As the NHL’s Stanley Cup playoffs continue to unfold, it’s becoming clearer what the best pickups were at this season’s trade deadline.
In no particular order, here are the five trade-deadline acquisitions who’ve had the biggest impact in the post-season:
1. Jake Guentzel, Carolina
Guentzel came to the Hurricanes from Pittsburgh as a highly regarded competitor, and he’s fit in perfectly with Carolina, posting one goal and two points in two games against the New York Islanders.
The 29-year-old’s career playoff numbers include 35 goals and 60 points in 60 games. While the Hurricanes paid a sizeable price to acquire him, Guentzel has delivered as advertised, and he’s one of the reasons Carolina is thriving thus far this post-season. If he continues being a positive force, the trade will have been easily worthwhile.
"Just winning hockey games, that's [all that matters]"
Whether he's scoring or not, Sebastian Aho makes a difference for Carolina.
However, as he proved Monday night, he's more than capable of doing it all too. | @TheHockeyNews ⬇️ https://t.co/t2glduo9jD
— Ryan Henkel (@RyanHenkel_) April 23, 2024
2. Vladimir Tarasenko, Florida
Tarasenko had a decent enough year playing mostly with the Ottawa Senators, but the Russian winger has ratcheted up his performance since being acquired by Florida, generating one goal in two playoff games. The 32-year-old now has 45 goals and 65 points in 99 career playoff games, and of course, he’s got a Cup to his credit as a member of the St. Louis Blues. He also scored 14 points in 19 regular-season games since the Panthers acquired him, already making him an effective addition.
Tarasenko is a pure rental player who’ll be a UFA this summer, but if he can continue producing offense, there’s a future for him with the Panthers.
The Panthers are keeping pace with Tampa in the special teams department, which is a big win for Florida.
Goaltending has also been quite impressive during the series, which probably isn't going to change.#TimeToHunt Game 2 takeaways @TheHockeyNews ⬇️ https://t.co/0vZKCjvmK7
— David Dwork (@DavidDwork) April 24, 2024
3. Adam Henrique, Edmonton
At age 34, Henrique is closer to the end of his NHL career than the beginning, but he’s chipped in one goal and two points in just 15:29 of ice time per game for the Oilers in these playoffs. That follows nine points in 22 games after joining Edmonton before the trade deadline.
Henrique is another rental player who likely will move on at season’s end, but as it stands, he’s given Edmonton a boost up front and made the Oilers a deeper, better squad. Henrique has only 30 games of playoff experience under his belt, but he’s produced six goals and 15 points in that span, and the Oilers are no doubt happy with him as a trade deadline acquisition.
Related: ‘Playoff Hockey For You’: How the Los Angeles Kings Silenced the Oilers Crowd in Game 2
4. Evgeny Kuznetsov, Carolina
Kuznetsov has averaged just 12:16 of ice time for Carolina this spring, but he’s scored a goal and two points in two playoff games, which is music to the ears of Hurricanes coaches and management.
Kuznetsov still has another season under contract at a $3.9-million salary cap hit, and at age 31, he’s no longer in his prime. But Carolina just needs him to amass a goal or assist here and there, and the deadline deal will be worthwhile.
Kuznetsov already has a Cup win under his belt, and by the time the Hurricanes are done this season, he may have his second.
5. Joel Edmundson, Toronto
Although he was acquired from Washington for relatively little return and missed regular-season games due to injury, Edmundson has come on strong on Toronto’s back end. He’s averaging 19:51 of ice time – third on the Leafs’ defense corps, behind Morgan Rielly and Jake McCabe – and generating one assist in three playoff games.
One of the reasons Leafs coach Sheldon Keefe has made a healthy scratch out of veteran T.J. Brodie is the play of Edmundson, who provides shot-blocking and physicality in a way Brodie no longer seems able to. Edmundson is a UFA this summer, but we can see the Buds re-signing him (and allowing Brodie to either move on or retire). He’s a top-four D-man for the Buds, and he’s held up his end of the deal since the Leafs landed him.
Get the latest news and trending stories right to your inbox by subscribing to The Hockey News newsletter here.
Related: Three NHL Teams That Could Go Home Early
Related: The Maple Leafs Need More Players Like Tyler Bertuzzi
Related: Zach Parise’s Impact ‘Contagious’ for Colorado Avalanche in Tight Series with Winnipeg Jets
News Summary:
- NHL Playoffs: Top Five Trade Deadline Acquisitions
- Check all news and articles from the latest NHL updates.