The 2024 trade deadline is in the rearview mirror, and instead of doing the normal "winners and losers" story, I would look at the aftermath in terms of "Who did what they needed to do to make them a true contender....
#1. Carolina
Picking up Guentzel, one of the top wingers in the NHL, could have been enough, but the sneaky pick up of Kutsnetsov I believe might make the Canes the best team in the Metro. In my opinion Kutsnetsov, when stable, is one of the most dynamic players in the NHL and rarely have we seen a player in more need of a fresh start. Watching him last night, and knowing what Brind'amour brings look out for Carolina. They have passed the Rangers as the top team in the Metro. In my opinion...
#2. Winnipeg.
When can a team already battling for tops in their division acquire TWO strong top 6 forwards and give up so little...The Jets pickup of Monahan and Toffoli is filthy.
#3. Vegas.
The LTIR kings managed to once again pull magic from the air. Hanifin and then the shocker of Hertle should be enough to get this team into the playoffs and perhaps beyond... It better be, because heading into the deadline the Knights were heading very much in the wrong direction...
#4. Edmonton.
While it may take a bit to fit the chemistry together, Henrique is just whatever the doctor ordered and allows the Oilers to be free of the need to play McDavid and Draisaitl together. Love where this team is going.
#5. Florida
Already looking like the Cup favorite, GM Bill Zito continues to amaze and make the Panthers into an NHL powerhouse...Tarasenko is a killer grab, considering his playoff experience and how free he looks on this team already. Okposo is another incredible locker room guy entering the already best room in maybe all of sports...and remember the sneaky pickup of Tobias Bjornfot. Is easy to forget that when Zito acquired guys like Carter Verhaeghe, Montour, and Forsling they were not thought of anywhere near what they have developed into for the Panthers. Tobias could be next.
#6. Colorado.
The additions of Walker and Middlestadt help round this team out a great deal. Bo was a lot to give up, but honestly Sakic knows teams win Cups...they are a better TEAM now.
#7. Dallas
Remember way back when they traded for Tanev? The Stars are already stacked, although there feels like there is something missing still...
#8. Tampa
Duclair and Dumb are perfect trade deadline additions, the kind that Tampa always seems to be able to pull off. They looked VERY good last night in their 7-0 victory over a Flyers team they are chasing...
Who do you feel made the biggest impacts?
Coming up soon! The Hockeybuzz 5000 will launch and tell you EXACTLY how the Final Standings will look while predicting all the games night after night. Last year, the Big Clunky Machine was unstoppable...
Last season's numbers?
The HockeybuzzTron’s Final Stats for 2022-23
Season's Predictions: 64 % winning percentage
193 Game Outcomes Correct, 112 Wrong
Winning Nights: 26
Losing Nights : 8
Even Nights : 6
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