2018 Stanley Cup Playoffs Preview - Eastern/Western Conference Semifinals

1st Round Scores:

Eastern Conference:

#1 Tampa Bay Lightning defeat WC #2 New Jersey Devils (4-1)
#1 Washington Capitals defeat WC #1 Columbus Blue Jackets (4-2)
#2 Boston Bruins defeat #3 Toronto Maple Leafs (4-3)
#2 Pittsburgh Penguins defeat #3 Philadelphia Flyers (4-2)

Western Conference:

#1 Nashville Predators defeat WC #2 Colorado Avalanche (4-2)
#1 Vegas Golden Knights defeat WC #1 Los Angeles Kings (4-0)
#2 Winnipeg Jets defeat #3 Minnesota Wild (4-1)
#3 San Jose Sharks defeat #2 Anaheim Ducks (4-0)

Forman Faceoff Conn Smythe Standings:

1. Marc-Andre Fleury (VGK) - 4 wins, 0.65 GAA, .977 Save %, 2 shutouts

2. Sidney Crosby (PIT) - 6 goals, 7 assists, 13 points

3. David Pastrnak (BOS) - 5 goals, 8 assists, 13 points

4. Martin Jones (SJS) - 4 wins, 1.00 GAA, .970 Save %, 1 shutout

5. Nikita Kucherov (TBL) - 5 goals, 5 assists, 10 points

6. Connor Hellebuyck (WPG) - 4 wins, 1.93 GAA, .924 Save %, 2 shutouts

7. Jake Guentzel (PIT) - 6 goals, 7 assists, 13 points

8. Braden Holtby (WSH) - 4 wins, 1.92 GAA, .932 Save %

9. Brad Marchand (BOS) - 3 goals, 6 assists, 9 points

10. Austin Watson (NSH) - 4 goals, 3 assist, 7 points

Here's a look at the 4 Conference Semi-Final match-ups:

#1 Tampa Bay Lightning vs #2 Boston Bruins

Season Series: Bruins won the season series 3-1-0

November 29, 2017: Boston Bruins 3, Tampa Bay Lightning 2
March 17, 2018: Boston Bruins 3, Tampa Bay Lightning 0
March 29, 2018: Boston Bruins 4, Tampa Bay Lightning 2

April 3, 2018: Tampa Bay Lightning 4, Boston Bruins 0

Players to Watch:

Tampa Bay: Nikita Kucherov, Steven Stamkos, Victor Hedman, Brayden Point, Tyler Johnson, Ondrej Palat

Boston: Brad Marchand, Patrice Bergeron, David Pastrnak, Tuukka Rask, Zdeno Chara, David Krejci

X-Factor:

Tampa Bay: Nikita Kucherov

Boston: Brad Marchand

Team Leaders:

Goals: Nikita Kucherov (TBL) - 5, David Pastrnak/Jake DeBrusk (BOS) - 5
Assists: David Pastrnak (BOS) - 8, Nikita Kucherov/Steven Stamkos (TBL) - 5

Points: David Pastrnak (BOS) - 13, Nikita Kucherov - 10
Wins: Andrei Vasilevskiy (TBL) - 4, Tuukka Rask (BOS) - 4
Goals Against Average: Andrei Vasilevskiy (TBL) - 2.01, Tuukka Rask (BOS) - 2.94

Save Percentage: Andrei Vasilevskiy (TBL) - .941, Tuukka Rask (BOS) - .899

Prediction: Both of these teams battled neck and neck for the Atlantic Division title this season, with the Bruins losing on the last day of the regular season to fall 1 point short. This series has two high-powered offenses going head to head and will be very close, but I give the edge to the Bruins fresh off their big game 7 win vs Toronto.

(BRUINS IN 7)

#1 Washington Capitals vs #2 Pittsburgh Penguins

Season Series: Season series tied 2-2-0

October 11, 2017: Pittsburgh Penguins 3, Washington Capitals 2
November 10, 2017: Washington Capitals 4, Pittsburgh Penguins 1
February 2, 2018: Pittsburgh Penguins 7, Washington Capitals 4
April 1, 2018: Washington Capitals 3, Pittsburgh Penguins 1

Players to Watch:

Washington: Alex Ovechkin, Nicklas Backstrom, Evgeny Kuznetsov, John Carlson, Braden Holtby, Devante Smith-Pelly

Pittsburgh: Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, Phil Kessel, Matt Murray, Jake Guentzel, Bryan Rust

X-Factor:

Washington: Alex Ovechkin

Pittsburgh: Sidney Crosby

Team Leaders:

Goals: Sidney Crosby/Jake Guentzel (PIT) - 6, Alex Ovechkin (WSH) - 5
Assists: John Carlson (WSH) - 8, Sidney Crosby/Jake Guentzel (PIT) - 13
Points: Sidney Crosby/Jake Guentzel (PIT) - 13, John Carlson (WSH) - 9
Wins: Braden Holtby (WSH) - 4, Matt Murray (PIT) - 4
Goals Against Average: Braden Holtby (WSH) - 1.92, Matt Murray (PIT) - 2.20
Save Percentage: Braden Holtby (WSH) - 9.32, Matt Murray (PIT) - 9.11

Prediction: Penguins vs Capitals, 2nd round, for the 3rd consecutive year...We want to think this year will be different for Ovechkin and company, but I can't bet against the two-time defending champs and think the Penguins are just too deep and strong right now.

(PENGUINS IN 6)


This would have the Eastern Conference Finals match up as:

#2 Boston Bruins vs. #2 Pittsburgh Penguins

#1 Nashville Predators vs #2 Winnipeg Jets

Season Series: Predators won the season series 3-1-1

November 20, 2017: Nashville Predators 5, Winnipeg Jets 3 
December 19, 2017: Winnipeg Jets 6, Nashville Predators 4
February 27, 2018: Nashville Predators 6, Winnipeg Jets 5
March 13, 2018: Nashville Predators 3, Winnipeg Jets 1
March 25, 2018: Winnipeg Jets 5, Nashville Predators 4 (SO)

Players to Watch:

Nashville: Filip Forsberg, Viktor Arvidsson, PK Subban, Pekka Rinne, Mattias Ekholm, Austin Watson

Winnipeg: Patrik Laine, Blake Wheeler, Mark Scheifele, Connor Hellebuyck, Dustin Byfuglien, Tyler Myers

X-Factor:

Nashville: Filip Forsberg

Winnipeg: Blake Wheeler

Team Leaders:

Goals: Filip Forsberg/Austin Watson (NSH) - 4, Mark Scheifele (WPG) - 4
Assists: Mattias Ekholm (NSH) - 5, Dustin Byfuglien (WPG) - 5
Points: Austin Watson/Colton Sissons (NSH) - 7, Mark Scheifele/Dustin Byfuglien (WPG) - 5
Wins: Pekka Rinne (NSH) - 4, Connor Hellebuyck (WPG) - 4
Goals Against Average: Connor Hellebuyck (WPG) - 1.93, Pekka Rinne (NSH) - 2.60
Save Percentage: Connor Hellebuyck (WPG) - .924, Pekka Rinne (NSH) - .909

Prediction: It's almost a shame that this match up is in the 2nd round and not the Conference Finals, arguably two of the best teams in the NHL going head to head in a major heavyweight tilt. After seeing the Predators beat my Avalanche in 6 I know how impressive they can be, but I'm giving the very slight edge to Winnipeg and see them advancing to the Conference Finals.

