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After Quiet NHL Deadline, Schmaltz Extension Thins UFA Pool and Points to Trade-Heavy Summer

Insiders expect several talks that stalled at the deadline to resume in the offseason.

Overview

  • Utah locked up Nick Schmaltz on an eight-year, $8 million AAV deal, removing a top pending UFA and tightening an already thin summer market.
  • The deadline underdelivered on blockbusters, with several heavily rumored targets staying put despite extensive chatter.
  • Nashville kept veterans Steven Stamkos, Jonathan Marchessault and Ryan O’Reilly, making only smaller moves involving Michael McCarron, Cole Smith, Nick Blankenburg and Michael Bunting.
  • Canadiens GM Kent Hughes said a significant deal went to the wire before falling through and indicated the club could revisit it this summer, with outside speculation linking Montreal to a young impact forward.
  • Pierre LeBrun reports the Rangers are likely to move Vincent Trocheck in the offseason, while the Devils listened on Šimon Nemec in search of a young top-six forward, setting up renewed summer trade discussions.