Thoughts On A Busy Trade Day In The NHL

It was a busy trade day in the NHL yesterday, as multiple significant trades were executed. 

The Calgary Flames acquired a significant piece in defenceman Simon Nemec, the former 2nd overall pick in the 2022 NHL Draft. This was a strong pickup for Calgary, as Nemec will now be afforded the opportunity to fulfill his potential and progress towards being a top pairing defenceman. Here is more on Nemec and the Calgary trade with New Jersey.

The Ottawa Senators still have work to do in order to replenish their roster after the Brady Tkachuk trade, but their trade with San Jose for William Eklund and two prospects (for the 9th overall pick in the 2026 NHL Draft) is a great start. Eklund's offensive production in San Jose has been solid and the 23 year-old is just starting to hit his stride in the NHL A good addition for Ottawa in their top six! Here is more on the Eklund trade.

The Washington Capitals wanted to stay relevant in Stanley Cup consideration and the St. Louis Blues are okay in building further through youth, knowing that their time is coming down the road. Proven goal-scorer Jordan Kyrou was dealt to Washington from St. Louis, in exchange for forward Connor McMichael, the 16th overall pick in this year's NHL Draft and prospect Milton Gastrin. Reasonable return for both teams, with Washington looking to take their shot now. Here is more on that trade.

The Chicago Blackhawks pulled off a trade with Buffalo to acquire defenceman Bowen Byram and forward Jordan Greenway in exchange for the 4th overall draft pick in this year's NHL Draft, a second round draft pick and defenceman Louis Crevier. Buffalo gets a good chip (to either trade or keep the pick) with the 4th overall draft pick. There are no guarantees that even the 4th overall pick in a draft will work out, but a pick at that level quite often does work out. Buffalo also frees up some money to be in a better position for either trade acquisitions or to use in free agency starting next week. What Chicago got is a very sure thing and a still young defenceman in Bowen Byram. He's a second pair defenceman at worst, but with added responsibilities and playing time in Chicago, he will be a first pair defenceman that should help push Chicago forward significantly. He will need to be signed to a new deal soon and hopefully for Chicago and Byram, it will be at a number and term that is good for both sides. Here is more on the Byram trade.