Kings Acquire Forward Modin from Kings

The Los Angeles Kings announced today that they have acquired left wing Fredrik Modin from the Columbus Blue Jackets in exchange for a conditional draft pick. In 24 games this season with the Blue Jackets, he has two goals and four assists for six points. He has missed 40 games this season with knee and foot injuries. He will be an unrestricted free agent this summer. Not a bad trade for the Kings, as Modin brings plenty of veteran depth to the team. He also brings lots of offensive skill, especially on the power play, and plenty of two-way play to the team.

Capitals Acquire Defenseman Corvo for Pothier, Osala

The Washington Capitals added some more depth to their team today by acquiring defenseman Joe Corvo from the Carolina Hurricanes in exchange for defenseman Brian Pothier, left wing prospect Oskar Osala, and a second round pick in the 2011 Entry Draft. In 33 games this season with the Hurricanes, Corvo has four goals and eight assists for 12 points. He missed 28 games this season with a leg injury. In 41 games this season with the Capitals, Pothier has four goals and seven assists for 11 points. He has missed 17 games this season due to injury. Osala last played in the NHL during the 2008-09 season, appearing in two games and scoring no points. Both Corvo and Pothier will be unrestricted free agents this summer. This is a good move for the Capitals, as Corvo has lots of offensive skill on the blueline. He’s also a good puck-mover that has excellent skill on the power play. Pothier will bring plenty of veteran depth and skill to the Hurricanes’ defense, while Osala gives the team another talented prospect forward to build their team around.

Coyotes Acquire Stempniak from Maple Leafs for Jones, Draft Picks

The Phoenix Coyotes continued to bolster their roster today by acquiring right wing Lee Stempniak from the Toronto Maple Leafs in exchange for defenseman Matt Jones and a fourth and seventh round draft pick. In 61 games this season with the Maple Leafs, Stempniak has 14 goals and 15 assists for 29 points. He will be an unrestricted free agent this summer. Jones has not played in any NHL games since the 2007-08 season since being sidelined with a concussion. This is a decent move for the Coyotes, as Stempniak brings the team lots of offensive depth on the wing and skill on the power play. He should fit in nicely with the Coyotes. Jones should provide the Maple Leafs with plenty of defensive depth as a third-pairing defenseman.

Capitals Re-Acquire Defenseman Jurcina from Blue Jackets

The Washington Capitals continued to add depth to their roster on Wednesday by re-acquiring defenseman Milan Jurcina from the Columbus Blue Jackets in exchange for a sixth round draft pick. The Capitals traded Jurcina to the Blue Jackets in December with Chris Clark for Jason Chimera. In 44 games this season with the Capitals and Blue Jackets, he has one goal and six assists for seven points. He will be an unrestricted free agent this summer. This is an okay deal for the Capitals, as they have brought in a familiar face in Jurcina and he will provide plenty of defensive depth for the team. However, he has developed a bit of a bad reputation for his defensive blunders and turnovers. The Capitals probably could have found a better defenseman on the market than Jurcina, but the cost could have been a lot more than a sixth round draft pick.

Thrashers Acquire Forward MacArthur from Sabres

The Atlanta Thrashers added some toughness to their team on Wednesday by acquiring left wing Clarke MacArthur from the Buffalo Sabres in exchange for a third and fourth round draft picks. In 59 games this season with the Sabres, he has 13 goals and 13 assists for 26 points and 47 penalty minutes. He will be a restricted free agent on July 1. This is a decent trade for the Thrashers, as MacArthur plays with plenty of toughness and has some offensive skill. He also has some skill on the power play, so this should be a good pick-up for the Thrashers.

Sabres Acquire Torres from Blue Jackets for Paetsch

The Buffalo Sabres announced today that they have acquired left wing Raffi Torres from the Columbus Blue Jackets in exchange for defenseman Nathan Paetsch and a second round draft pick. In 60 games this season with the Blue Jackets, Torres has 19 goals and 12 assists for 31 points and 32 penalty minutes. In 11 games this season with the Sabres, Paetsch has one goal and one assist for two points. Both players will be unrestricted free agents this summer. This is a good trade for the Sabres, as Torres has lots of offensive skill, plays with lots of grit and toughness, and has good skills on the power play. He should fit in very nicely with the Sabres. Paetsch was a frequent scratch this season with Buffalo and never really got a chance to land a regular role with the team. He should provide plenty of defensive depth for the Blue Jackets and could improve his play if he is able to land a regular role with the team.