(JETS IN 7)

#1 Vegas Golden Knights vs #3 San Jose Sharks

Season Series: Golden Knights won the season series 3-0-1

November 24, 2017: Vegas Golden Knights 5, San Jose Sharks 4 (OT)
February 8, 2018: Vegas Golden Knights 5, San Jose Sharks 3
March 22, 2018: San Jose Sharks 2, Vegas Golden Knights 1 (OT)
March 31, 2018: Vegas Golden Knights 3, San Jose Sharks 2

Players to Watch:

Vegas: Marc-Andre Fleury, James Neal, Johnathan Marchessault, William Karlsson, Reilly Smith, Ryan Carpenter

San Jose: Joe Pavelski, Logan Couture, Brent Burns, Joe Thornton, Martin Jones, Evander Kane

X-Factor:

Vegas: Marc-Andre Fleury

San Jose: Joe Pavelski

Team Leaders:

Goals: Tomas Hertl/Marcus Sorensen/Evander Kane (SJS) - 3, James Neal/Cody Eakin/Alex Tuch - 1
Assists: Joe Pavelski (SJS) - 4, Reilly Smith (VGK) - 3
Points: Joe Pavelski/Logan Couture (SJS) - 5, Reilly Smith (VGK) - 3
Wins: Marc-Andre Fleury (VGK) - 4, Martin Jones (SJS) - 4
Goals Against Average: Marc-Andre Fleury (VGK) - 0.65, Martin Jones (SJS) - 1.00
Save Percentage: Marc-Andre Fleury (VGK) - .977, Martin Jones (SJS) - .970

Prediction: Most of the hockey world (myself included) has expected the Golden Knights to fall down to earth eventually, but the miracle expansion season continues in Vegas. After dismantling the Kings in 4 games in round 1, I think Marc-Andre Fleury carries the Golden Knights past the Sharks in this series and straight to the Conference Finals.

(GOLDEN KNIGHTS IN 6)


This would have the Western Conference Finals matchup as:

#1 Vegas Golden Knights vs #2 Winnipeg Jets

2nd round begins tonight!


Joel Forman

2018 Stanley Cup Playoffs Preview - Eastern/Western Conference Quarterfinals

The best time of the year: Stanley Cup Playoffs! A ton of storylines heading into the playoffs this year, whether that's the expansion Vegas Golden Knights winning the Pacific Division, the Avs going from 48 points last year to 95 points and a playoff spot this year, or the Devils going from picking 1st in the NHL draft last summer to the playoffs this year. With that being said, here's a look at the Eastern/Western Quarterfinals match ups and how I predict they will play out:

#1 Tampa Bay Lightning vs. WC #2 New Jersey Devils

Season Series: Devils won the season series 3-0-0

October 17, 2017: New Jersey Devils 5, Tampa Bay Lightning 4 (SO)
February 17, 2018: New Jersey Devils 4, Tampa Bay Lightning 3
March 24, 2018: New Jersey Devils 2, Tampa Bay Lightning 1

Players to Watch:

Tampa Bay: Nikita Kucherov, Steven Stamkos, Victor Hedman, Brayden Point, Tyler Johnson, JT Miller

New Jersey: Taylor Hall, Kyle Palmieri, Nico Hischier, Will Butcher, Keith Kinkaid, Brian Boyle

X-Factor:

Tampa Bay: Nikita Kucherov

New Jersey: Taylor Hall

Team Leaders:

Goals: Taylor Hall (NJD) - 39, Nikita Kucherov (TBL) - 39
Assists: Nikita Kucherov (TBL) - 61, Taylor Hall (NJD) - 54
Points: Nikita Kucherov (TBL) - 100, Taylor Hall (NJD) - 93
Wins: Andrei Vasilevskiy (TBL) - 44, Keith Kinkaid (NJD) - 26
Goals Against Average: Andrei Vasilevskiy (TBL) - 2.62, Keith Kinkaid (NJD) - 2.77
Save Percentage: Andrei Vasilevskiy (TBL) - .926, Keith Kinkaid (NJD) - .913

Prediction: Despite a breakout season from Taylor Hall and their 1st playoff appearance since 2012, the Devils face an extremely tough task at beating the Lightning in this series. Tampa Bay will overpower them with ease and roll on the 2nd round.

(LIGHTNING IN 5)

#1 Washington Capitals vs. WC #1 Columbus Blue Jackets

Season Series: Capitals won the season series 3-1-0

December 2, 2017: Washington Capitals 4, Columbus Blue Jackets 3
February 6, 2018: Washington Capitals 3, Columbus Blue Jackets 2
February 9, 2018: Washington Capitals 4, Columbus Blue Jackets 2
February 26, 2018: Columbus Blue Jackets 5, Washington Capitals 1

Players to Watch:

Washington: Alex Ovechkin, Nicklas Backstrom, Evgeny Kuznetsov, John Carlson, TJ Oshie, 

Columbus: Artemi Panarin, Sergei Bobrovsky, Seth Jones, Zach Werenski, Pierre-Luc Dubois, Thomas Vanek

X-Factor:

Washington: Alex Ovechkin

Columbus: Sergei Bobrovsky

Team Leaders:

Goals: Alex Ovechkin (WSH) - 49, Artemi Panarin (CBJ) - 27
Assists: Evgeny Kuznetsov (WSH) - 56, Artemi Panarin (CBJ) - 55
Points: Alex Ovechkin (WSH) - 87, Artemi Panarin (CBJ) - 82
Wins: Sergei Bobrovsky (CBJ) - 37, Braden Holtby (WSH) - 34
Goals Against Average: Philipp Grubauer (WSH) - 2.35, Sergei Bobrovsky (CBJ) - 2.42
Save Percentage: Philipp Grubauer (WSH) - .923, Sergei Bobrovsky (CBJ) - .921

Prediction: Is this finally the year for Ovie and the Caps? They are in tough in round 1 against the feisty Blue Jackets, this series could truly go either way. I give the slight edge to the Capitals and see them moving on to round 2.

(CAPITALS IN 6)

#2 Boston Bruins vs. #3 Toronto Maple Leafs

Season Series: Maple Leafs won the season series 3-1-0
November 10, 2017: Toronto Maple Leafs 3, Boston Bruins 2 (OT)
November 11, 2017: Toronto Maple Leafs 4, Boston Bruins 1
February 3, 2018: Boston Bruins 4, Toronto Maple Leafs 1
February 24, 2018: Toronto Maple Leafs 4, Boston Bruins 3

Players to Watch:

Boston: Brad Marchand, Patrice Bergeron, David Pastrnak, Tuukka Rask, Charlie McAvoy, Ryan Donato

Toronto: Auston Matthews, Mitch Marner, William Nylander, Frederik Andersen, James van Riemsdyk, Jake Gardiner

X-Factor:

Boston: Auston Matthews

Toronto: Tuukka Rask

Team Leaders:

Goals: James van Riemsdyk (TOR) - 36, David Pastrnak (BOS) - 35
Assists: Brad Marchand (BOS) - 51, Mitch Marner/Jake Gardiner (TOR) - 47
Points: Brad Marchand (BOS) - 85, Mitch Marner (TOR) - 69
Wins: Frederik Andersen (TOR) - 38, Tuukka Rask (BOS) - 34
Goals Against Average: Tuukka Rask (BOS) - 2.36, Frederik Andersen (TOR) - 2.81
Save Percentage: Frederik Andersen (TOR) - .918, Tuukka Rask (BOS) - .917

Prediction: A rematch of the fantastic 2013 1st round series, the Bruins and Leafs renew the rivalry and this has the potential to be a very high-scoring series. While I certainly think this can go either way, the Bruins look like the more complete team and will move on to round 2.

