JD brings up a good point: many mid-season trades do nothing more than create hype. But some deadline trades have reaped great benefits. Please help me put together a list.
(Not necessarily in order of importance)
1980: New York Islanders get Butch Goring from the Los Angeles Kings in exchange for Billy Harris and Dave Lewis. The Isles finished first in overall points the year before but lost in the semis. The ’79-80 Isles were falling short of potential. A big problem was the lack of penalty killing. Goring filled the void and then some. He had an assist on Bobby Nystrom’s Cup-winning goal. Goring went on to win the Conn Smythe the following year.
2004: The Boston Red Sox sent perennial all-star shortstop, Nomar Garciaparra, packing. In return the Sox got shortstop, Orlando and Doug Mientkiewicz. The rest is history.
Please contribute to the list.
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