On the Fly, theScore's NHL roundtable series, continues. We're handing out grades after a flurry of action Saturday on the trade market.
Reimer to Sharks
Navin Vaswani: The Toronto Maple Leafs traded goaltender James Reimer and forward Jeremy Morin to the San Jose Sharks for goalie Alex Stalock, forward Ben Smith, and a conditional fourth-round draft pick in 2018.
Maple Leafs Grade: C-
Maple Leafs general manager Lou Lamoriello said there wasn't much of a market for a rental goalie among playoff teams, and while he certainly knows better than I do, this is a disappointing return for the best goalie Toronto's employed in a decade. Stalock and Smith aren't in Toronto's future plans, and the pick turns into a third-rounder if San Jose makes the Stanley Cup Final - which isn't happening. In the end, a fourth-round pick is better than nothing, as Toronto continues to stockpile assets. However, that doesn't make the return any less disappointing.
Sharks Grade: B+
Sharks general manager Doug Wilson did all of his shopping with the Maple Leafs, which is a bit disturbing if you're a San Jose supporter (Roman Polak and Nick Spaling were acquired on Feb. 22). But he did well, especially in adding Reimer, giving his club valuable insurance behind No. 1 goalie Martin Jones, who has never started a playoff game. The Sharks appear to be a lock to make the postseason in the Pacific, and once they get there, anything can happen. Ask Reimer.
Hudler heads to Florida
Mark Millard: The Calgary Flames traded forward Jiri Hudler to the Florida Panthers in exchange for a second-round pick in 2016, and a fourth-round pick in 2018.
Flames Grade: B-
Flames general manager Brad Treliving made it perfectly clear his team is officially open for business after trading Hudler to the Panthers. Calgary certainly comprehends it must emulate the Maple Leafs and stockpile as many draft picks as possible in the coming seasons, and it did just that with this deal. Hudler - a 32-year-old pending unrestricted free agent - has certainly regressed this season after a career-high 76-point campaign in 2014-15, but he can still produce in a top-six role. It was difficult to imagine the Flames receiving much more than a second-round pick given the rental market, so adding a pair of picks is a good start with defenseman Kris Russell expected to fetch an even bigger return by Monday's deadline.
Panthers Grade: B+
Panthers general manager Dale Tallon was a man on a mission Saturday, making three consecutive trades, highlighted by the addition of Hudler. With the Eastern Conference - Washington Capitals aside - being fairly up for grabs, it certainly makes sense for the Panthers to make short-term adds without sacrificing their long-term plans. Tallon did that in acquiring a consistent 50-point player without giving up any young pieces or roster players in return. Given Hudler's international chemistry with country-mate Jaromir Jagr, he should be a solid veteran compliment to a young team with much to learn. However, the Panthers still haven't addressed their significant weakness on the left side.
Panthers nab Purcell
Vaswani: The Panthers traded a 2016 3rd-round pick to the Edmonton Oilers for Teddy Purcell.
Oilers Grade: B
Everyone knew the Oilers were selling, so to add a third-round pick for an ageing 30-year-old scorer who is owed another million for the rest of the season is a rather decent return. Purcell's only scored 20 or more once in his career, and clearly wasn't in the ever-rebuilding Oilers' future plans. General manager Peter Chiarelli did good, knowing the Panthers didn't want to part with any of their prospects.
Panthers Grade: B
Tallon gets a "B," too, for sticking to his guns and keeping his upstart club intact. Florida's a great mix of young and old, and Purcell brings playoff experience - he had 17 points in 18 games during the Tampa Bay Lightning's run to the Eastern Conference finals in 2011. The Panthers wanted to add help on the wing, and instead of getting the big fish in Andrew Ladd and parting with valuable prospect capital, they got the help they needed in a couple of bodies while ensuring they'll remain competitive for years to come. Enjoy the postseason, Miami. It's actually happening.
Schultz gets his wings in Pittsburgh
Millard: The Oilers traded defenseman Justin Schultz to the Pittsburgh Penguins in exchange for a third-round pick in 2016.
Oilers Grade: C
The Oilers were definitely in a very tough spot with Schultz. The once highly touted prospect found himself playing the worst hockey of his career, and there was quite simply no getting away from it in Edmonton. Chiarelli did just about as well as he could have hoped in landing a third-round pick for Schultz, essentially making it a housekeeping move that provides an additional trade chip in the offseason. However, it remains a significantly low return for a player who could certainly turn things around with a change of scenery.
Penguins Grade: B
Given the way Schultz has played over the past two seasons, it's very difficult to envision him suddenly becoming a game-changing defenseman in Pittsburgh. But the 25-year-old is still equipped with upside, and a change of scenery could be exactly what he needs. Considering the very small price it required to land him, and the fact that he remains under control as a restricted free agent likely due for a very small extension in the summer, Pittsburgh did very well in making a low-risk move to land a player with potential long-term game - if he can figure it out. Allowing Sergei Gonchar to mentor Schultz from the get-go is certainly a step in the right direction.
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