Flames Acquire Toskala from Ducks for McElhinney

The Calgary Flames bolstered their goaltending today by acquiring goaltender Vesa Toskala from the Anaheim Ducks in exchange for goaltender Curtis McElhinney. Toskala, who will be an unrestricted free agent this summer, was sent to Anaheim on January 31 by the Toronto Maple Leafs along with Jason Blake for Jean-Sebastien Giguere. In 26 games this season with the Maple Leafs, he posted a 7-12-3 record, with a 3.66 GAA and a .874 save percentage. He did not suit up in a game with the Ducks. In 10 games this season with the Flames, McElhinney posted a 3-4-0 record, with a 3.22 GAA and a .885 save percentage. This is a decent trade for the Flames, as Toskala will be a more suitable and experienced backup goaltender for the team than McElhinney. He could also easily jump into the starter's role if Miikka Kiprusoff should struggle or suffer an injury. McElhinney has the potential to become a decent backup goaltender, but has struggled mightily in that role in Calgary. Perhaps playing on a new team can turn his game around.

Capitals Acquire Belanger from Wild

The Washington Capitals added some more offensive depth on Wednesday by acquiring center Eric Belanger from the Minnesota Wild in exchange for a second round pick in the 2010 Entry Draft. He will be an unrestricted free agent this summer. In 60 games this season with the Wild, he has 13 goals and 22 assists for 35 points. This is a great move for the Capitals, as Belanger will bring plenty of grit and offensive depth to the team. He's a decent two-way player who is a great contributor on the power play, though he will likely be only a playoff rental for the Capitals.

Kings Acquire Halpern from Lightning for Purcell, Draft Pick

The Los Angeles Kings announced today that they have acquired center Jeff Halpern from the Tampa Bay Lightning in exchange for right wing Teddy Purcell and a third round draft pick. In 54 games this season with the Lightning, Halpern has nine goals and eight assists for 17 points. In 703 career NHL games with the Washington Capitals, Dallas Stars, and Tampa Bay Lightning, he has 131 goals and 183 assists for 314 points. He will be an unrestricted free agent this summer. In 41 games this season with the Kings, Purcell has three goals and three assists for six points. He will be a restricted free agent this summer. This is a good move for the Kings, as Halpern brings a lot of veteran depth and leadership skills to the relatively young team. Purcell will bring plenty of third-line offensive depth to the Lightning.

Coyotes Acquire Schneider from Canucks for Zimmerman, Draft Pick

The Coyotes continued to deal on Wednesday by acquiring defenseman Mathieu Schneider from the Vancouver Canucks in exchange for defenseman Sean Zimmerman and a conditional sixth round pick in the 2010 Entry Draft. In 17 games this season with the Canucks, Schneider has two goals and three assists for five points. He has spent most of the season with the Manitoba Moose of the AHL. In 1281 career games with the Montreal Canadiens, New York Islanders, Toronto Maple Leafs, New York Rangers, Los Angeles Kings, Detroit Red Wings, Anaheim Ducks, Atlanta Thrashers, and Vancouver Canucks, he has 223 goals and 516 assists for 739 points. He won the Stanley Cup with Montreal in 1993. Zimmerman has appeared in 54 games this season with San Antonio of the AHL, scoring two goals and five assists for seven points and 75 penalty minutes. He has yet to appear in an NHL game. Not a bad move for the Coyotes, as Schneider will bring a wealth of experience, veteran depth, and offensive skill to their blueline. However, he is still in the minors and there is the possibility that he could remain in the minors for the time being. Zimmerman should bring plenty of defensive depth and toughness to the Canucks organization.

NY Rangers Acquire Newbury from Red Wings for Owens

The New York Rangers announced today that they have acquired center Kris Newbury from the Detroit Red Wings in exchange for left wing Jordan Owens. In four games this season with the Red Wings, Newbury has one goal. In 48 career NHL games with the Red Wings and Toronto Maple Leafs, he has four goals and three assists for seven points. Owens has spent the entire season in the AHL with the Hartford Wolf Pack. This is really just a minor trade for both teams. Newbury will bring plenty of toughness to the Rangers' lineup, but he will likely spend most of the rest of the season in the minors. Owens has the potential to become a top-nine forward in the league, so he could be a good pick-up for the Red Wings.

