2024 NHL Trade Deadline Grades – Part 1

There was a flurry of trades made 48 hours before the NHL Trade Deadline, with a number of contenders adding that one piece that might propel them to a Stanley Cup victory. The Florida Panthers, New York Rangers, Vegas Golden Knights, and Edmonton Oilers all moved a package of draft picks to acquire forwards and have teams retain salary, while the busiest team was the Colorado Avalanche, who added their long sought-after second-line center to back up Nathan MacKinnon and a defenseman.

Here are the trades made through Wednesday and the grades:

Vegas Golden Knights acquire Anthony Mantha (with WAS retaining 50%)

Washington Capitals acquire a 2024 second-round pick and 2026 fourth-round pick

Vegas Grade – B+

Washington Grade – A

The Golden Knights needed to add a winger with Mark Stone out until the playoffs with a spleen injury, and it appears they did not want to pay the steep price that Pittsburgh wanted for Jake Guentzel. Mantha is a very good Plan B option. The 29-year-old has been a disappointment for most of his tenure with the Caps, but he has 20 goals in the walk year of his contract. GM Brian MacLellan has to be thanking his lucky stars that he was able to get a second and fourth for him, but Vegas might be the one who’s thankful if he continues to score like he has been. 

Florida Panthers acquire Vladimir Tarasenko (with OTT retaining 50%)

Ottawa Senators acquire a 2025 third-round pick and a conditional 2024 fourth-round pick.

Florida Grade – A-

Ottawa Grade B+

Ottawa GM Steve Staios did well in his first deal, moving Tarasenko (who had a no-trade clause) to the Panthers for a pair of draft picks, including a conditional fourth in 2024 that could move up to a third if Florida wins the Cup. The Panthers needed to add another scorer to help out their high-octane core group, and while Tarasenko is not the 30+ goal scorer he was with the Blues, but he will help.