NHL Trade Deadline: A look back at the three biggest trades of the 2022 deadline

By Lyndon Suvanto

Modified Feb 14, 2023 10:20 GMT

The NHL Trade Deadline is less than a month away and teams have already begun making key moves to their rosters. The Vancouver Canucks, who may be the biggest seller this trade season, have already made a major deal so far.

Prior to the NHL All-Star Game, Vancouver shipped former captain Bo Horvat to the New York Islanders in exchange for forwards Anthony Beauvillier and Aatu Raty, as well as a protected 2023 first-round draft pick.

"Did the Bo Horvat trade feel different than his others trades? What does Brock Boeser's future in Vancouver look like? Canucks GM Patrik Allvin addresses both questions and much more in an exclusive interview with Sportsnet's @imacSportsnet" - Sportsnet

While the trade was a notable one, it was not overly surprising, as the Vancouver Canucks are expected to sell several key players at the NHL Trade Deadline. Luke Scheen, Brock Boeser, Conor Garland and Tyler Myers have all been linked to several teams in trade rumors.

As the March 3 deadline approaches, it's time to reflect on the 2022 NHL Trade Deadline and evaluate the biggest deals made last season. If last year is any indication, it may help weed out rumors that may be legitimate or simply fabricated ideas.

#1 Biggest move of 2022 NHL Trade Deadline saw Claude Giroux move from Flyers to Panthers

After spending his entire career with the Philadelphia Flyers, former captain Claude Giroux was sent to the Florida Panthers alongside Connor Bunnaman, German Rubtsov and a 2025 fifth-round pick. In return, the Flyers received forward Owen Tippett, a 2024 first-round pick and a 2023 third-round pick.

"Claude Giroux trade grades: Panthers go all-in with Flyers deal ahead of 2022 NHL trade deadline" - HolyKey1

A pending unrestricted free agent at the time, Giroux was viewed as a game-changing piece that would help the Florida Panthers win their first Stanley Cup. While they ultimately fell to the Tampa Bay Lightning in the playoffs, Giroux was an effective player for the team.

In 18 regular-season games against Florida, the forward scored three goals and provided 20 assists, while also scoring three goals and providing five assists in 10 playoff games. After the season, Giroux went on to sign with the Ottawa Senators as a free agent.

#2 The Boston Bruins land Hampus Lindholm

At the 2022 NHL Trade Deadline, the Boston Bruins elected to bolster their defensive core by acquiring Hampus Lindholm and Kodie Curran from the Anaheim Ducks. In return, the Ducks received a 2022 first-round pick, a 2023 second-round pick, a 2024 second-round pick, Urho Vaakanainen and John Moore.

"Earlier this game, we honored Hampus Lindholm for his time with us. Here's the video and his reaction." - Anaheim Ducks

The move has paid off for both teams, as Lindholm has become a fixture for Boston this season, recording six goals and 27 assists for the first-place Bruins. Anaheim was able to acquire draft assets for the veteran blueliner, selecting center Nathan Gaucher with the first-round pick they acquired.

#3 The Lightning acquire Brandon Hagel

As the 2022 NHL Trade Deadline approached, the Tampa Bay Lightning were looking to bolster their offense as they attempted to win three straight Stanley Cup titles. While the team was already strong, Tampa Bay GM Julien BriseBois wanted to add another scoring option.

To accomplish this, the team acquired Brandon Hagel, a 2022 fourth-round pick, and a 2024 fourth-round pick from the Chicago Blackhawks in exchange for Boris Katchouk, Taylor Raddysh, a 2023 first-round pick and a 2024 first-round pick.

"What a night for Brandon Hagel, @BarstoolChief do you think hawks regret the trade?" - Alex Micheletti

While the Lightning eventually lost to the Colorado Avalanche, they returned to the Stanley Cup Finals for the third year in a row. Hagel remains an important and productive member of the Lightning, recording 22 goals and 24 assists in 52 games this season.