Sizing up NHL deals before the Feb. 24 trade deadline

February 17, 2020
Sport

Analyzing the notable deals and other happenings in the month leading up to the Feb. 24 NHL trade deadline:

Feb. 16: The New Jersey Devils trade forward Blake Coleman to the Tampa Bay Lightning for forward prospect Nolan Foote and a 2020 first-round draft pick, which belongs to the Vancouver Canucks.

Analysis: Coleman has enjoyed a breakout 2019-20 and has another year at $1.8 million on his contract. With 21 goals, he is one off his career high, and his 31 points are five shy of his career best. Coleman is a versatile forward who can play on a scoring line. He’s also a strong penalty killer. While the Devils continue to add to their stockpile of future assets, this is also great deal for Tampa Bay.

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Blake Coleman is nearing career highs in offensive production this season.

Feb. 16: The New Jersey Devils trade defenseman Andy Greene to the New York Islanders for a 2021 second-round draft pick and minor league defenseman David Quenneville.

Analysis: Greene is veteran stay-at-home defenseman who will provide more stability to the Islanders’ defensive group, especially after it lost Adam Pelech for the rest of the season in January. He should fit well into Barry Trotz’s scheme, which has allowed 2.72 goals-against per game (seventh in the NHL). That the Devils were able to get the pending unrestricted free agent to waive his no-trade clause is a bonus for their rebuild.

Feb. 5: The Toronto Maple Leafs acquire goaltender Jack Campbell and forward Kyle Clifford from the Los Angeles Kings in exchange for forward Trevor Moore, Columbus’ third-round pick in 2020 (previously acquired from Ottawa) and a conditional third-round pick in 2021.

Analysis: Maple Leafs goaltender Frederik Andersen had been dealing with a neck injury and Michael Hutchinson had another subpar outing on Feb. 5, giving up three first-period goals in a 5-3 loss to the New York Rangers. Campbell had a .928 save percentage last season, though his numbers have dropped off this season. But he’s an upgrade at backup and is signed for two seasons beyond this one. Clifford, a role player and leader, is an unrestricted free agent after this season, and Los Angeles will retain 50% of his salary. Moore, a California native, is signed though 2020-21.

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