What, like you haven’t heard people say that Trade Deadline Day is like Christmas?
I can’t say I’ve ever looked forward to the day that much, but after experiencing two trade days during my college internship, I understand the thrill of it now. I’d almost go so far as to say I miss it a little bit. Getting a text or hearing “[So-and-so] has made a trade” on TV is always an exciting moment. The thing is, any trade can affect your team — not only can the addition of a new player potentially change the way you approach that team, or make said team more or less of a threat in the standings, but, in the short term, a trade between two other teams could mean a trade for your team.
Then you have the GMs and their staff, who are often under pressure to “just do something” because it’s their last chance, which means they have to find a balance between jumping at a chance just because and being too steadfast and passing up a really good offer. On top of all that, they have to consider the money aspect and how a trade will affect their salary cap. There’s no way I’d want that job.
One of my teams has already made a trade today — albeit, one that, I’m assuming, is just the beginning of something bigger — and it will be interesting to see what the Sabres do, if anything. Sometimes standing your ground and not making a move can be the biggest move of all.
If you’re trying to keep track of all the goings-on around the NHL, here are some links to get you started:
- The NHL Tradecentre’s Trade Tracker is basic, but spectacular. NHL.com is also broadcasting TSN’s Tradecentre — which is lovely if you can use sound.
- WNYMedia’s own Live Blog is blowing up, and the Sabres haven’t even done anything yet.
- Twitter’s NHLTrade and tradedeadline hashtags compile everything trade-related from the site. Be forewarned: it’s a little overwhelming when five new tweets pop up every 30 seconds, so proceed with caution.
Happy Trade Deadline Day everyone!
Angela Marie Stefano 