2023 NHL Trade Deadline Tracker

The Vancouver Canucks have traded captain Bo Horvat to the New York Islanders in exchange for forward Anthony Beauvillier, prospect Aatu Raty and a conditional first-round pick in 2023, the club announced. Bo was probably the most discussed and sought-after player heading into this week. The centerman is having one of if not the best starts to a season in his career and Vancouver is nowhere near a playoff spot at this point. The Cancucks also are looking for every excuse to tank the rest of the season and increase their chances of drafting Connor Bedard, who is a native of Vancouver.

Based on how both of those situations played out, the Cancucks were no doubt going to be sellers at the NHL Trade Deadline.  Horvat has 58 points through 47 games and currently sits in the top 10 for goal scorers with 31. The Islanders need a player like Bo Horvat to compete in the Eastern Conference, but is it too late for them to catch up to the other juggernauts in the conference? Time will tell, but I have to imagine this deal doesn’t get done unless they knew they could resign Horvat in the offseason to a long-term contract. Given what they had to give up to get him, and assuming they can sign him to a long-term deal, I definitely think the Isles made out well here.

2. Vladimir Tarasenko (St. Louis Blues) – Traded to the New York Rangers

The St. Louis Blues have traded Ukrainian-born star forward Vladimir Taraseno to the New York Rangers. In Exchange, the Blues received a conditional 2023 first-round pick, a conditional 2024 fourth-round pick, Sammy Blais, and prospect Hunter Skinner. The Rangers also received Niko Mikkola. The Rangers were once regarded as the main threat to come out of the East. That all changed very quickly with how Boston came out of the gates to start the season. The Rangers needed to make a splash by the NHL Trade Deadline to bolster their roster to be able to compete with the Bruins come playoffs.

Honestly, I do believe that Tarasenko adds a lot to this Rangers team. Tarasenko is a Stanley Cup Champion who knows what it takes to get the job done. The New York Rangers didn’t really have to give up a lot to get him either which is nice. This team has a pretty young core, so you would hate to mortgage too many of your future assets to make a move like this. Since the East will likely go through Boston, this move makes a ton of sense for the Rangers and I think they executed it to perfection.

NHL Trade Deadline Rumors

Many believed that Horvat was going to be the biggest catch of the NHL Trade Deadline period. However, there are still PLENTY of intriguing trade storylines to follow as we move closer to the March 3rd NHL Trade Deadline. Here are some of the biggest ones I am following.

St. Louis Blues – Ryan O-Reilly

The Blues are not making the playoffs this year. It just isn’t happening. They have some pieces to grow moving forward but they need more young talent. O’Reilly and Tarasenko brought the Blues their first Stanely Cup. They will always be a big part of the Blues’ legacy, but it’s time to move on. Both of these guys still have plenty in the tank, and would absolutely be able to put a current contender over the top. Would love to see him end up back with the Colorado Avalanche.

Vancouver Canucks – Thatcher Demko, Brock Boeser, Andrei Kuzmenko

The Cancucks are selling everything… including the kitchen sink. If you’re gonna tank for Bedard and be as bad as you can be, then at least be good at being bad. Right?

Chicago Blackhawks – Max Domi, Patrick Kane, Johnathan Toews

Any of these 3 players would make any team better instantly. The experience, the talent, and the leadership qualities are all things that coaches and GMs can’t get enough of. You maybe can’t get these guys for as good of a price as some of the other players we’re watching as we near the NHL Trade Deadline, but who wouldn’t want a future Hall of Famer on their team as the quest for the Cup begins?

San Jose Sharks – Timo Meier, Erik Karlsson, Nick Bonino

Timo Meier to me becomes the new top target at the NHL Trade Deadline now that Bo Horvat is off the open market. Erik Karlsson is having the best offensive season of his amazing career and would be a great addition to that team who needs a solid offensive-minded defenseman to specialize in Power Play rotations. Sharks are obviously looking to build toward the future as well. They are also very strong Connor Bedard suitors.

Arizona Coyotes – Jakob Chychryn

Although many have legit concerns over Chychryn’s ability to stay healthy throughout his career, everyone knows he can be THE piece that can push a team from being a playoff team to a Cup contender. He does have favorable term left on his contract and has been rumored to be going to the LA Kings. That deal has yet to be finalized and at some point the question because why and does a different team swoop in and get the deal done before the Kings figure out how to make it work.

Detroit Red Wings – Dylan Larkin

I’m telling you all, there is something going on in Detroit. By all counts, Dylan Larkin IS Detroit and IS a Red Wing lifer. I believe it too, I mean the way he plays the game, the grit he has, and the leadership qualities he has, it all makes so much sense for the Wings to keep him. So then WHY is no long-term contract in place by now?

Larkin is an unrestricted free agent after next season and could walk away from the Wings with NOTHING in return but a goodbye breakup letter. Team GM and Hall of Famer Steve Yzerman isn’t going to let that happen. It’s either; sign Larkin by the NHL Trade Deadline of March 3rd to a long-term deal, or trade him now. Keep an eye on this one.