(BRUINS IN 7)

#2 Pittsburgh Penguins vs. #3 Philadelphia Flyers

Season Series: Penguins won the season series 4-0-0
November 27, 2017: Pittsburgh Penguins 5, Philadelphia Flyers 4 (OT)
January 2, 2018: Pittsburgh Penguins 5, Philadelphia Flyers 1
March 7, 2018: Pittsburgh Penguins 5, Philadelphia Flyers 2
March 25, 2018: Pittsburgh Penguins 5, Philadelphia Flyers 4 (OT)

Players to Watch:

Pittsburgh: Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, Phil Kessel, Kris Letang, Bryan Rust, Jake Guentzel

Philadelphia: Claude Giroux, Jakub Voracek, Sean Couturier, Wayne Simmonds, Shayne Gostisbehere, Ivan Provorov 

X-Factor:

Pittsburgh: Sidney Crosby 

Philadelphia: Claude Giroux

Team Leaders:

Goals: Evgeni Malkin (PIT) - 42, Claude Giroux (PHI) - 34
Assists: Claude Giroux (PHI) - 68, Sidney Crosby (PHI) - 60
Points: Claude Giroux (PHI) - 102, Evgeni Malkin (PIT) - 98
Wins: Matt Murray (PIT) - 27, Brian Elliott (PHI) - 23
Goals Against Average: Brian Elliott (PHI) - 2.66, Matt Murray (PIT) - 2.92
Save Percentage: Brian Elliott (PHI) - .909, Matt Murray (PIT) - .907

Prediction: When the Flyers and Penguins faced off the 1st round in 2012, that was one of the best playoff series I have ever witnessed in my 27 years on this planet. The battle of Pennsylvania round 2 has the Flyers attempting to knock off the 2-time defending champs, and this series is going to be very close. However, I think the Penguins are chasing history and will fight off their rivals and move on to round 2

(PENGUINS IN 6)

This would have Tampa Bay, Washington, Boston and Pittsburgh advancing to the next round. The match ups would be as follows:

#1 Tampa Bay Lightning vs. #2 Boston Bruins

#1 Washington Capitals vs. #2 Pittsburgh Penguins

#1 Nashville Predators vs WC #2 Colorado Avalanche

Season Series: Predators won the season series 4-0-0
October 17, 2017: Nashville Predators 4, Colorado Avalanche 1
November 18, 2017: Nashville Predators 5, Colorado Avalanche 2
March 4, 2018: Nashville Predators 4, Colorado Avalanche 3 (OT)
March 16, 2018: Nashville Predators 4, Colorado Avalanche 2

Players to Watch:

Nashville: Filip Forsberg, Ryan Johansen, PK Subban, Roman Josi Viktor Arvidsson, Pekka Rinne

Colorado: Nathan MacKinnon, Mikko Rantanen, Gabriel Landeskog, Tyson Barrie, Tyson Jost, Nikita Zadorov

X-Factor:

Nashville: Pekka Rinne

Colorado: Nathan MacKinnon

Team Leaders:

Goals: Nathan MacKinnon (COL) - 39, Viktor Arvidsson (NSH) - 29
Assists: Nathan MacKinnon (COL) - 58, PK Subban (NSH) - 43
Points: Nathan MacKinnon (COL) - 97, Filip Forsberg (NSH) - 64
Wins: Pekka Rinne (NSH) - 42, Semyon Varlamov (COL) - 24
Goals Against Average: Pekka Rinne (NSH) - 2.31, Semyon Varlamov - 2.68
Save Percentage: Pekka Rinne (NSH) - .927, Semyon Varlamov (COL) - .920

Prediction: As a die-hard Avalanche fan the past 12 months have been strange, very strange. From the lowest of the low last season, to making the playoffs now, it's just a stunning turnaround lead by MVP-candidate Nathan MacKinnon. While I recognize the Avs are outmatched and will probably be bested by the Predators, I have to pick my team in their 1st playoffs since 2014.

(AVALANCHE IN 7)

#1 Vegas Golden Knights vs WC #1 Los Angeles Kings

Season Series: Season series tied 2-1-1

November 19, 2017: Vegas Golden Knights 4, Los Angeles Kings 2
December 28, 2017: Vegas Golden Knights 3, Los Angeles Kings 2 (OT)
February 26, 2018: Los Angeles Kings 3, Vegas Golden Knights 2 (OT)
February 27, 2018: Los Angeles Kings 4, Vegas Golden Knights 1

Players to Watch:

Vegas: William Karlsson, James Neal, Jonathan Marchessault, Marc-Andre Fleury, Reilly Smith, Shea Theodore

Los Angeles: Anze Kopitar, Drew Doughty, Jonathan Quick, Dustin Brown, Tyler Toffoli, Jake Muzzin

X-Factor:

Vegas: Marc-Andre Fleury

Los Angeles: Jonathan Quick 

Team Leaders:

Goals: William Karlsson (VGK) - 43, Anze Kopitar (LAK) - 35
Assists: Anze Kopitar (LAK) - 57, David Perron (VGK) - 50
Points: Anze Kopitar (LAK) - 92, William Karlsson (VGK) - 78
Wins: Jonathan Quick (LAK) - 33, Marc-Andre Fleury (VGK) - 29
Goals Against Average: Marc-Andre Fleury (VGK) - 2.24, Jonathan Quick (LAK) - 2.40
Save Percentage: Marc-Andre Fleury (VGK) - .927, Jonathan Quick (LAK) - .921

Prediction: The toast of the NHL this season has been the NHL's newest team: the Vegas Golden Knights. After putting up the best season in expansion draft history, the Golden Knights won the Pacific Division and home ice in round 1. However, they have a tough task at hand in the LA Kings, Cup winners in 2012 and 2014 with much of the same core still here. While everyone is rooting for Vegas, I think the Kings are too strong and will ultimately win this series on experience.

(KINGS IN 6)

#2 Winnipeg Jets vs #3 Minnesota Wild

Season Series: Jets won the season series 3-1-0
October 20, 2017: Winnipeg Jets 4, Minnesota Wild 3
October 31, 2017: Winnipeg Jets 2, Minnesota Wild 1
November 27, 2017: Winnipeg Jets 7, Minnesota Wild 2
January 13, 2018: Minnesota Wild 4, Winnipeg Jets 1

Players to Watch:

Winnipeg: Patrik Laine, Blake Wheeler, Mark Scheifele, Connor Hellebuyck, Dustin Byfuglien, Paul Stastny

Minnesota: Eric Staal, Devan Dubnyk, Zach Parise, Jason Zucker, Matt Dumba, Mikael Granlund 

X-Factor:

Winnipeg: Blake Wheeler 

Minnesota: Devan Dubnyk

Team Leaders:

Goals: Patrik Laine (WPG) - 44, Eric Staal (MIN) - 42
Assists: Blake Wheeler (WPG) - 68, Mikael Granlund (MIN) - 46
Points: Blake Wheeler (WPG) - 91, Eric Staal (MIN) - 76
Wins: Connor Hellebuyck (WPG) - 44, Devan Dubnyk (MIN) - 35
Goals Against Average: Connor Hellebuyk (WPG) - 2.36, Devan Dubnyk (MIN) - 2.52
Save Percentage: Connor Hellebuyck (WPG) - .924, Devan Dubnyk (MIN) - .918

Prediction: The Jets return to the playoffs for the first time since 2015, and the White Out will be in full force trying to lead them deep into the playoffs. While I think the Wild will put up a fight in this series, the loss of #1 D Ryan Suter is too much to overcome and the Jets will march on.

