NHL Power Rankings Post-Trade Deadline
The landscape of the NHL has shifted dramatically since USA TODAY Sports last assessed team standings and performances in February. A notable milestone was achieved when Team USA clinched its first men’s hockey gold medal in nearly five decades by defeating Canada 2-1 in an exhilarating overtime match during the Olympics. Additionally, the trade deadline on March 6 coincided with a wave of moves, following a brief roster freeze due to the Olympics, where high-profile athletes such as Nazem Kadri, MacKenzie Weegar, Brayden Schenn, and John Carlson changed teams. In light of these developments, this edition of the NHL power rankings evaluates team performances post-deadline and assigns grades based on trades executed up until March 8.
Team Rankings
- Colorado Avalanche (No Change)
The Avalanche were particularly active as the trade deadline approached, acquiring forward Nicolas Roy and defenseman Brett Kulak. In a pivotal last-minute transaction, they successfully brought back Stanley Cup champion Nazem Kadri, trading away Victor Olofsson, Samuel Girard, and future draft selections. This has strengthened their roster depth and competitive nature. Grade: A - Dallas Stars (+3)
The Stars have welcomed Tyler Myers, a towering 6-foot-8 defenseman, complementing their already substantial blue line with 6-foot-7 Lian Bischel. In response to Tyler Seguin’s season-ending injury, Michael Bunting’s addition is expected to fill the scoring gap effectively. Grade: A - Minnesota Wild (No Change)
The acquisition of Quinn Hughes was significant, and the moves made since have further enhanced their lineup, with the additions of forwards Michael McCarron, Bobby Brink, and Nick Foligno, along with depth defenseman Jeff Petry. The changes have bolstered their bottom six, with McCarron also contributing to the penalty kill. Grade: A - Carolina Hurricanes (No Change)
Despite the need for additional center depth, the Hurricanes opted for toughness by bringing Nicolas Deslauriers into the fold. They remain a formidable contender in the Eastern Conference, aiming for a return to the finals. Grade: C - Buffalo Sabres (+4)
The Sabres’ fortunes changed significantly with the appointment of Jarmo Kekalainen as general manager. He made strategic enhancements by acquiring Sam Carrick to address their poor faceoff performance and opting for defensemen Logan Stanley and Luke Schenn, reinforcing their physical presence on the blue line. Grade: B - Tampa Bay Lightning (-4)
The Lightning have secured veteran forward Corey Perry, whose experience may help break their first-round curse over the past three seasons. Though it’s been since 2007 since he’s held the cup, his playoff insights will be invaluable. Grade: B- - Pittsburgh Penguins (-1)
The Penguins’ significant December title was the goalie swap, moving on from Tristan Jarry. With Stuart Skinner stepping up impressively, the addition of Yegor Chinakhov has proven fruitful. However, Girard’s impact since joining from Colorado has been less significant. Grade: B+ - Montreal Canadiens (-1)
Despite rumors of large moves, NHL insider Elliotte Friedman confirmed that no trades transpired before the deadline, leaving Montreal’s goaltending situation unstable. They also could not find a deal for Patrik Laine. Grade: D - Detroit Red Wings (-1)
After recovering from hernia surgery, fan-favorite David Perron is back with the Red Wings. Additionally, Justin Faulk, obtained from St. Louis, enhances their defensive pairing. Grade: B+ - New York Islanders (+2)
In a move to enhance their forward lineup, the Islanders traded for Brayden Schenn, moving out struggling Jonathan Drouin in the exchange. Similar actions were taken earlier involving Maxim Tsyplakov. Grade: B
Conclusion
Overall, the trade deadline not only reshaped rosters but also set teams up for different trajectories as they move forward in the season. Each adjustment reflects different strategies aimed at enhancing playoff potentials or rebuilding for the future. This power ranking encapsulates the latest happenings in the league post-deadline, revealing who emerged as rising contenders and who might face a challenging path ahead.
This assessment is a comprehensive look at the NHL landscape as teams prepare for the final stretch of the season, ensuring their plans align with success as the playoffs draw nearer.
