes the forward can produce the same
way he did in Tampa Bay, but that might be difficult without
all-star linemates Vincent Lecavalier and Martin St.
Louis. Prospal is a versatile player -- he's adept at both
center and wing -- which will provide the injury-riddled
Flyers with depth. In addition to a draft pick, Tampa Bay
receives prospect Alexandre Picard, an offensive-defenseman
who has excelled in the AHL.
Your analysis
Analysis: The addition of Jaroslav Modry made
Vandermeer the odd-man out on the Flyers' blueline. The move
clears a little more than $1 million off Philadelphia's
payroll. The Alberta native, who plays a physical, gritty game
and concentrates on his own end, is a good fit for the Flames'
hefty defense.
Analysis: The Flyers have been reeling defensively in
the midst of their seven-game losing streak, and adding Modry
should give Philadelphia a boost in its own end. Although the
37-year-old saw his offensive role diminish in Dallas and Los
Angeles, Modry has the potential to give the Flyers yet
another quarterback for their successful power
play. Philadelphia parted with just a third-round pick, making
Modry, whose contract expires this summer, a relatively
inexpensive rental player.
Analysis: The Senators free up over $3 million for
offseason signings by acquiring Stillman and Commodore, who
are both unrestricted free agents this summer. Despite being
injury prone, Stillman is a solid top-six winger, and brings
two Stanley Cup rings to Ottawa. Trading Commodore for Corvo
is essentially an even swap, save for $1.4 million Carolina
adds to its payroll. Eaves has been sidelined for most of the
season with a shoulder injury, but his quick feet and
offensive instincts should allow him to fit in well on the
Hurricanes' second line.
Analysis: Forrest, who has bounced around between the
AHL and ECHL, will give the Sharks depth with their minor
league affiliate in Worcester. It is unlikely the 26-year-old
will have much of an impact in San Jose.
Analysis: Glencross is a physical forward who can fill
the need for a role player in Edmonton. Despite posting 25
goals in the AHL last season, he's not much of a goal scorer,
and will probably find himself on the Oilers' fourth
line. Tarnstrom, meanwhile, brings an offensive upside to
Columbus' blue line. He's an excellent passer with a nose for
finding open forwards, but can leave himself prone
defensively.
