Breaking the Ice: Latest Moves and Shocks in NHL Trading

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With just a few days remaining until the 2024 NHL Trade Deadline, set for 3 p.m. ET on

March 8, the anticipation and speculation among fans and analysts alike are reaching a

fever pitch. The days leading up to the deadline are often filled with surprising moves and

unexpected twists as teams scramble to bolster their rosters for a playoff push or offload

contracts to rebuild for the future.

This year is no exception, with rumours of blockbuster trades and strategic moves already

making rounds in the hockey community. Stay tuned as we break down the latest deals

and dissect what it means for the teams and players involved.

Capitals Shake Up: Kuznetsov Hits Waivers

In a move that has sent ripples through the NHL community, the Washington Capitals

have placed 31-year-old forward Evgeny Kuznetsov on waivers. This decision, announced

on Saturday, aims to provide Kuznetsov with the opportunity for a reset elsewhere after a

period of challenges and limited play. Kuznetsov has been absent from the ice since Jan.

27, following his entry into the NHL/NHLPA Player Assistance Program on Feb. 5. His

clearance to resume practicing came earlier on Saturday, marking his transition into the

follow-up care phase of the assistance program.

Capitals General Manager Brian MacLellan revealed that should Kuznetsov clear waivers,

he will be assigned to Hershey of the American Hockey League. However, the Capitals are

keeping their options open, including a potential trade before the looming 2024 NHL

Trade Deadline on March 5. Kuznetsov's future with Hershey, should he be assigned there,

remains uncertain, as MacLellan did not confirm whether Kuznetsov would report to the

AHL team.

Kuznetsov is in the penultimate year of his eight-year, $62.4 million contract signed on

July 2, 2017, which carries an average annual value of $7.8 million. Despite his significant

contributions, including leading the Capitals to their Stanley Cup victory in 2018 with the

highest postseason points, his inconsistent performance has been a concern. After a

career-high 83 points in the 2017-18 season, his output has fluctuated, with a noticeable

drop to 55 points last season, contributing to the Capitals missing the playoffs for the first

time since 2014.

This situation marks Kuznetsov's second involvement in the player assistance program, following a positive test for cocaine in 2019 and a subsequent suspension from

international competition for four years, along with a three-game suspension by the NHL

for inappropriate conduct.

MacLellan expresses openness to various outcomes, including retaining some of

Kuznetsov's salary in a trade, buying out the final season of his contract, or a potential

return to play for the Capitals if his performance with Hershey improves. These decisions

are made independent of the Capitals' current playoff race standings as they strategize for the best possible outcome ahead of the trade deadline.

Jonathan Quick’s Fresh Start with the Rangers

In a move that has notably enhanced the New York Rangers goaltending depth, Jonathan

Quick signed a one-year extension worth $1.275 million with the team on Sunday. The 38-year-old goalie has demonstrated exceptional form this season, his first with the Rangers,

maintaining a record of 13-5-2 in 21 games (20 starts) with a commendable 2.45 goals-

against average (GAA) and a .916 save percentage. Quick has been particularly impressive

in his recent performances, securing wins in four of his past five starts and allowing two or

fewer goals in three of these games. With his 13 wins in 20 games, Quick has aligned

himself with Rangers' legends Igor Shesterkin, Lorne Chabot, and Dave Kerr for the most wins through 20 career games with New York.

Quick's impact was felt immediately after signing with the Rangers on July 1, 2023, going

9-0-1 in his first 10 starts of the season and boasting a .926 save percentage along with a

2.09 GAA, a milestone that positioned him as the first goaltender in Rangers' history to

earn at least one point in each of his first 10 decisions. A three-time Stanley Cup

champion, Quick most recently lifted the trophy with the Vegas Golden Knights last

season and achieved the feat with the Los Angeles Kings in 2012 and 2014. The Milford,

Connecticut native holds an impressive career record of 388-282-86 with a 2.47 GAA, .911

save percentage, and 60 shutouts in 774 regular-season games (760 starts) across 17

seasons. Quick also boasts a playoff record of 49-43 with a 2.31 GAA and .921 save

percentage in 92 Stanley Cup Playoff games.