(JETS IN 6)

#2 Anaheim Ducks vs #3 San Jose Sharks

Season Series: Sharks won the season series 3-0-1

November 4, 2017: San Jose Sharks 2, Anaheim Ducks 1 (SO)
November 20, 2017: Anaheim Ducks 3, San Jose Sharks 2 (SO)
January 21, 2018: San Jose Sharks 6, Anaheim Ducks 2
February 11, 2018: San Jose Sharks 3, Anaheim Ducks 2 (SO)

Players to Watch:

Anaheim: Ryan Getzlaf, Rickard Rakell, Corey Perry, Ryan Kesler, Jakob Silfverberg, Hampus Lindholm

San Jose: Joe Pavelski, Logan Couture, Brent Burns, Joe Thornton, Evander Kane, Tomas Hertl

X-Factor:

Anaheim: Ryan Getzlaf

San Jose: Joe Pavelski

Team Leaders:

Goals: Rickard Rakell (ANA) - 34, Logan Couture (SJS) - 34
Assists: Brent Burns (SJS) - 55, Ryan Getzlaf (ANA) - 50
Points: Rickard Rakell (ANA) - 69, Brent Burns (SJS) - 67
Wins: John Gibson (ANA) - 31, Martin Jones (SJS) - 30
Goals Against Average: Ryan Miller (ANA) - 2.35, Martin Jones (SJS) - 2.55
Save Percentage: Ryan Miller (ANA) - .928, Martin Jones (SJS) - .915

Prediction: The SoCal rivals meet in the 1st round and this series has the potential to be one of the most exciting in the 1st round. Both these teams are big, strong but skilled teams and match up very well against each other. While I think either team is capable of winning the series, I will side with the home team and give the Ducks the slight edge.

(DUCKS IN 7)

This would have Colorado, Los Angeles, Winnipeg and Anaheim advancing to the next round. The match ups would be as follows:

#2 Winnipeg Jets vs. WC #2 Colorado Avalanche

#2 Anaheim Ducks vs WC #1 Los Angeles Kings

The playoffs kick off tomorrow night in Winnipeg! Who is going to hoist Lord Stanley this year? Time will tell...

-Joel Forman - The Forman Faceoff

NHL Trade Deadline 2018 - Live Blog

NHL Trade Deadline Day is my favourite day of the year, both as a hockey fan and as a blogger, and this will be the 4th Annual Forman Faceoff NHL Trade Deadline Live Blog. This will be my 9th straight NHL trade deadline, going back to the 2009/2010 season. Here's a look at how the numbers have played out in recent trade deadlines:

While the numbers have been down in recent years, there are a number of teams with players still available and Trade Deadline 2018 is shaping up to be a great day!

NHL Trade Tracker: http://formanfaceoffnhl.blogspot.ca/2018/02/nhl-trade-deadline-2018-trade-tracker.html

8:00 AM - 9:00 AM:
-Up bright and early at 7:00 AM for my favourite day of the year!
-This will be my 9th consecutive NHL Trade Deadline covered as mentioned above
-There are a lot of big pieces still in play today, namely 3 Captains on selling teams - Erik Karlsson in Ottawa, Ryan McDonagh in New York and Max Pacioretty in Montreal. Will be interesting to see if any of these 3 get dealt today
-"I grew up in Ottawa, I've never seen a fan base so upset and angry before" - Duthie on the current state of the Senators
-"He's got one job...don't do the Joe Thornton trade" O-Dog on Pierre Dorion not screwing up the potential Karlsson deal
-Darryl Sutter on the panel for Trade Deadline day "I find it hard to believe we're sitting hear and talking about Erik Karlsson"
-"There's nothing like old school idiocy, which is great because there's new school idiocy with the return of Jay and Dan!" - Duthie
-"Kudos to our ESPN Overlords" - Jay Onrait
-Duthie asked Sutter about the time he traded his own son "I traded my brother once too, hockey is a business at the end of the day"
-Hour 1 has come and gone and there are no trades yet, here's a look at former NHL Coaches Darryl Sutter and Paul MacLean on the panel today:

9:00 AM - 10:00 AM:
-"I've been covering this team for 19 years, this is the most tense I've ever seen it here" - Brent Wallace on the Senators
-"To go from all-in, to all-out in 2 months, that's unprecedented in the NHL today" - Duthie on the Senators since the Matt Duchene trade
-Up for movie of the year, TSN's new feature "Is there Ketchup on that?" https://www.tsn.ca/tradecentre/video/tsn-original-is-there-ketchup-on-that~1334389
-First trade of the day at 9:40 AM, Ian Cole heading to the Columbus Blue Jackets
-TRADE #1: Columbus Blue Jackets Acquire D Ian Cole from the Ottawa Senators for F Nick Moutrey and a 3rd-round pick.
Analysis: After acquiring Cole from the Penguins in the Derick Brassard trade, the Senators flip him to the Blue Jackets for a 3rd round pick and a prospect. The Blue Jackets acquire a 2-time Stanley Cup winner and a veteran defenseman that gives them depth on the back-end
-Hour #2 has come to and end and we have our first trade of the day!
-Here's a look at Trade Centre 2017 where the boys Jay and Dan announced their magnificent return to Canada.

10:00 AM - 11:00 AM:
-Frank Seravalli says 18-year old Finnish Olympic star Eeli Tolvanen will be joining the Predators once his KHL season ends
-Brian Gionta (Boston) and Chris Kelly (Anaheim) both return to the NHL after captaining Team USA and Canada in the Olympics
-The second TSN Feature of the day "Fourth Line Winger" https://www.tsn.ca/tradecentre/video/fourth-line-winger-music-video~1333768
-Darryl Sutter back on the panel, talking his former team the Calgary Flames "I really like their forward depth, they are as strong on the left wing as any team in the NHL"
-"Is your goal to make the playoffs or to win the Stanley Cup" - Sutter on the Flames potential for deals at the deadline
-Hour #3 has come to an end and we sit at just 1 trade on the day

11:00 AM - 12:00 PM:
-The Predators announce former Captain Mike Fisher is officially back, a 1-year $1 million deal for the remainder of the season.
-Tomas Plekanec practicing with the Maple Leafs in Tampa Bay this morning, he will make his Leafs debut vs the Lightning tonight.
-Rumblings of a Predators/Blackhawks trade involving Ryan Hartman, details to come
-Hour #4 has come and gone and we still have just 1 deal on that table
-A first look at Tomas Plekanec chatting with his new Head Coach Mike Babcock, who shaved his signature goatee to comply with Lou Lamiorello's "No facial hair" rule:

