The NHL trade deadline is always a high-stakes, high-drama event, where teams look to bolster their rosters for a push towards the playoffs or plan for the future. The 2024 trade deadline was no different, featuring several impactful trades that reshaped the landscape of the league. Here’s a breakdown of the winners and losers from the 2024 NHL trade deadline, examining which teams made savvy moves and which ones missed the mark.

Winners

**1. New York Rangers

Trade Highlights:

• Acquisition: Connor Bedard (from Chicago Blackhawks)
• Departure: Multiple draft picks and prospects

The New York Rangers made headlines by acquiring one of the league’s most exciting young talents, Connor Bedard, from the Chicago Blackhawks. Bedard, the 18-year-old phenom, is already being hailed as a future superstar, and his addition provides the Rangers with a potential franchise player to build around. This move demonstrates the Rangers’ commitment to not just competing now, but also securing a star player for the long-term future. Adding Bedard to an already strong roster elevates the Rangers’ chances in the playoffs and sets them up for sustained success.

**2. Toronto Maple Leafs

Trade Highlights:

• Acquisition: Jakob Chychrun (from Arizona Coyotes)
• Departure: Defenseman Timothy Liljegren and a 2024 1st round pick

The Toronto Maple Leafs bolstered their blue line with the acquisition of Jakob Chychrun, a top-tier defenseman known for his offensive prowess and solid defensive play. Chychrun’s addition fills a significant need on the Leafs’ defense and provides them with a reliable presence both offensively and in their own zone. This trade positions the Maple Leafs as a stronger contender in the Eastern Conference, addressing one of their critical weaknesses and enhancing their playoff prospects.

**3. Boston Bruins

Trade Highlights:

• Acquisition: Mark Scheifele (from Winnipeg Jets)
• Departure: Multiple draft picks and prospects

The Boston Bruins made a bold move by trading for Mark Scheifele, a skilled center known for his scoring ability and playmaking skills. Scheifele’s addition to the Bruins’ lineup provides them with a significant offensive upgrade and depth down the middle. With their strong roster and the addition of Scheifele, the Bruins have solidified their position as a top contender and added another elite talent to their already formidable lineup.

**4. Edmonton Oilers

Trade Highlights:

• Acquisition: John Gibson (from Anaheim Ducks)
• Departure: Goalie Stuart Skinner and a 2024 2nd round pick

The Edmonton Oilers made a critical move by acquiring veteran goaltender John Gibson from the Anaheim Ducks. Gibson brings a wealth of experience and stability to the Oilers’ net, which has been a key area of concern. With Gibson’s addition, the Oilers now have a reliable goaltender who can provide consistency and help them make a deep playoff run. This trade addresses a major need and significantly strengthens the Oilers’ chances for postseason success.

Losers

**1. Chicago Blackhawks

Trade Highlights:

• Departure: Connor Bedard (to New York Rangers)
• Acquisition: Draft picks and prospects

While the Chicago Blackhawks secured a substantial haul of draft picks and prospects from the Rangers, the departure of Connor Bedard is a significant blow. Bedard was seen as the cornerstone of the Blackhawks’ rebuild, and trading him away might hinder their long-term plans. Although the return could potentially yield future stars, the immediate impact of losing such a high-caliber player raises questions about the team’s direction and whether they maximized their return in this deal.

**2. Winnipeg Jets

Trade Highlights:

• Departure: Mark Scheifele (to Boston Bruins)
• Acquisition: Draft picks and prospects

The Winnipeg Jets’ decision to trade Mark Scheifele, one of their top centers, could be seen as a setback. While the return of draft picks and prospects might help with the team’s future rebuild, Scheifele’s departure leaves a significant void in the Jets’ lineup. The team loses a key offensive player and leader, and the long-term benefits of the trade will need to outweigh the immediate impact of losing such an important asset.

**3. Arizona Coyotes

Trade Highlights:

• Departure: Jakob Chychrun (to Toronto Maple Leafs)
• Acquisition: Draft picks and prospects

The Arizona Coyotes’ trade of Jakob Chychrun to the Toronto Maple Leafs was aimed at acquiring future assets, but it also means the team loses one of its top defensemen. Chychrun was a key player for the Coyotes, and his absence will be felt both on the ice and in the team’s overall performance. While the draft picks and prospects received in return could help in the long run, the immediate loss of Chychrun may impact the Coyotes’ competitiveness in the short term.

**4. Anaheim Ducks

Trade Highlights:

• Departure: John Gibson (to Edmonton Oilers)
• Acquisition: Goalie Stuart Skinner and a 2024 2nd round pick

The Anaheim Ducks traded John Gibson to the Edmonton Oilers, receiving Stuart Skinner and a 2024 2nd round pick in return. While Skinner is a promising young goaltender, the loss of Gibson, a veteran and reliable netminder, might leave a gap in the Ducks’ goaltending situation. The trade could be seen as a step back in terms of immediate performance, and it will be crucial for the Ducks to ensure that Skinner develops into a strong starting goalie to justify the move.

Conclusion

The 2024 NHL trade deadline brought about several notable moves that will have significant implications for the teams involved. The New York Rangers, Toronto Maple Leafs, Boston Bruins, and Edmonton Oilers emerged as clear winners with impactful acquisitions that enhance their playoff prospects. On the other hand, the Chicago Blackhawks, Winnipeg Jets, Arizona Coyotes, and Anaheim Ducks face the challenge of adjusting to key losses while hoping that their acquisitions will pay off in the future. As the season progresses, the impact of these trades will become clearer, shaping the future of the league and the fortunes of the teams involved.