Currently, the New York Rangers are leading the Metropolitan Division at 40-17-4, with a

recent record of 8-1-1 in their last 10 games, positioning them six points ahead of the

Carolina Hurricanes. Quick's outstanding performance this season solidifies his legacy and strengthens the Rangers' goaltending, making them formidable opponents in their quest

for the Stanley Cup. Fans and betters alike are closely watching the Rangers' ascent, with

many turning to platforms like FanDuel Canada for sports betting opportunities on this

remarkable team's progress.

Strategic Move: Stars Land Tanev in Three-Team Trade Deal

The Dallas Stars traded for experienced defender Chris Tanev from the Calgary Flames as

part of a three-team deal in which the New Jersey Devils played a key role. The goal was to

improve their defence and give them more options. The Flames got Artem Grushnikov, a

good defenseman prospect, along with the Stars' second-round pick in the 2024 NHL Draft

and a third-round pick in the 2026 draft that was uncertain. The condition stipulates that

the third-round pick will not be allocated to Calgary unless the Stars make it to the 2024

Stanley Cup Final. On the other side, the Devils received Dallas' fourth-round pick in the

2026 draft as part of their involvement.

Tanev, 34, has been a reliable presence on the ice this season, tallying 14 points (one goal,

13 assists) and boasting a plus-16 rating through 56 games. Known for his defensive

prowess, Tanev led the Flames with 171 blocked shots, averaging 19:50 of ice time per

game. He is in the last season of a four-year contract signed with Calgary in 2020, carrying

an average annual value of $4.5 million, and will be an unrestricted free agent after this

season concludes. In a financial maneuver designed to facilitate the trade, Calgary agreed

to retain 50% of Tanev's salary, with New Jersey holding 50% of the remainder.

Furthermore, alongside Tanev, the Stars bought goalie prospect Cole Brady from New

Jersey. The 23-year-old, currently in his senior year at the University of Massachusetts, has

compiled a record of 4-2-2, alongside a 3.04 goals-against average and a .886 save

percentage. Brady remains unsigned but presents a potential future asset between the

pipes for Dallas.

This complex transaction not only underlines the strategic thinking of the Stars'

management but also highlights their intent to solidify their defence and goaltending as

they aim for playoff success.

Hanifin's Future with Flames Uncertain After Tanev Deal

Following the trade of Chris Tanev to the Dallas Stars, speculation intensifies about the

Calgary Flames' next moves, especially regarding defenseman Noah Hanifin. Given

Hanifin' impending free agency status and his significant contribution this season—with

34 points (11 goals, 23 assists) in 59 games while averaging 23:44 on the ice—it's no

surprise that his name surfaces in trade discussions.

Hanifin's modified no-trade clause further complicates the Flames' situation, allowing him to list eight teams to which he cannot be traded, thus narrowing potential deals. As the

Flames, currently on a four-game winning streak, aim to secure a playoff spot, the

decision on Hanifin's future becomes even more critical.

This scenario leaves fans and analysts alike pondering whether Calgary will intensify their

search for a fitting trade partner or make moves to ensure Hanifin's talents help propel

them into and through the playoffs.

Conclusion

The dynamic shifts and strategies unfolding in the NHL, as illustrated by the cases of

Quick's impactful presence with the Rangers, the Stars' smart acquisitions, and the

swirling uncertainties surrounding Hanifin with the Flames, all underscore professional

hockey's complexity and the high-stakes nature.

Teams constantly pursue excellence, making calculated moves to bolster their lineups,

reinforce their defences, and secure the best possible odds for a successful playoff run

and, ultimately, a chance at the Stanley Cup.

These narratives capture the essence of the sport's unpredictability and showcase the

meticulous planning and tactical genius behind the scenes, reminding fans and observers

alike that victory in hockey extends far beyond the ice.