12:00 PM - 1:00 PM:
-A trio of players claimed on waivers: Johnny Oduya to Philadelphia, Mark Alt to Colorado and Chris Stewart to Calgary. Alex Burrows goes unclaimed after being waived yesterday by Ottawa
-"Seems like I'm talking to you guys every year around this time" - Chris Stewart to Duthie on joining the Calgary Flames.
-TRADE #2: Nashville Predators acquire F Ryan Hartman and a 5th-round pick (2018) from the Chicago Blackhawks for F Victor Esdjell, a 1st-round pick (2018) and a 4th-round pick (2018)
Analysis: The Predators add a former 1st round pick in the 23-year old Ryan Hartman, who in return send the Blackhawks a 1st and 4th round pick. With the Blackhawks in danger of missing the playoffs for the firs time since 2007/08, this looks like a move for the future for Stan Bowman
-TRADE #3: Winnipeg Jets acquire F Paul Stastny from the St. Louis Blues for F Erik Foley, a 1st-round pick (2018) and a conditional 4th-round pick (2020).
Analysis: The Jets add reliable veteran center to an already stacked forward group, and continue to build towards being Stanley Cup contenders this season. They pay a big price in acquiring the 32-year old Stastny, sending a 1st and 4th round picks plus a prospect. The Blues will also retain 50% of Stastny's salary ($7 million), who is a UFA this summer
-TRADE #4: Vancouver Canucks acquire F Brendan Leipsic from the Vegas Golden Knights for D Philip Holm
Analysis: Minor-league deal
-Trades starting to pick up now with 3 in the last hour, as we are now 2 hours away from 3PM

1:00 PM - 2:00 PM:
-Frank Seravalli says this is the first Trade Deadline Day since 2008 where multiple 1st-round picks have been traded
-"I think because it's Winnipeg, there's a lot of excitement there" Paul Stastny on his trade to the Winnipeg Jets
-Pierre LeBrun says the interest in Rangers Captain Ryan McDonagh is heating up, remains to be seen if New York moves him now or this summer.
-TRADE #5: Columbus Blue Jackets Acquire F Ryan Kujawinski from the Arizona Coyotes for F Jordan Maletta
Analysis: Minor-league deal
-We're now ONE HOUR from the deadline, still a lot of pieces in play and deals left to be reported. As always, many deals don't come in until an hour or two after the deadline

2:00 PM - 3:00 PM:
-Bob McKenzie reports the Sharks are close to acquiring Evander Kane
-TRADE #6: New York Islanders acquire F Chris Wagner from the Anaheim Ducks for F Jason Chimera
Analysis: The Islanders and Ducks swap depth fowards, with Wagner heading to Long Island and Chimera to Anaheim.
-TRADE #7: San Jose Sharks acquire F Evander Kane from the Buffalo Sabres for F Dan O'Regan, a 1st-round pick (2019) and a 4th-round pick (2020)
Analysis: Kane was one of the expected rental players to go at the deadline, and the Sharks add the power-forward from Buffalo while sending a prospect and 2 picks back in return. If Kane can find a way to fit in and not be a distraction in San Jose, this will be a great move for the Sharks. The 1st round pick becomes a 2nd round pick if Kane doesn't re-sign in San Jose this summer
-TRADE #8: Columbus Blue Jackets acquire F Thomas Vanek from the Vancouver Canucks for F Jussi Jokinen and F Tyler Motte
Analysis: A guy who seems to be traded every year, Vanek is on to his 8th NHL team since the 2013/14 season. The Blue Jackets send 2 depth forwards in Jokinen (on to his 4th team this season) and Motte in order to receive the 34-year old Vanek.
-The Deadline has passed with 8 trades happening so far, but lots still coming in during the next few hours.

3:00 PM Deadline and On:
-Just minutes after the 3 pm deadline passed, we have the two biggest trades of the deadline: Rangers Captain Ryan McDonagh heading to the Tampa Bay Lightning and Red Wings winger Tomas Tatar heading to the Vegas Golden Knights. BOOM!
-TRADE #9: Vegas Golden Knights acquire F Tomas Tatar from the Detroit Red Wings for a 1st-round pick (2018), 2nd-round pick (2019) and 3rd-round pick (2021)
Analysis: Through the expansion draft the Golden Knights accumulated 14 picks in the 1st/2nd/3rd rounds in the next 2 NHL drafts, so you knew if they made a move they had assets to move. George McPhee pays a steep price in getting Tatar trading a 1st 2nd and 3rd, but Tatar is just 27 years old and will be a nice fit in Vegas
-TRADE #10: Tampa Bay Lightning acquire D Ryan McDonagh and F JT Miller from the New York Rangers for F Vladislav Namestnikov, F Brett Howden, D Libor Hajek, a 1st-round pick (2018) and a conditional 2nd-round pick (2019)
Analysis: The blockbuster trade of the day, wow! The Lightning acquire the Rangers Captain McDonagh and their top center JT Miller, sending a Namesnikov, a 1st and 2nd round pick, and 2 prospects in return. The Lightning pay a steep price but add 2 legit pieces that solidify them as big-time Stanley Cup contenders. The fact that Steve Yzerman was able to acquire both McDonagh and Miller without moving any of Cal Foote, Mikhail Sergachev or Brayden Point is remarkable. The 2nd-round pick in 2019 becomes a 1st-round pick if Tampa Bay wins the Cup this or next season.
-TRADE #11: Pittsburgh Penguins acquire F Josh Jooris from the Carolina Hurricanes for F Gregg McKegg
Analysis: Minor-league deal
-TRADE #12: Winnipeg Jets acquire D Joe Morrow from the Montreal Canadiens for a 4th-round pick (2018)
Analysis: The Jets add a depth defenseman in Morrow and pay a relatively cheap price sending a 4th round pick back to Montreal
-TRADE #13: Calgary Flames acquire F Nick Shore from the Ottawa Senators for a 7th-round pick (2019)
Analysis: Minor-league deal
-TRADE #14: Montreal Canadiens acquire D Mike Reilly from the Minnesota Wild for a 5th-round pick (2019)
Analysis: The Canadiens add a depth defenseman in the 24-year old Reilly for a 5th round pick
-TRADE #15: New Jersey Devils acquire F Pat Maroon from the Edmonton Oilers for F J.D. Dudek and a 3rd-round pick (2018)
-TRADE #16: Boston Bruins acquire F Tommy Wingels from the Chicago Blackhawks for a 5th-round pick
Analysis: Minor-league deal
-TRADE #17: Arizona Coyotes acquire D Trevor Murphy and F Pierre-Cedric Labrie from the Nashville Predators for D John Ramage and F Tyler Gaudet
Analysis: Minor-league deal
-TRADE #18: New York Rangers acquire D Chris Bigras from the Colorado Avalanche for D Ryan Graves
Analysis: Minor-league deal
-Interesting Stat of the Day: With the last minute Bigras for Graves deal, the Colorado Avalanche have now made a trade in 16 straight trade deadline days

NHL Trade Deadline 2018 - Final Tally:
# of Trades: 18
# of Players involved: 37
# of Draft picks involved: 18
# of Teams involved: 25
# of Teams with no trades: 6 (Dallas, Florida, Los Angeles, Philadelphia, Toronto, Washington)

Best Trade of the Day: The Lightning acquiring both Ryan McDonagh and JT Miller from the Rangers, without having to give up any of Cal Foote/Mikhail Sergachev/Brayden Point. While they trade Namestnikov, a 1st and 2nd, and 2 prospects, they instantly upgrade their defense with McDonagh and Miller will fit nicely into their top 9 forwards.

Worst Trade of the Day: The Sabres trading Evander Kane and only receiving a conditional 1st and 4th round picks in return. For months of speculating Kane would be dealt, the Sabres waited until the last second and got a sub-par return that was a lot less than they were asking for. This trade is great for the Sharks however, as the conditional 1st becomes a 2nd round pick if Kane doesn't resign in San Jose. So it's either a 2nd + 4th + prospect for Kane as a rental, or a 1st + 4th + prospect for Kane to sign longterm in San Jose, seems like a win-win to me


Now we wait for the 2019 NHL Trade Deadline, until next year!

