Tampa Bay and Detroit Red Wings make multi-player post-deadline trade
The Tampa Bay Lightning just pulled off a rare post-deadline move, acquiring defenseman Ian Mitchell from the Detroit Red Wings.
Tampa Bay swung an unexpected minor-league deal with the Detroit Red Wings late Thursday evening.
The return heading to the Motor City includes forwards Wojciech Stachowiak and Michael Milne.
But there is a massive catch to this late-season transaction. Because the trade occurred after the official NHL trade deadline passed, the league rules are strictly enforced.
None of these three players are eligible to suit up in the NHL for the remainder of this season. They are entirely locked out of the top level until next fall.
This makes it strictly an American Hockey League shakeup. Tampa Bay is bolstering the Syracuse Crunch roster, while Detroit is retooling the Grand Rapids Griffins.
Moves like this are uncommon. General managers usually prefer to have their entire organizational depth chart set before the deadline buzzer sounds.
Bolstering the Minors Ahead of Two Likely Playoff Bids
Mitchell brings much-needed right-shot depth to the Syracuse blue line. He has NHL experience with Chicago and Boston but has struggled to stick as an everyday regular in the Show.
He is a puck-moving defender who can quarterback a power play at the AHL level. The Crunch are gearing up for a brutal Calder Cup playoff push and needed extra defensive insurance.
Going the other way, Milne gives Detroit an intriguing minor-league asset. He plays a heavy game, loves to get in on the forecheck, and finishes his checks hard.
The Red Wings organization values that specific brand of hockey. Stachowiak adds a reliable veteran presence and middle-six scoring depth for the Griffins' upcoming stretch run.
It is essentially a change of scenery trade for all three players involved. Mitchell gets a fresh start in a system that values offensive output and solid execution.
Milne and Stachowiak get a chance to carve out larger roles in Grand Rapids. The Griffins have been searching for more bite in their bottom six.
Tampa Bay surrendered two assets to get one. But finding a capable right-handed defenseman in mid-March is nearly impossible on the open market.
This will not change the balance of power in the Atlantic Division. But it is exactly the kind of organizational tweak required to build a winning culture at all levels.
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| POLL | ||
MARS 12|352 ANSWERS Tampa Bay and Detroit Red Wings make multi-player post-deadline trade Should the NHL change the trade deadline rules? | ||
| Yes | 247 | 70.2 % |
| No | 105 | 29.8 % |
| List of polls | ||