Coyotes Acquire Wolski from Avalanche for Mueller, Porter

The Phoenix Coyotes continued to improve their roster on Wednesday by acquiring left wing Wojtek Wolski from the Colorado Avalanche in exchange for centers Peter Mueller and Kevin Porter. There was speculation in recent weeks that the Coyotes were shopping Mueller due to his drop in offensive production this season. In 61 games this season with the Avalanche, Wolski has 17 goals and 30 assists for 47 points. In 301 career NHL games, all with the Avalanche, he has 73 goals and 120 assists for 193 points. In 53 games with the Coyotes this season, Mueller has four goals and 12 assists for 16 points, while Porter has no points in four games this season with the Coyotes. This is a decent trade for both teams, as they have both acquired lots of offensive potential. Wolski has lots of offensive skill, especially on the power play, and should be a good fit for the Coyotes. Mueller and Porter both have a wealth of offensive potential and goal-scoring abilities, and if they can turn their respected games around in Colorado, they could be great pick-ups for the Avalanche.

Canucks Acquire Yan Stastny from Blues

The Vancouver Canucks made a minor trade today by acquiring center Yan Stastny from the St. Louis Blues in exchange for minor-league left wing Pierre-Cedric Labrie. In four games with the Blues this season, Stastny has one goal. He will be an unrestricted free agent this summer. Labrie has played in 45 games this season with the Manitoba Moose of the AHL, scoring five goals and one assist for six points and 69 penalty minutes. He has yet to appear in an NHL game. This is really just a minor trade for both teams. Stastny will bring the Canucks plenty of third or fourth line offensive depth. Labrie will likely finish the season in the minors, where he will brings lots of toughness and grit to the Blues' AHL affiliate in Peoria.

Capitals Acquire Walker from Hurricanes

The Washington Capitals added some toughness to their lineup today by acquiring right wing Scott Walker from the Carolina Hurricanes in exchange for a seventh round pick in the 2010 Entry Draft. In 32 games this season with the Hurricanes, he has three goals and two assists for five points and 23 penalty minutes. He is currently sidelined with a shoulder injury. In 819 career NHL games with the Vancouver Canucks, Nashville Predators, and Carolina Hurricanes, he has 149 goals and 245 assists for 394 points and 1153 penalty minutes. This is a good move by the Capitals, as Walker brings some much-needed toughness to the team's roster. He is an extremely physical player who will also bring plenty of veteran depth to the Capitals.

Oilers Claim Forward Jones Off Waivers From Predators

The Edmonton Oilers announced today that they have claimed left wing Ryan Jones off waivers from the Nashville Predators. In 41 games with the Predators this season, he has seven goals and four assists for 11 points. He was originally acquired by the Predators in 2008 in the trade that sent Marek Zidlicky to the Minnesota Wild. Not a bad addition by the Oilers, as Jones has plenty of offensive potential and goal-scoring skill. For now, he will likely bring plenty of offensive depth on the third or fourth line for the Oilers.

Ducks Acquire Defenseman Ward from Hurricanes for Pogge, Draft Pick

The Anaheim Ducks announced today that they have acquired veteran defenseman Aaron Ward from the Carolina Hurricanes in exchange for Justin Pogge and Boston's fourth round draft pick in either 2010 or 2011. The draft pick was acquired just yesterday by the Ducks in exchange for prospect defenseman Steve Kampfer. In 60 games this season with the Hurricanes, Ward has one goal and 10 assists for 11 points. In 822 career NHL games with the Detroit Red Wings, New York Rangers, Boston Bruins, and Carolina Hurricanes, he has 44 goals and 105 assists for 149 points. He has won three Stanley Cups throughout his career, two with Detroit and one with Carolina. Pogge, who was acquired by the Ducks last summer from the Toronto Maple Leafs, has not played in any NHL games this season. This is a decent move by the Ducks, as Ward plays with lots of defensive depth and toughness to the team's blueline, as well as a wealth of playoff experience. Pogge gives the Hurricanes a talented prospect goaltender who could become a backup to Cam Ward down the road.

