The 2018 NHL trade deadline has passed and the landscape of the NHL is vastly different from it was about a week ago.
The Boston Bruins made plenty of moves before Monday’s 3 p.m. deadline and the team looks a little bit different from before.
Here’s everything you need to know about the moves the Bruins made over the last week and a half.
To the Boston Bruins: Rick Nash
To the New York Rangers: Ryan Spooner, Matt Beleskey, Ryan Lindgren, A 2018 first round pick, a 2019 seventh-round pick
If you were wondering if the Bruins planned on going all in this season, wonder no more.
With this blockbuster deal to acquire former All-Star Rick Nash, the Bruins made it very clear they are going for the Stanley Cup this season. The Bruins gave up a lot for the All-Star and his contract will expire at the end of the season.
Matt Beleskey was living on borrowed time in Boston and while Ryan Spooner’s play has improved as of late, he was expendable. Both players, a prospect, and the first round pick were a lot to give up, but this shows that Sweeney and Cassidy intend to win the Stanley Cup right now.
The former Rangers forward has 28 points this season and will give the Bruins a legit second line scoring threat.
To the Boston Bruins: Nick Holden
To the New York Rangers: Rob O’Gara and a 2018 third-round pick
This is simply a depth move for the Bruins. They needed an extra body on defense and Holden has played some solid minutes this season.
This trade isn’t something that should be over-analyzed. O’Gara wasn’t going to get any playing time and the Bruins were willing to deal a draft pick so they sought out another body on defense.
It will be interesting to see where Holden will fit in the Bruins lineup.
To the Boston Bruins: 2018 third-round pick
To the Florida Panthers: Frank Vatrano
Frank Vatrano only played 25 games for the Bruins this season and showed minimal production.
The Bruins probably dealt him assuming they would need a roster spot open after another trade.
Oh and remember that third round pick the Bruins lost to get Nick Holden? Well, they immediately got that pick back through this deal.
To the Boston Bruins: Tommy Wingels
To the Chicago Blackhawks: A conditional 2019 fifth round pick
The Bruins missed out on acquiring Oilers forward Patrick Maroon so they opted to add Tommy Wingels.
The Blackhawks are bad but could easily bounce back next season so they were looking to deal someone who was expendable.
Wingels had 12 points with Chicago and is a solid depth scorer, nothing more and nothing less.
The former Chicago forward as of now only costs the Bruins a 2019 fifth-round draft pick, however, should he resign in Boston or should the Bruins go beyond the first round of the 2018 Stanley Cup Playoffs, then it becomes a fourth-round pick.