Joel Forman - The Forman Faceoff

NHL Trade Deadline 2018 - Trade Tracker

A look at all the trades in the NHL from January 1st, 2018 through the Trade Deadline on February 26th, 2018:

43. New York Rangers Acquire: D Chris Bigras
      Colorado Avalanche Acquire: D Ryan Graves
Analysis: Minor-league deal

42. Arizona Coyotes Acquire: D Trevor Murphy, F Pierre-Cedric Labrie
      Nashville Predators Acquire: D John Ramage, F Tyler Gaudet
Analysis: Minor-league deal

41. Boston Bruins Acquire: F Tommy Wingels
      Chicago Blackhawks Acquire: Conditional 2019 5th-Round Pick
Analysis: Minor-league deal

40. New Jersey Devils Acquire: F Pat Maroon
      Edmonton Oilers Acquire: F J.D. Dudek, 2018 3rd-Round Pick
Analysis: The Devils add another winger after getting Grabner a few days ago, adding the 29-year old power-forward Maroon from the Oilers for a 3rd round pick and a prospect

39. Montreal Canadiens Acquire: D Mike Reilly
      Minnesota Wild Acquire: 2019 5th-Round Pick
Analysis: The Canadiens add a depth defenseman in the 24-year old Reilly for a 5th round pick

38. Calgary Flames Acquire: F Nick Shore
      Ottawa Senators Acquire: 2019 7th-Round Pick
Analysis: Minor-league deal

37. Winnipeg Jets Acquire: D Joe Morrow
      Montreal Canadiens Acquire: 2018 4th-Round Pick
Analysis: The Jets add a depth defenseman in Morrow and pay a relatively cheap price sending a 4th round pick back to Montreal

36. Pittsburgh Penguins Acquire: F Josh Jooris
      Carolina Hurricanes Acquire: F Gregg McKegg
Analysis: Minor-league deal

35. Tampa Bay Lightning Acquire: D Ryan McDonagh, F JT Miller
      New York Rangers Acquire: F Vladislav Namestnikov, F Brett Howden, D Libor Hajek, 2018 1st-Round Pick, 2019 Conditional 2nd-Round Pick.
Analysis: The blockbuster trade of the day, wow! The Lightning acquire the Rangers Captain McDonagh and their top center JT Miller, sending a Namesnikov, a 1st and 2nd round pick, and 2 prospects in return. The Lightning pay a steep price but add 2 legit pieces that solidify them as big-time Stanley Cup contenders. The fact that Steve Yzerman was able to acquire both McDonagh and Miller without moving any of Cal Foote, Mikhail Sergachev or Brayden Point is remarkable. The 2nd-round pick in 2019 becomes a 1st-round pick if Tampa Bay wins the Cup this or next season.

34. Vegas Golden Knights Acquire: F Tomas Tatar
      Detroit Red Wings Acquire: 2018 1st-Round Pick, 2019 2nd-Round Pick, 2021 3rd-Round Pick
Analysis: Through the expansion draft the Golden Knights accumulated 14 picks in the 1st/2nd/3rd rounds in the next 2 NHL drafts, so you knew if they made a move they had assets to move. George McPhee pays a steep price in getting Tatar trading a 1st 2nd and 3rd, but Tatar is just 27 years old and will be a nice fit in Vegas

33. Columbus Blue Jackets Acquire: F Thomas Vanek
      Vancouver Canucks Acquire: F Jussi Jokinen, F Tyler Motte
Analysis: A guy who seems to be traded every year, Vanek is on to his 8th NHL team since the 2013/14 season. The Blue Jackets send 2 depth forwards in Jokinen (on to his 4th team this season) and Motte in order to receive the 34-year old Vanek.

32. San Jose Sharks Acquire: F Evander Kane
      Buffalo Sabres Acquire: F Dan O'Reagan, 2019 Conditional 1st-Round Pick, 2020 Conditional 4th-Round Pick
Analysis: Kane was one of the expected rental players to go at the deadline, and the Sharks add the power-forward from Buffalo while sending a prospect and 2 picks back in return. If Kane can find a way to fit in and not be a distraction in San Jose, this will be a great move for the Sharks. The 1st round pick becomes a 2nd round pick if Kane doesn't re-sign in San Jose this summer

31. New York Islanders Acquire: F Chris Wagner
      Anaheim Ducks Acquire: F Jason Chimera
Analysis: The Islanders and Ducks swap depth fowards, with Wagner heading to Long Island and Chimera to Anaheim

30. Columbus Blue Jackets Acquire: F Ryan Kujawinski
      Arizona Coyotes Acquire: F Jordan Maletta
Analysis: Minor-league deal

29. Vancouver Canucks Acquire: F Brendan Leipsic
      Vegas Golden Knights Acquire: D Philip Holm
Analysis: Minor-league deal

28. Winnipeg Jets Acquire: F Paul Stastny
      St. Louis Blues Acquire: F Erik Foley, 2018 1st-Round Pick, 2020 Conditional 4th-Round Pick
Analysis: The Jets add reliable veteran center to an already stacked forward group, and continue to build towards being Stanley Cup contenders this season. They pay a big price in acquiring the 32-year old Stastny, sending a 1st and 4th round picks plus a prospect. The Blues will also retain 50% of Stastny's salary ($7 million), who is a UFA this summer

27. Nashville Predators Acquire: F Ryan Hartman, 2018 5th-Round Pick
      Chicago Blackhawks Acquire: F Victor Esdjell, 2018 1st-Round Pick, 2018 4th-Round Pick
Analysis: The Predators add a former 1st round pick in the 23-year old Ryan Hartman, who in return send the Blackhawks a 1st and 4th round pick. With the Blackhawks in danger of missing the playoffs for the firs time since 2007/08, this looks like a move for the future for Stan Bowman

*26. Columbus Blue Jackets Acquire: D Ian Cole
      Ottawa Senators acquire: F Nick Moutrey, 2020 3rd-Round Pick
Analysis: After acquiring Cole from the Penguins in the Derick Brassard trade, the Senators flip him to the Blue Jackets for a 3rd round pick and a prospect. The Blue Jackets acquire a 2-time Stanley Cup winner and a veteran defenseman that gives them depth on the back-end

*First trade of Trade Deadline Day 2018 (Feb. 26)

25. Nashville Predators Acquire: F Brandon Bollig, G Troy Grosenick
      San Jose Sharks Acquire: 2018 6th-Round Pick
Analysis: Minor-league deal

24. Columbus Blue Jackets Acquire: F Mark Letestu
      Nashville Predators Acquire: 2018 4th-Round Pick
Analysis: David Poile immediately flipped Letestu to the Blue Jackets for a 4th round pick, as Letestu adds some depth at center for the Blue Jackets playoff push.

23. Nashville Predators Acquire: F Mark Letestu
      Edmonton Oilers Acquire: F Pontus Aberg
Analysis: The Predators add some depth at center in Letestu and in return send the 24-year old Aberg to the Oilers, who will likely benefit from more icetime in Edmonton.