Bruins Acquire Defenseman Seidenberg from Panthers in Multi-Player Trade

The Boston Bruins added some defensive depth today by acquiring defensemen Dennis Seidenberg and Matthew Bartkowski from the Florida Panthers in exchange for right wings Craig Weller and Byron Bitz and a second round pick in the 2010 Entry Draft. In 61 games this season with the Panthers, Seidenberg has two goals and 20 assists for 22 points. Bartkowski has yet to sign an NHL contract and is currently playing with the University of Ohio. The Bruins originally acquired Weller earlier in the season from the Minnesota Wild in exchange for Chuck Kobasew. He has not played in any NHL games this season. In 45 games this season with the Bruins, Bitz has four goals and five assists for nine points and 31 penalty minutes.

Not a bad move for the Bruins, who appear to be stocking up on future defensemen right now. Seidenberg will bring plenty of offense to the Bruins' blueline, especially on the power play, as a likely playoff rental. Bartkowski has the potential to be a hard-hitting, physical, and offensive-minded defenseman, so he could be a good addition to the Bruins down the road. As for the Panthers, they have acquired a couple of physical checking-line forwards. Weller could bring the team plenty of grit on the wing if they don't keep him in the minors. Bitz brings plenty of third or fourth line offensive depth to the Panthers, as well as some size and toughness.

Devils Acquire Defenseman Skoula from Maple Leafs

Defenseman Martin Skoula's time in Toronto was short-lived as the Maple Leafs have traded him to the New Jersey Devils in exchange for a fifth round pick in the 2010 Entry Draft. Skoula was traded last night to the Maple Leafs by the Pittsburgh Penguins with prospect forward Luca Caputi for Alexei Ponikarovsky. Skoula has three goals and five assists for eight points in 33 games with the Penguins this season. In 757 career games with the Colorado Avalanche, Anaheim Ducks, Dallas Stars, Minnesota Wild, and Pittsburgh Penguins, he has 44 goals and 149 assists for 193 points. Not a bad move for the Devils to add some defensive depth to their roster. Skoula will bring a veteran body to their blueline, as well as some offensive skill.

Coyotes Acquire Defenseman Morris from Bruins

In the first move on Trade Deadline Day, the Phoenix Coyotes have acquired defenseman Derek Morris from the Boston Bruins in exchange for a fourth round pick in the 2011 Entry Draft, marking his second stint with the Coyotes. He will be an unrestricted free agent this summer. In 57 games played with the Bruins this season, he has three goals and 22 assists for 25 points. In 850 career NHL games with the Calgary Flames, Colorado Avalanche, Phoenix Coyotes, New York Rangers, and Boston Bruins, he has 79 goals and 286 assists for 365 points and 820 penalty minutes. Not a bad move for the Coyotes, as Morris will bring plenty of veteran offensive depth to their blueline. Plus, for a fourth round draft pick, he was a good pick-up for a rental player for the playoffs.

Sharks Acquire Defenseman Westgarth from NY Islanders

In a minor trade on Tuesday, the San Jose Sharks have acquired defenseman Brett Westgarth from the New York Islanders in exchange for future considerations. This will be Westgarth's second stint with the Sharks organization, having previously signed as a free agent with the team in 2008. In 46 games this season with the Bridgeport Sound Tigers of the AHL, he has three goals and five assists for eight points and 68 penalty minutes. He has yet to appear in an NHL game. This is really nothing more than a depth move by the Sharks for their AHL affiliate in Worcester. He will bring lots of toughness and defensive depth to Worcester, but don't expect to see him play any games this season in the NHL.

Blues Acquire D'Agostini from Canadiens for Palushaj

The St. Louis Blues announced late Tuesday night that they have acquired right wing Matt D'Agostini from the Montreal Canadiens in exchange for prospect right wing Aaron Palushaj. In 40 games this season with the Canadiens, D'Agostini has two goals and two assists for four points. In 94 career games, all with the Canadiens, he has 14 goals and 11 assists for 25 points. He will be a restricted free agent on July 1. Palushaj has five goals and 17 assists for 22 points in 44 games with the Blues' AHL affiliate in Peoria. He has yet to appear in an NHL game. Not a bad pick-up for the Blues in D'Agostini. His numbers have not been very good this season, but playing on a new team could change that. He has lots of offensive potential and could become a very effective forward for the Blues in the future. Palushaj also has lots of offensive potential and could be a good addition for the Canadiens.

