In any given season, the NHL trade deadline is an unpredictable beast. But in a pandemic-shortened, Frankenstein's Monster version of an NHL season, things could be even more unpredictable. Not only could buyers be hesitant to go all-in during a season that has had its fair share of operating issues already, but sellers may not particularly crave this year's draft picks when there's a shortage of film and scouting material on prospects in the upcoming NHL Draft class. Then you also have to factor in the mandated seven-day quarantine for players traveling from the United States to Canada. And then there's this summer's impending Expansion Draft, which may add an extra wrinkle to trade negotiations as front offices look to forecast their protected player lists.
Yeah, it's a weird year.
Still, there will inevitably be players on the move. The trade deadline offers an opportunity for teams to evaluate their current standing and make deals to improve their future, whether that future be short- or long-term. Contenders and bubble teams will look to add pieces that help them down the stretch run of this season, while struggling teams will sell off expiring or aging players to stockpile future assets.
A few of this year's biggest targets on the trade board -- namely Kyle Palmieri and David Savard -- were moved days ahead of the deadline, while several other big names -- including Buffalo's Taylor Hall and Columbus' Nick Foligno -- were moved on deadline's eve on Sunday.
You can follow along with all of CBS Sports' trade deadline coverage below.
Bruins make big splash with Hall
BOS gets: F Taylor Hall, F Curtis Lazar
BUF gets: F Anders Bjork, 2021 2nd-round pick
The Bruins get some secondary scoring help and a guy they've long pursued in Hall, plus a depth piece in Lazar. And for the cost of a second-round pick and Bjork, who has been a healthy scratch and seemingly on the outs, it's a very strong low-risk, high-reward play for Boston. Buffalo retains 50% of Hall's salary in the trade.
Maple Leafs add goaltending with Rittich
TOR gets: G David Rittich
CGY gets: 2022 3rd-round pick
Goaltending has been a point of concern for the Leafs this season and the addition of Rittich will add some insurance behind Jack Campbell, and the help comes at reasonable cost. Rittich is on the final year of his deal and the Flames will retain half of his $2.75 million salary in the deal.
Bruins get defensive help in Reilly
BOS gets: D Mike Reilly
OTT gets: 2022 3rd-round pick (BOS)
It's not the biggest splash but the Bruins are dealing with serious depth/injury issues on their blue line, so Reilly should come as a welcome addition. His left-handed shot and play-driving abilities should be able to help fill an immediate need for Boston.
Foligno goes to Leafs in three-way deal
TOR gets: F Nick Foligno, F Stefan Noesen
CBJ gets: 2021 1st-round pick (TOR), 2022 4th-round pick (TOR)
SJS gets: 2021 4th-round pick (TOR)
The Leafs get a veteran presence up front in Foligno but it costs them a first and two fourths. As part of the deal, San Jose gets a fourth-round pick from Toronto in exchange for salary retention, meaning the Maple Leafs only have to pay 25% of Foligno's cap hit/salary.
Lightning acquire Savard in three-way trade
TBL gets: D David Savard, D Brian Lashoff
CBJ gets: 2021 1st-round pick (TBL), 2022 3rd-round pick (TBL)
DET gets: 2021 4th-round pick (TBL)
The Lightning manage to make a deadline splash despite their cap situation by involving Detroit to retain 50% of Savard's salary. Tampa Bay gets some blue line reinforcement as they look to defend their Stanley Cup title this spring/summer.
Dubnyk goes to Avalanche
COL gets: G Devan Dubnyk
SJS gets: D Greg Pateryn, 2021 5th-round pick (COL)
The Avalanche have been in the market for goaltending help and Dubnyk is a veteran that may be able to help them down the stretch if he's able to revert to a better version of himself. He has struggled over the past two seasons, posting a .893 save percentage in 47 games between the Wild and Sharks.
NHL trade deadline live updates: Bruins land Taylor Hall in trade with Sabres - CBSSports.com
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