I suppose in a normal season, it would be a little bit early to start outlining what plans should be for the NHL trade deadline.
But this is no ordinary season in the NHL. For the first time since the 2014 games in Sochi, the NHL is allowing their players to go to the Olympics.
The arrival of NHL talent in Milan has created two ripple effects in the league. First, we are much farther along in the season than you might think. With a nearly three-week gap built in for the Olympics, every team is playing on a condensed schedule. From a games played perspective, many teams are farther along than they usually would be at the end of January.
Second, the pause has now essentially created two trade deadlines. A miniature version of the deadline will happen right before the Olympic break, where rosters will freeze, preventing any trades. And then, once the freeze is lifted, you’ll still have your standard March 6th trade deadline.
While teams are still permitted to talk and discuss deals with one another, several general managers will be in Milan for the games. A time difference and pretty pressing matters happening in Italy might make for some stalled negotiations.
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