With only a few days to go before the trade deadline passes, we’re starting to see the seals breaking. Some people were saying the holdup on more deals is teams waiting to see what, if any, of the biggest pieces — Mark Stone, Matt Duchene, and Artemi Panarin mostly — would be moved first.
Well...
The big trade of the day involved Matt Duchene being traded to Columbus for a package of prospects, one guaranteed first round pick in 2019, and a conditional first round pick in 2020 if Duchene re-signs with Columbus.
Reactions from our SB Nation cousins:
Columbus Blue Jackets Trade for Matt Duchene In Exchange for Vitaly Abramov, Jonathan Davidsson, and picks | by Jackets Cannon
Matt Duchene Traded to Columbus Blue Jackets | by Silver Sens
More on the Ottawa situation, as far as their other trade pieces:
Not a big surprise considering what happened last night, but, word is OTT put Mark Stone on the market after the game in NJ. Ryan Dzingel also became available yesterday.
— Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) February 22, 2019
The other trade involved Detroit’s Nick Jensen and a 5th round pick being traded to Washington (spits) for a prospect and a 2nd round pick. Jensen then promptly signed a 4 year, $10 million extension with Washington (spits).
Reactions from our SB Nation cousins:
Capitals Acquire Defenseman Nick Jensen from Detroit (UPDATED) | by Jasper’s Rink
Red Wings trade defenseman Nick Jensen to Capitals for 2nd round pick and Madison Bowey | by Winging it in Motown
ONTO THE LINKS!
The 5-Game Process: Recently at Chez Leafs, things seem dismal | by Katya
FanPost: You don’t have to be an optimist to try and enjoy yourself | by Zambulance
Leafs Musings: Toronto’s Trade Deadline Plans, Fixing the Power Play, and the Return of Rasmus Sandin | by Kevin Papetti at MLHS
Is William Nylander’s future with the Maple Leafs as a centre? (And what does that mean for Nazem Kadri?) | by Mirtle at The Athletic
With a day off, some of the Leafs players went to work out in the world, with Auston Matthews making an appearance at Sick Kids:
.@AM34 stopped by @SickKids this afternoon to make blue glitter SLIME with patients. 💙✨ pic.twitter.com/e2MRAcIgyl
— SickKids Foundation (@sickkids) February 23, 2019
And Zach Hyman helping along an announcement:
Proud to be a @YouCanPlayTeam ambassador. Looking forward to You Can Play Night on Monday! https://t.co/S2DkQ07ggK
— Zach Hyman (@ZachHyman) February 22, 2019
Meanwhile, the Hurricanes’ celebrations are spreading to the players’ parents and there is nothing bad about this story so suck it Grapes.
I was fine with these celebrations, but now that there’s video footage of my dad flossing, I may have to reconsider 🤦♂️ https://t.co/PDgltoATF3
— James van Riemsdyk (@JVReemer21) February 23, 2019
