|
Often less is more at the trade deadline |
|
|
|
|
|
At this time of year, fans of NHL teams are often clamoring for that big trade they believe will make the difference in their team winning Lord Stanley’s Cup. Recent history would suggest they should be hoping their team makes a minor, complimentary trade.
Since 2015, the big trade acquisitions haven’t let to success in hoisting hockey’s holy grail. Last year, the Blues added the mostly press box watching Michael Del Zotto on the way to their 1st championship while the Vegas Golden Knights made a big splash with Mark Stone and the Winnipeg Jets added Kevin Hayes, both on their way to 1st round exits.
The 2018 Champion Washington Capitals added Chicago Blackhawks outcast Michael Kempny while acquiring Evander Kane garnered the San Jose Sharks a 2nd round loss, JT Miller and Ryan McDonagh and Paul Stastny helped the Lightning and Jets to their respective Conference finals.
In 2017, the Penguins back to back championship year, they added Ron Hainsey trumping the Capitals who added Kevin Shattenkirk and were bounced in the 2nd round. The Minnesota Wild thought Martin Hanzal would be the answer only to see themselves golfing before the 2nd round even started.
In the Penguins 2016 Championship, they added Justin Schultz while the New York Rangers added Eric Staal in a blockbuster trade before losing in the 1st round. The Blackhawks added Andrew Ladd and Dale Weisse before exiting in the 1st round.
In 2015, the Blackhawks smaller deals of adding Antoine Vermette and Andrew Desjardins worked out much better on their way to the Cup while the Rangers blockbuster for Keith Yandle helped them get to the Conference Finals before bowing out.
In the last 13 years, only three champions have made bigger deals with two of those teams being the Los Angeles King when in 2014 they added Marian Gaborik and Brayden McNabb and 2012 with Jeff Carter. The other team was the 2011 Bruins who added Tomas Kaberle. The other deadline acquisitions of eventual cup champions were players like Brad May, Brad Stuart, an aging Bill Guerin, Chris Kunitz, and Michael Handzus.
Blues fans are hoping that the four year trend of the eventual cup champion adding a depth defenseman holds yet again as the move for Marco Scandella seems to fit that description.
On a more unbelievable note, 42 year old, EBUG (emergency backup goalie) David Ayers was forced into action in the 2nd period last night for the Carolina Hurricanes, facing his home town Toronto Maple Leafs and becoming the goalie of record, winning the game giving up two goals on ten shots. Check this out:
It’s a great day for hockey.
St Louis Blues Blogger • 
Join the Discussion:
»