Columbus trades Pascal Leclaire and a 2009 second round pick to Ottawa for Antoine Vermette.
-Columbus acquired another veteran forward, which is something fans have been asking them to address. Vermette, 6’1” 197 lbs, was used in many defensive roles for the Senators, as well as playing on the second line behind the Jason Spezza line most nights. Ottawa gets the starting goalie that they have been desperately searching for in Patrick Leclaire as well. Leclaire, bothered by injury all season, has played in just twelve games this season, recording a dismal 3.83 goals against average and a .867 save percentage. But Leclaire has been a bright for Columbus in the past on non-playoff teams, as his career numbers show an impressive .907 save percentage and a 2.82 goals against average.
Ponder’s Call: Good deal for both teams. Ottawa got a goaltender and Columbus got some veteran leadership.
Calgary trades Lawrence Nycholat, Ryan Wilson and a 2009 second round pick to Colorado for Jordan Leopold.
-Calgary gets Leopold, who was a major part of their 2004 Stanley Cup Final run. He and Robyn Regehr were paired together most of the playoffs and were the top line for Calgary. His numbers have not been too impressive this season (6 goals, 14 assists for 20 points), but the Flames got a defenseman who is very good at moving the puck out of the zone. Colorado acquired a few players that have minimal NHL experience. Nycholat was placed on waivers by the Vancouver Canucks earlier this season, being claimed by the Flames. He has just 1 assist in 14 games this season. Wilson has been called “slow-footed” and “lacks intensity at times” by NHL scouts, but came into the Quad City Flames roster as a possible NHL prospect. Only time will tell on this guy if he can pan out.
Ponder’s Call: Calgary made the move to get someone they really wanted back in the lineup. I do not really understand the move by Colorado, as Lawrence Nycholat had to pass through the Avalanche before the Flames could pick him up, so why acquire him in a trade right now? The biggest part of the deal for Colorado is the second round pick. Advantage Flames.
Phoenix trades Mikael Tellqvist to Buffalo for a 2010 fourth round pick.
-Buffalo answered their problems in goal with this deal. With Ryan Miller down with an injury, they had to get someone who could help out Patrick Lalime in goal.
Ponder’s Call: Phoenix is pretty set in goal with Ilya Bryzgalov, as well as dumping some salary to look good for prospective buyers for the team. Buffalo gets the backup that they need. Good deal for both teams.
Toronto claims Martin Gerber from Ottawa on re-entry waivers.
-Ottawa was pretty much aware that goaltender Gerber would not make it through re-entry waivers. Gerber did not pan out in Ottawa as they had hoped. Toronto GM Brian Burke hopes that things change in Toronto.
Ponder’s Call: Waivers, why not? Good deal. Take the guy and see what happens.
Dallas claims Brendan Morrison from Anaheim on waivers.
-Dallas has some notable forwards on IR (Brad Richards, Brendan Morrow). Morrison has had an absolute disastrous season since leaving Vancouver, scoring just 10 goals and 12 assists in 62 games.
Ponder’s Call: Once again, what can it hurt? You have plenty of injuries and need someone to step in and help. Morrison could be that guy.
Calgary trades Matthew Lombardi, Brandon Prust and a 2009 first round pick for Olli Jokinen and a 2009 third round pick.
-This is easily the biggest deal of the day. Olli has enjoyed a decent season in Phoenix, but there is no playoff future for him in Phoenix. Calgary loaded their center position by adding just this one player. Olli can score in any position and will prove to be a great player in his first ever visit to the NHL playoffs. Lombardi has 30 points in 50 games this season, playing usually in the second line or checking line role.
Ponder’s Call: Calgary just improved their Stanley Cup chances with this move. With the addition of Leopold mentioned earlier, this team is serious about a playoff run. Phoenix has picked up a few smart players in Lombardi and Prust, also adding another first round pick in June. Good deal for both teams.
Boston trades Matt Lashoff and Martins Karsums to Tampa Bay for Mark Recchi and a 2010 second round pick.
-Mark Recchi is a proven NHL forward who can help in the locker room before games and between periods. Boston knows that they lack playoff experience on their roster, so adding the 41-year old winger may prove to be a smart move on their part. Tampa Bay got a smart defenseman in Lashoff, who has been used in every situation by the Providence Bruins this season. The 22-year old offensive d-man was the cornerstone of the deal for the Lightning, who are looking for good, young defenseman. Karsums is not noted for speed, but has a good shot and a strong body, making him hard to knock off the puck.
Ponder’s Call: Good deal for both teams. Boston got their veteran ad Tampa added some youth to a rebuilding roster.
Stay tuned for NHL Trade Deadline Analysis: Part Two!
Keywords: Antoine Vermette, Brad Richards, Brandon Prust, Brendan Morrison, Brendan Morrow, Brian Burke, Calgary Flames, Jason Spezza, Jordan Leopold, Lawrence Nycholat, Mark Recchi, Martin Gerber, Matt Lashoff, Matthew Lombardi, Mikael Tellqvist, NHL, Olli Jokinen, Pascal Leclaire, Ryan Miller
