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Impact
Impact!
NHL.com's Online Magazine
March/2003, Vol. 1, Issue 6
  • Even Gretzky wasn't immune to wheelin' and dealin'
  • NHL.com's top 15 trades since 1980
  • GMs Pleau, Waddell take you inside the trade game
  • Wigge: Making magic at the deadline
  • Blake, Kovalev know all about living with trade rumors
  • Trades put players' wives to the test
  • A look back at 2002 trade deadline deals
  • Behind the scenes: Small transaction spurs big activity
  • Photo of the month
  • Back issues of Impact
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    Tom Poti
    Tom Poti proved to be a huge addition to the Rangers in his first full season with the team. In fact, for much of 2002-03, Poti was the team's leading scorer.

    Deadline dealin'


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  • Jason Arnott, Randy McKay and a first-round pick in 2002 from New Jersey to Dallas for Joe Nieuwendyk and Jamie Langenbrunner -- The Stars pulled the trigger on this deal as they struggled with the realization that making the playoffs was a long shot. For them, the keeper was Arnott, a younger and stronger center than Nieuwendyk. But, Arnott has been injured much of this year, limiting his effectiveness, while McKay left in the summer as a free agent. Nieuwendyk and Langenbrunner could not help the Devils reach the Eastern Conference Finals for the third-straight season last spring, but both have been key cogs in New Jersey's success this season.

  • Adam Oates to Philadelphia from Washington for Maxime Ouellet and a first-, second-, and third-round pick in the 2002 NHL Entry Draft: -- Oates could not help the Flyers' offense from its postseason doldrums and then left to join Anaheim as a free agent. For Washington, the trade allowed the club to replenish its farm system. Ouellet is the team's top goaltender with Portland, the franchise's American Hockey League affiliate.

  • Darius Kasparaitis from Pittsburgh to Colorado for Ville Niemenen and Rick Berry -- The Avalanche obtained Kasparaitis hoping he would provide the same jolt that late-season trades for Ray Bourque and Rob Blake had produced in previous seasons. Colorado made it to the Western Conference Finals, but Kasparaitis did not have the anticipated impact. He signed as a free agent with the Rangers during the summer. Niemenen, meanwhile, has been unspectacular, but productive, player for Pittsburgh. Berry, on the hand, has ended up with the Washington Capitals.

    There were also several other deals that have panned out more this year than they did down the stretch last year.

    Chicago traded for veteran defenseman Lyle Odelein, sending Jaroslav Spacek and a 2003 NHL Entry Draft pick to Columbus. Spacek has been one of the Blue Jackets' most consistent defenders and has helped in the development of that team's young blue liners, while Odelein has provided veteran leadership and grit for a Blackhawks' team that is battling for a playoff spot this year.

    The Rangers and Oilers also pulled off a similar deal, as New York sent Mike York and a draft pick to the Oilers for Tom Poti and Rem Murray. York provided Edmonton with more of the speed element that befits their scheme, while Poti led the Rangers in scoring for much of the season from his blue-line position. Murray, meanwhile, was part of the deal that landed Mike Dunham from Nashville this season.

    Tom Poti
    Jaroslav Spacek has been a pleasant addition for the Blue Jackets, quarterbacking the power play and mentoring youngster Rostislav Klesla.
    Edmonton also made a deal with Boston, sending veteran defender Sean Brown to the Bruins for prospect Bobby Allen. Brown has provided Boston with a physical edge from the blue line this season, especially in the face of so many injuries. Allen, meanwhile, is progressing nicely with Edmonton's primary affiliate in Hamilton.

    Columbus made another deal on deadline day, sending Blake Sloan to Calgary for Jamie Allison. Sloan has been a solid citizen in Calgary, playing a defensive role for that team that has been appreciated. Allison, meanwhile, has appeared in less than 30 games for Columbus this year.

    The other nine trades that played out at last year's deadline will not likely see dividends for some of the teams involved for several years. Others will never see payoffs on their deals. Five players involved in trades last year -- Bob Corkum, Jeff Norton, Jiri Slegr, Stephane Fiset and Stephane Richer -- are out of the NHL as this year's trade deadline day rolls around.

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