All articles tagged with #trade grades
Chicago traded minor-leaguers Brett Bateman and Ty Southisene to Toronto for veteran right-hander Kevin Gausman, adding a durable, playoff-tested arm to a Cubs rotation hit hard by injuries. CBS Sports grades the Cubs an A and the Jays a B, calling the return solid for a rental at the trade deadline.
Ottawa acquires William Eklund, Kasper Halttunen, and Brandon Svoboda’s rights from San Jose in exchange for the No. 9 pick in the 2026 NHL Draft, giving the Senators added forward depth while San Jose gains significant draft capital; analysts view Eklund as a promising top-six winger but not an immediate Brady Tkachuk replacement, signaling Ottawa’s quick retool and San Jose’s continued rebuild.
The Philadelphia Eagles acquired running back Tank Bigsby from the Jaguars for a B- trade grade, viewing him as a valuable depth addition with long-term potential, especially for kickoff returns, despite some concerns about his limited receiving skills and high trade cost.
The Philadelphia Eagles traded Haason Reddick to the New York Jets for a conditional third-round draft pick, with the potential to become a second-rounder based on Reddick's performance. The Jets, aiming to bolster their defense, are taking a calculated risk with this trade, while the Eagles, looking to get younger, made a strategic move by acquiring a future draft pick and signing edge rusher Bryce Huff. Both teams received favorable trade grades for their respective approaches.
The San Diego Padres acquire pitcher Dylan Cease from the Chicago White Sox in exchange for a package of prospects, bolstering their rotation with a high-upside arm. Cease's performance has been inconsistent, but he offers significant value with his strikeout potential and team control. The White Sox receive a mix of promising prospects in return, with the success of the trade hinging on their development. Both teams receive favorable grades for the deal, with the Padres addressing their pitching needs and the White Sox acquiring valuable assets for their roster rebuild.
The San Jose Sharks made several significant moves at the NHL trade deadline, including trading franchise icon Tomas Hertl to the Vegas Golden Knights. Despite the emotional impact on fans, the Sharks received positive trade grades for their deals. The Hertl trade, in particular, was seen as a good move, as they acquired valuable assets for an aging player whose timeline didn't align with the team's need for a rebuild. Other trades included acquiring prospects and draft picks, as well as addressing goaltending depth.
The Philadelphia Flyers acquired defenseman Erik Johnson from the Buffalo Sabres in exchange for a fourth-round pick in 2024, aiming to bolster their defensive depth for the playoff push. Despite Johnson's declining performance and limited ice time, his playoff experience and potential as an insurance policy factored into the trade. The Flyers, currently in a tight playoff race, made a calculated move to address their defensive needs, while the Sabres secured reasonable value for a player with no future in their plans. Both teams received a grade of B for the trade.
The Florida Panthers acquire right wing Kyle Okposo from the Buffalo Sabres, adding depth to their bottom six and providing a reliable defensive presence. Okposo's move to the Panthers offers him a chance to return to the playoffs after eight years, potentially in his last season. While the trade doesn't bring much back for Buffalo, it reflects a willingness to support their players and could attract veterans in the future. The Panthers receive an A- grade, while the Sabres receive a B.
The Carolina Hurricanes acquire center Evgeny Kuznetsov from the Washington Capitals, with the Capitals retaining 50 percent of his salary and receiving a third-round pick in 2025. While Kuznetsov's recent performance has been underwhelming, the Hurricanes believe his dynamic offensive talent can provide a boost to their structured system, offering a needed element of unpredictability. The trade represents a worthwhile risk for Carolina, while the Capitals successfully move on from a relationship that had run its course.
The Tampa Bay Lightning acquired forward Anthony Duclair and a seventh-round pick in the 2025 NHL Draft from the San Jose Sharks in exchange for defenseman Jack Thompson and a third-round pick in the 2024 NHL Draft. Duclair, known for his offensive skills and speed, provides a middle-six boost for the Lightning, while Thompson and the draft pick offer a solid return for the Sharks. Despite a challenging season with the struggling Sharks, Duclair's late resurgence and potential to contribute to Tampa Bay's scoring make the trade beneficial for both teams, earning the Lightning a B grade and the Sharks a B-.
The Toronto Maple Leafs acquire defenseman Joel Edmundson from the Washington Capitals, with the Capitals retaining 50 percent of his salary. While Edmundson brings size and physicality to the Leafs' defense, his declining on-ice performance and limited puck skills raise concerns about his overall impact. The trade is seen as a marginal upgrade at best and a potential huge downgrade at worst for the Maple Leafs, especially if he displaces promising defenseman Timothy Liljegren. The Capitals receive a third-round pick in 2024 and a fifth-round pick in 2025 in the trade.
The Vegas Golden Knights acquire forward Anthony Mantha from the Washington Capitals in a shrewd move, with Mantha showing improved performance this season. Mantha's scoring ability and two-way utility make him a valuable addition to the Golden Knights' lineup, providing depth and versatility. The Capitals receive a decent return, but the retention of 50 percent of Mantha's salary leaves room for further additions for the Golden Knights. Overall, the trade grades are B+ for the Golden Knights and C for the Capitals.
The Dallas Stars acquire defenseman Chris Tanev and goalie Cole Brady in a trade, with the Calgary Flames receiving defenseman Artem Grushnikov, a second-round pick, and a conditional third-round pick, while the New Jersey Devils get a fourth-round pick for retaining 50 percent of Tanev’s salary. The trade is seen as a slam dunk win for the Stars, addressing their need for a steady, right-handed defenseman and bolstering their defense for a Stanley Cup run, while the Flames are criticized for settling for a subpar return and retaining 50 percent of Tanev’s salary.
The Montreal Canadiens traded Sean Monahan to the Winnipeg Jets in exchange for a 2024 first-round draft pick and a conditional 2027 third-round draft pick. The Canadiens received high praise for their asset management, acquiring Monahan at a low point, allowing him to regain value, and then selling high for a significant return. On the other hand, the Jets were criticized for overpaying for a player with defensive flaws and uncertain production, despite the need for a center. Overall, the Canadiens received an A+ grade for the trade, while the Jets received a C+ grade.
The Baltimore Orioles acquired Cy Young-winning righty Corbin Burnes from the Milwaukee Brewers in a trade, receiving an 'A' grade for landing an impact starter. The Brewers received shortstop Joey Ortiz, left-handed pitcher DL Hall, and a draft pick, earning a 'C' grade for an underwhelming return. Burnes has been one of the best starters in baseball, and the Orioles have the financial flexibility to retain him long-term. The Brewers' return may be viewed as light, but Ortiz and Hall are ready for big-league duty, with Ortiz potentially becoming the Brewers' shortstop of the future.