22. Toronto Maple Leafs Acquire: F Tomas Plekanec, D Kyle Baun
       Montreal Canadiens Acquire: F Kerby Rychel, D Rinat Valiev, 2018 2nd-Round Pick
Analysis: The longtime Habs center Plekanec heads to the rival Maple Leafs after 13 seasons in Montreal, as the Canadiens add 2 prospects in Rychel and Valiev and a 2nd-round pick in return. The Leafs depth at center gets even better with the addition of Plekanec, who seems like a Mike Babcock-type player. I really like this move for Toronto, it's a low-risk high-reward type deal that could be very important come playoff time

21. Boston Bruins Acquire: F Rick Nash
      New York Rangers Acquire: F Ryan Spooner, F Matt Beleskey, D Ryan Lindgren, 2018 1st-Round Pick, 2019 7th-Round Pick
Analysis: Keeping up with tradition of the last few years, we see a big trade in the days leading up to the Trade Deadline. The Bruins add a big rental player in the 33-year old Nash but pay a premium in doing so, including trading a 1st round pick and Lindgren one of their top defensive prospects. They also shed the terrible contract of Beleskey, who's owed $3.8 million over the next 2 seasons

20. New York Islanders Acquire: D Brandon Davidson
      Edmonton Oilers Acquire: 2019 3rd-Round Pick
Analysis: The Islanders add a depth defenseman in the 26-year old Davidson

19. Pittsburgh Penguins Acquire: F Derrick Brassard, F Vincent Dunn, 2018 3rd-Round Pick
      Ottawa Senators Acquire: D Ian Cole, G Filip Gustavsson, 2018 1st-Round Pick, 2019 3rd-Round Pick
Analysis: The second part of the 3-team deal, The Penguins get their 3rd line center they've been desperately seeking in Brassard but pay a premium price. In return for Brassard the Senators get Cole (who they play on flipping), 2 draft picks and a goalie prospect. This trade makes a lot of sense for both teams

18. Vegas Golden Knights Acquire: F Ryan Reaves, 2018 4th-Round Pick
       Pittsburgh Penguins Acquire: F Tobias Lindberg
Analysis: The first part of the Senators-Penguins-Golden Knights 3-way trade, the Penguins clear cap space sending Reaves to Vegas and in return give them a 4th-round pick. Vegas will also retain 40% salary in the second part of the trade with Brassard heading to Pittsburgh.

17. New Jersey Devils Acquire: F Michael Grabner
      New York Rangers Acquire: D Igor Rykov, 2018 2nd-Round Pick
Analysis: It's hard to believe but this is the first trade in history between the division rival Devils and Rangers, with the Rangers cutting costs and rebuilding they add a 2nd round pick while sending Grabner to the Devils. The Rangers add a speedy scoring winger in Grabner, as they push for a playoff spot in the jam-packed Metro division. This is a good move for both teams

16. Florida Panthers Acquire: F Frank Vatrano
      Boston Bruins Acquire: 2018 3rd-Round Pick
Analysis: The Panthers add some depth on the wing in the 23-year old Vatrano

15. Los Angeles Kings Acquire: F Tobias Rieder, G Scott Wedgewood
      Arizona Coyotes Acquire: G Darcy Kuemper
Analysis: The Kings acquire the 25-year old Rieder while swapping Wedgewood for Kuemper in net, as the rebuild in Arizona continues

14. Washington Capitals Acquire: D Jakub Jerabek
      Montreal Canadiens Acquire: 2019 5th-Round Pick
Analysis: Minor-league deal

13. San Jose Sharks Acquire: F Eric Fehr
      Toronto Maple Leafs Acquire: 2020 7th-Round Pick
Analysis: Minor-league deal

12. Boston Bruins Acquire: D Nick Holden
      New York Rangers Acquire: D Rob O'Gara, 2018 3rd-Round Pick
Analysis: The Bruins add a depth defenseman for the playoffs in 30-year old Holden

11. Philadelphia Flyers Acquire: G Petr Mrazek
      Detroit Red Wings Acquire: 2018 Conditional 4th-Round Pick, 2019 Conditional 3rd-Round Pick
Analysis: With longterm injuries to both goalies Brian Elliott and Michal Neuvirth, the Flyers trade a pair of draft picks to acquire the 26-year old Mrazek from the Red Wings. This is a low risk, high reward trade for the Flyers as Mrazek is capable of being a successful starting goalie in the NHL, and will really benefit from a fresh start in Philadelphia. If the Flyers make the playoffs and Mrazek wins 5 games, the 2018 4th-round pick becomes a 3rd, and if the Flyers reach the Eastern Conference Final and Mrazek wins 6 playoff games the 2019 3rd-round pick becomes a 2nd. This is a win-win trade for both teams going in opposite directions

10. Washington Capitals Acquire: D Michal Kempny
      Chicago Blackhawks Acquire: 2018 3rd-Round Pick
Analysis: The Capitals add some depth on defense for the playoffs in the 27-year old Kempny

9. Ottawa Senators Acquire: D Ville Pokka
    Chicago Blackhawks Acquire: F Chris Didomenico
Analysis: Minor-league deal

8. St. Louis Blues Acquire: F Nikita Soshnikov
    Toronto Maple Leafs Acquire: 2019 4th-Round Pick
Analysis: Soshnikov has been the odd man out for most of the season in Toronto, so he gets a chance to prove himself with a fresh start in St. Louis

7. Los Angeles Kings Acquire: D Dion Phaneuf, F Nate Thompson
    Ottawa Senators Acquire: F Marian Gaborik, F Nick Shore
Analysis: For the second time in 3 seasons Phaneuf is traded, this time heading to Los Angeles Kings with the Senators retaining 25% of his salary. The Kings in return send Marian Gaborik and his $10 million owed over the next 3 seasons to the Senators, with the teams also swapping depth forwards in Thompson and Shore. This trade is weird for a lot of reasons, with both teams taking on a guy with a horrible contract

6. Minnesota Wild Acquire: D Victor Loov
    New Jersey Devils Acquire: F Mario Lucia, F Christoph Bertschy
Analysis: Minor-league deal

5. Tampa Bay Lightning Acquire: G Eddie Pasquale
    Edmonton Oilers Acquire: Future considerations
Analysis: Minor-league deal

4. Columbus Blue Jackets: Future considerations
    Los Angeles Kings Acquire: G Darcy Kuemper
Analysis: After sending Joonas Korpisalo down to the minors, the Blue Jackets add a backup goalie to play behind Sergei Bobrovsky

3. Arizona Coyotes Acquire: D John Ramage
    Columbus Blue Jackets Acquire: Future considerations
Analysis: Minor-league deal

2. Chicago Blackhawks Acquire: F Anthony Duclair, D Adam Clendening
    Arizona Coyotes Acquire: F Laurent Dauphin, F Richard Panik
Analysis: The Blackhawks acquire the former 1st-round pick Duclair, who is now on his 3rd team in his young NHL career. The Hawks also dump the salary of Panik, and sent back Dauphin to Arizona who they acquired from last summer

1. Montreal Canadiens Acquire: 2018 Conditional 4th-Round Pick
    Edmonton Oilers Acquire: G Al Montoya
Analysis: Oilers add a veteran backup goalie to play behind starter Cam Talbot

The Forman Files - Where does Alex Ovechkin rank among the NHL's All-time Goal Scorers?

As 2018 rolls along 32-year old Alex Ovechkin is on the heels of a feat that no Russian-born hockey player has accomplished in NHL history: scoring 600 goals. The Great 8 leads the NHL with 32 goals in 51 games this season, and currently sits at 590 goals in his career (972 games) and just 10 goals shy of reaching 600 goals. There's no question that Ovie has been the NHL's best goal scorer since he made his debut in 2005/06, but as he climbs up the ranks of the all-time goal leaders one only wonders if he's among the best goal scorers to ever play in the NHL? In this latest installment of the Forman Files I'll go in depth of the illustrious career of Alexander Ovechkin so far, where he could end up on the all-time goal list and how he stacks up with some of the best goal scorers to ever lace up a pair of skates.