Penguins Acquire Ponikarovsky for Skoula, Caputi

The Pittsburgh Penguins have bolstered their offense tonight by acquiring left wing Alexei Ponikarovsky from the Toronto Maple Leafs in exchange for defenseman Martin Skoula and prospect left wing Luca Caputi. Ponikarovsky and Skoula will both be unrestricted free agents this summer. In 61 games this season with the Maple Leafs, Ponikarovsky has 19 goals and 22 assists for 41 points. In 477 career NHL games, all with the Maple Leafs, he has 114 goals and 143 assists for 257 points. Skoula has three goals and five assists for eight points in 33 games with the Penguins this season. In 757 career games with the Colorado Avalanche, Anaheim Ducks, Dallas Stars, Minnesota Wild, and Pittsburgh Penguins, he has 44 goals and 149 assists for 193 points. Caputi has one goal and one assist for two points in four games with the Penguins this season. He also has 23 goals and 24 assists for 47 points in 54 games this season with the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins of the AHL. This is a decent trade for both teams, as the Penguins get a three-time 20 goal scorer and the Maple Leafs get a decent offensive prospect in return. The trade was originally going to be Ponikarovsky for Caputi, but the Penguins needed to clear some salary cap space, so the Maple Leafs agreed to take on Skoula and his salary in return. Ponikarovsky will bring lots of offensive depth and goal scoring skill to the Penguins, though he will only be a playoff rental. Skoula will bring plenty of offensive depth and veteran experience to the Maple Leafs' blueline. Caputi has plenty of offensive potential and could likely find a roster spot on the team next season as the Maple Leafs continue to rebuild.

Blackhawks Acquire Defenseman Boynton from Ducks

The Chicago Blackhawks announced today that they have acquired defenseman Nick Boynton from the Anaheim Ducks in exchange for future considerations. Boynton was immediately sent to the Blackhawks' AHL affiliate in Rockford after the trade. In 42 games this season with the Ducks, he has one goal and six assists for seven points and 59 penalty minutes. In 547 career NHL games with the Boston Bruins, Phoenix Coyotes, Florida Panthers, and Anaheim Ducks, he has 33 goals and 102 assists for 135 points and 810 penalty minutes. He will be an unrestricted free agent this summer. Not a bad move for the Blackhawks, as Boynton will bring them plenty of veteran defensive depth and toughness. Plus, with Brent Sopel currently sidelined with an injury, the team was likely looking to add some depth on defense. However, with Boynton being sent to the minors, the Blackhawks likely feel they have sufficient depth on defense for now and could recall him closer to the playoffs.

Oilers Acquire Marquardt from Bruins for Wild

The Edmonton Oilers announced today that they have acquired left wing Matt Marquardt from the Boston Bruins in exchange for defenseman Cody Wild. Marquardt has appeared in 42 games with the Providence Bruins of the AHL this season, scoring one goal and nine assists for 10 points. Wild has split time this season between Springfield of the AHL and Stockton of the ECHL. Both players have yet to appear in an NHL game. This is really just a minor trade for both teams. Marquardt will bring plenty of offensive depth for the Oilers' AHL affiliate, while Wild will provide the Bruins' AHL team with plenty of defensive depth.

Wild Re-Sign Defensemen Zidlicky, Stoner

The Minnesota Wild announced today that they have signed defenseman Marek Zidlicky to a three-year contract extension worth $12 million and defenseman Clayton Stoner to a two-year contract extension worth $1.1 million. Zidlicky's deal averages out to $4 million per season, while Stoner's deal averages out to $550,000 per season. In 60 games so far this season with the Wild, Zidlicky has five goals and 31 assists for 36 points. In 443 career NHL games with the Nashville Predators and Minnesota Wild, he has 52 goals and 201 assists for 253 points. Stoner has appeared in eight games this season with the Wild, his first in the NHL, scoring two assists. Both players would have been free agents this summer. These are good signings by the Wild. Zidlicky brings lots of offensive skill to the team's defense and power play as well as a little toughness. Stoner brings lots of size and toughness to the Wild's blueline and should be able to land a regular spot on the team by next season.