Feb 25, 2015; Anaheim, CA, USA; Ottawa Senators center Mika Zibanejad (93) handles the puck defended by Anaheim Ducks left wing Jiri Sekac (46) during the third period at Honda Center. The Ottawa Senators won 3-0. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports
Final Grades:
Overall, this is a trade that probably will be tough to gauge. Both are young players in their first year of playing full-time in the NHL (with Sekac coming over from the KHL and Smith-Pelly using a strong postseason to earn playing time with the Ducks). A true, comprehensive grade cannot be given, but a preliminary grade can.
Sekac has two assists since joining the Ducks, while Smith-Pelly has yet to score with the Canadiens. Is the skill and upside better for the Ducks, or does the need and physicality swing the deal in favor of the Canadiens? Corey Pronman believes it’s a fairly even trade for both sides, though he prefers one player more.
I’m a fan of “hockey” trades, where both teams acquire a player with term: after all, rentals are cheaper, but if a player can be had beyond the current season, it should be explored. The deal fits different needs and gives both players a change of scenery (Sekac did not have the trust of Therrien, while Smith-Pelly was hard-pressed for playing time in a wing carousel with Bourque, Jackman, and Etem).
Therefore, I have to give both teams the same grade, which is a B. Their impact remains to be seen, but adding good young players to a team is ideal: under the salary cap, teams need contributions from players on cheaper deals. Both players are under team control. Neither acquisition puts a team over the top (so not an A), and neither acquisition is a head-scratcher (not a D or F). This has the potential to be a good trade both ways and is sensible, so the grade is what it is.
Of course, this is my judgment. Feel free to give each team a grade.
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