It’s been almost a month since the NHL trade deadline passed on March 7, and since then, a lot has changed. Some teams that made big moves are looking like real winners. Others, who didn’t do much at the deadline, are also proving that staying quiet wasn’t such a bad idea after all.
Let’s take a look at six teams that have come out strong after the trade deadline and are showing they made the right choices. These teams are listed in alphabetical order.
Colorado Avalanche: Stronger and More Dangerous
The Colorado Avalanche made a few smart moves. They added defenders Ryan Lindgren and Erik Johnson to make their defense one of the best in the league. They also brought in Brock Nelson to play as their second-line center, and he’s been doing really well.
Since the deadline, Colorado has a great record of 10 wins, 2 losses, and 2 overtime losses. They’ve been strong in defense too, allowing only two goals per game on average. Nelson has scored four goals and made 10 points in just 14 games, giving the team the extra scoring power they needed.
They also got Charlie Coyle, who has added five points while playing decent minutes. Even though they traded away Mikko Rantanen, who is now doing well with Dallas, their current form shows that the Avalanche are a team to watch as the playoffs come closer.
Dallas Stars: Big Moves Paying Off
The Dallas Stars went bold at the deadline, signing top player Mikko Rantanen. Since joining, Rantanen has scored 13 points in 13 games. Dallas has also won 9 of their 13 games after the trade deadline.
Another earlier trade, Mikael Granlund, has added 18 points in 24 games, helping the team’s offense. Dallas is now close to overtaking the Winnipeg Jets for first place in the Central Division. Injured players like Tyler Seguin and Miro Heiskanen might return for the playoffs, which could give the Stars an even bigger boost.
GM Jim Nill’s aggressive strategy is helping Dallas become a serious contender for the Stanley Cup.
Ottawa Senators: Smart Trade Boosts Playoff Push
The Senators made a big move by trading Josh Norris for Dylan Cozens from Buffalo. This trade is looking great for Ottawa. Since the deadline, they’ve won 9 games, lost 4, and had one overtime loss. That good run has helped them secure a strong wild-card spot and even challenge the Florida Panthers in the Atlantic Division.
Cozens has nine points in 14 games. Six of those points came during even-strength play, which is a strong improvement compared to what Norris was doing before. Even though Fabian Zetterlund has only one assist, his high shot count shows goals could be coming soon.
If Ottawa can win in the first round of the playoffs, this trade will look even better.
St. Louis Blues: No Moves, Big Wins
The Blues didn’t make any trades at the deadline, but that might have been the best move of all. Many people thought they would trade captain Brayden Schenn, but they decided to keep him.
Since then, the Blues have gone on an 11-game win streak and now hold the first wild-card spot in the Western Conference. By not making big changes, they kept their team chemistry strong. This just proves that sometimes, doing nothing is the smartest choice.
Tampa Bay Lightning: Depth That Matters
Tampa Bay made two important trades before the deadline by bringing in Yanni Gourde and Oliver Bjorkstrand from Seattle. These two forwards are fitting in well. Gourde has nine assists in 14 games, while Bjorkstrand has four goals.
Tampa has gone 7-5-1 since the deadline and recently won four out of their last five games. They’ve moved up to second place in the Atlantic Division. The depth these new players bring has improved the team’s overall balance, which will help them in the playoffs.
Toronto Maple Leafs: Stronger at the Back
The Leafs spent a first-round draft pick to get Scott Laughton, and while his scoring hasn’t been great, he’s starting to look more comfortable. The real impact has come from defenseman Brandon Carlo, who came from the Bruins.
Carlo has paired well with Morgan Rielly and has brought toughness and better defense to the team. Toronto has an 8-4-1 record since the deadline and now leads the Atlantic Division. The team is playing harder, and Carlo’s physical style is making a difference.
The NHL trade deadline often brings big surprises, and this year was no different. Some teams made bold moves, and others stayed quiet, but a month later, the results are showing. Colorado, Dallas, Ottawa, St. Louis, Tampa Bay, and Toronto all made the right choices in their own ways. With the playoffs getting closer, these six teams have become stronger, smarter, and more prepared for what lies ahead.
