Tim Kavanagh, ESPN.comMar 9, 2024, 11:08 AM ET
CloseTim Kavanagh is a senior editor for ESPN digital editorial. He’s a native of upstate New York.
The 2024 NHL trade deadline passed on Friday afternoon. For those who might’ve missed anything, our reporters identified the winners and losers and also graded 23 of the biggest moves this trade season. But now that there will be no more deals, it’s time for the rush to the 2024 Stanley Cup playoffs to begin in earnest.
Taking a look at the current standings, Saturday’s schedule presents some captivating clashes as the contenders are sorted from the teams that will ultimately be in the draft lottery mix.
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One team that might believe it’s unjustifiably in an unfortunate position is the New Jersey Devils, a juggernaut from last season that is six points back of the Eastern Conference wild card with two teams to jump, as well. The Devils will square off against the Carolina Hurricanes (12:30 p.m. ET, ABC and ESPN+) as every single point matters from here on out. The Devils fired coach Lindy Ruff earlier this week, then traded winger Tyler Toffoli and defenseman Colin Miller to the Winnipeg Jets before completely remaking their goaltending depth by acquiring Jake Allen and Kaapo Kahkonen on Friday. Is it too late for them to mount a run?
Out West, the Calgary Flames — also six points back of a wild-card spot — were busy sending players elsewhere during trade season. Elias Lindholm (dealt ahead of the All-Star Game), Chris Tanev and Noah Hanifin are out — but the team did retain goaltender Jacob Markstrom, and the Flames have gone 6-4-0 in their past 10 games to maintain their spot in the race. They’ll visit the Florida Panthers (4 p.m. ET, NHL Power Play on ESPN+), who added some tantalizing players ahead of the deadline to a team that looks as strong as any.
The Philadelphia Flyers are trying to thread the needle of staying in the playoff picture (they are currently third in the Metropolitan Division)…
Source link : https://www.espn.com/nhl/story/_/id/39691908/nhl-playoffs-draft-standings-trade-deadline-2024-races-teams
Author : Tim Kavanagh
Publish date : 2024-03-09 16:11:49
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