Career Statistics:

As mentioned above, the 32-year old Ovechkin currently leads the NHL with 32 goals this season, marking the 13th consecutive season in which he has scored 30 goals. That puts him in some very elite company, joining Mike Gartner (17 seasons) and Wayne Gretzky (13 seasons) as the only players to score 30 goals in their first 13 NHL seasons. In fact since Alex Ovechkin came into the league in 2005/06 he leads the NHL with 590 goals, which is a staggering 191 goals better than the next closest player (Sidney Crosby - 399 goals).

If Ovechkin keeps his pace he's well on his way to his 8th career 50-goal season, as only Mike Bossy (9 seasons) and Wayne Gretzky (9 seasons) have more 50-goal seasons than him currently. At age 32, he would be just the 5th player in NHL history at 32 or older to score 50 goals in a season, joining Johnny Bucyk, Bobby Hull, Phil Esposito and Jaromir Jagr. Ovechkin already has an NHL record 22 OT goals in his career, and currently sits 10th all-time with 100 game-winning goals (35 back of Jaromir Jagr forst most all-time). He also currently sits 10th all-time in powerplay goals with 221, just 53 goals shy of Dave Andreychuk (274) for the NHL record. Lastly, with his 590 goals in 972 games, Ovechkin sits 6th all-time with 0.607 goals per game.

What does the future hold for Ovechkin?

At the start of the 2018/19 season, Ovechkin will be 33 years old and have 3 years left on his 13-year, $124 million deal he signed in 2008. Don't let his age fool you though, he has shown no signs of slowing down and could very well play into his 40s. This sets the stage for Ovechkin to climb the ranks of the all-time goal scoring leaders, as his 590 goals are already good for 20th all-time (if Ovechkin scores 21 more goals this season he will move up to 17th). He's currently on pace for 52 goals this season, which would put him at 610 in his career to start next season.

Assuming Ovechkin plays until he is 40, if he scored an average of 30 goals over his next 7 seasons that would put him at 820 goals (2nd all-time to Gretzky). Knowing Ovechkin he wants to be the best of all time and if he defies age and continues to score into his late 30s, an average of 40 goals a season over his next 7 seasons would put him at 890 goals (just 4 goals shy of Gretzky). Time will certainly tell, but there's no question that Ovechkin is one of the best goal scorers to ever play in the NHL and he continues to move up the all-time goal leaders. As he currently sits at 590 goals, where does the Great 8 rank among the best goal scorers in NHL History?


My Top 10 Goal Scorers in NHL History:

1. Wayne Gretzky - 894 goals in 1487 games, 0.601 goals per game

By totals alone Gretzky has to be #1 on this list, he has an NHL-record 894 goals and 92 goals in one single season (1981/82). While Gretzky isn't a pure sniper like most of the players on this list, he had the ability to see the ice two steps ahead of the play and could score in a number of different ways. Among the many records #99 has, his 50 goals in 39 games may be the craziest of them all.

2. Mike Bossy - 573 goals in 752 games, 0.762 goals per game

Bossy might be one of the biggest what ifs in NHL history, because he was limited to just 10 NHL seasons by several back injuries. He's the only player in NHL history to put up 9 consecutive 50-goal seasons (to start his career too), scoring 38 goals in his 10th and final season. His 573 goals in 752 games gave him 0.762 goals per game, the best average in NHL history to date. Despite playing just 10 NHL seasons, Bossy is still regarded as one of the purest goal scorers in NHL history.

3. Brett Hull - 741 goals in 1269 games, 0.584 goals per game

One of the best goal scorers of his generation, Brett Hull is 4th all-time with 741 goals and his 86 goals in 1990/91 are the 2nd best single-season total in NHL history (Gretzky 92). The Brett/Bobby Hull duo has 1351 goals, the best father-son combination in NHL history. His 0.584 goals per game is 7th all-time and his 265 powerplay goals are 2nd to Dave Andreychuk (274) thanks to his famous one-knee one-timer.

4. Mario Lemieux - 690 goals in 915 games, 0.754 goals per game

Super Mario used a combination of size and speed to take over the NHL in the late 80s/early 90s, scoring 50 goals 6 times in his career including 85 in 1988/89 (the 3rd most in a single season in NHL history). He sits 10th all-time with 690 goals, and 2nd to Mike Bossy with 0.754 goals per game as injuries/recovering from cancer limited him to just 915 games in his career.

5. Gordie Howe - 801 goals in 1767 games, 0.453 goals per game

The NHL's all-time leader in games played, Howe scored a record 801 goals in his career which was the most all-time when he retired (currently 2nd to Gretzky now). Following his NHL career, Howe scored another 174 goals and had 508 points in 419 games in the WHA, putting his NHL/WHA career totals at 975 goals.

6. Phil Esposito - 717 goals in 1282 games, 0.559 goals per game

Esposito was one of the best players in the NHL during the late 60s/early 70s, leading the Bruins to 2 Stanley Cups in 3 seasons. In 1970-71 Phil Esposito scored a record 76 goals, shattering the previous mark of 58 goals set by Bobby Hull in 1968/69. Esposito sits 6th all-time with 717 goals and scored 118 game-winners in his career (3rd all-time).

7. Alex Ovechkin - 590 goals in 972 games, 0.607 goals per game

Ovechkin could very well end up at the top of this list when his career comes to an end, but already he's one of the most prolific goal scorers in NHL history. He has 13 straight 30-goal seasons and on the verge of his 8th 50-goal season and a record 7th Rocket Trophy. At the age of the 32 he's already 20th all-time with 590 goals and has the most OT goals (22) in NHL history.

8. Maurice Richard - 544 goals in 978 games, 0.556 goals per game

Well documented as the NHL's first elite goal scorer, Richard was the first player to ever score 50 goals in a season and did so in just 50 games in 1944/45, a feat that stood until Wayne Gretzky scored 50 in 39 games in 1981/82. Richard was the NHL's first 500-goal scorer and his 544 career goals were most all-time when he retired.

9. Mike Gartner - 708 goals in 1432 games, 0.494 goals per game

Gartner currently has the NHL record for most 30-goal seasons (17) and most consecutive 30-goal seasons (15 - tied with Jaromir Jagr). His 708 goals are good for 7th all-time

10. Jaromir Jagr - 766 goals in 1733 games, 0.442 goals per game

The recently NHL-retired Jagr current sits 3rd all-time with 766 goals, and his 135 game-winning goals are the most in NHL history. As mentioned above with Gartner, he has a record 15 seasons with 30+ goals and is the highest scoring European-born player in NHL history.

Honourable Mentions:

Marcel Dionne - 731 goals in 1348 games, 0.542 goals per game

Pavel Bure - 437 goals in 702 games, 0.623 goals per game

Mark Messier - 694 goals in 1756 games, 0.395 goals per game

Steve Yzerman - 692 goals in 1514 games, 0.457 goals per game

Teemu Selanne - 684 goals in 1451 games, 0.471 goals per game


The best part of this list is Ovechkin still has room to move up, he's only 32 years old and has shown no signs of slowing down. As the Great 8 nears 600 goals we must all sit back and appreciate truly how gifted a goal scorer he is, and one of the best in NHL history already.


NHL 100 videos via NHL.com (https://www.nhl.com/fans/nhl-centennial/100-greatest-nhl-players)
Statistics via www.hockeydb.com

Joel Forman - The Forman Faceoff