As we dive into the aftermath of this year's NHL trade deadline, it's time to take a closer look at some deals that haven't quite hit the mark or carry the risk of becoming busts. Let's break down five trades that have raised some eyebrows.
Rasmus Andersson to the Golden Knights
When the Vegas Golden Knights snagged Rasmus Andersson, expectations were high. But so far, the results haven't matched the hype.
Since his mid-January arrival, Andersson's goals above replacement (GAR) stands at -2.1, with an expected GAR (xGAR) of -1.6. Not exactly the numbers Vegas fans were hoping for.
The issue might lie in how Andersson is being used. Despite not facing the toughest opponents, he spends about 35 percent of his time against elite competition.
His offensive skills are his strong suit, but recently, he's been paired with Jeremy Lauzon on the third line, and there's a glimmer of hope there. Together, they boast an expected goals share (xG%) of 59.63 percent over 51 minutes.
With 18-20 games left in the regular season, there's still time for Andersson to find his groove before the playoffs. Given that Vegas parted with Zach Whitecloud, a prospect, and draft picks, they'll be hoping for a turnaround to justify the investment.
Ondřej Palát to the Islanders
The New York Islanders have been riding high thanks to Ilya Sorokin and rookie Matthew Schaefer. But the acquisition of Ondřej Palát hasn't exactly been a game-changer. Once a star with the Tampa Bay Lightning, Palát's play has dipped, and his $6 million per year contract is a hefty burden.
Since joining the Islanders, Palát's expected goals percentage (xG%) is just 45.66 percent. While the Islanders only gave up Maxim Tsyplakov for him, it's hard to see how this move benefits them long-term.
Brayden Schenn to the Islanders
The Islanders' trade for Brayden Schenn is another head-scratcher. Schenn's skating and shooting have both declined, which could clash with the Islanders' uptempo style. His $6.5 million cap hit through next season adds to the financial strain.
The team gave up a first-round pick for Schenn, making this a risky gamble. If Schenn doesn't find his form, the Islanders could regret this move.
Luke Schenn & Logan Stanley to the Sabres
The Buffalo Sabres missed out on Colton Parayko and instead landed Luke Schenn and Logan Stanley. Stanley's offensive numbers might look good, but his shooting percentage is unsustainably high, and he's still a defensive liability. Schenn hasn't fared much better, with a GAR of -3.
Buffalo gave up Isak Rosén, Jacob Bryson, and draft picks for this duo. While the Sabres are strong enough to weather this addition, their blue line isn't improved by these moves.
Flyers Trading Bobby Brink for David Jiricek
The Philadelphia Flyers' decision to trade Bobby Brink for David Jiricek raises questions about their direction. Brink, with 13 goals and 26 points, has shown promise. Jiricek, a top 10 pick in 2022, has struggled to find his footing in the NHL.
Jiricek's skating and decision-making issues make this trade a gamble. Trading Brink for an unproven player seems like a missed opportunity for the Flyers.
While these trades might not be the most disastrous in NHL history, they certainly come with their share of risks. As the season progresses, we'll see how these moves play out for each team.