Several NHL Western Conference teams made significant trades Wednesday as the deadline approaches. The Utah Mammoth acquired defenseman MacKenzie Weegar from Calgary, while the Edmonton Oilers completed their second deal with Chicago this week.
Western Conference NHL teams strengthened their rosters Wednesday as the trade deadline approaches, with multiple Stanley Cup contenders and playoff hopefuls making significant moves.
The Edmonton Oilers, who have reached the Western Conference finals twice in a row, completed their second transaction with Chicago in just a few days by acquiring veteran center Jason Dickinson. Chicago agreed to cover half of Dickinson’s contract and also sent forward Colton Dach, an Edmonton-area native, to the Oilers. In return, the Blackhawks received forward Andrew Mangiapane and a conditional 2027 first-round draft selection.
The Dallas Stars, riding a 10-game winning streak and fresh off three straight Western Conference final appearances, strengthened their defensive corps by obtaining Tyler Myers from the Vancouver Canucks. The Stars gave up a 2027 second-round pick and a 2029 fourth-round selection for the veteran blueliner.
Utah Mammoth made perhaps the biggest splash, trading for defenseman MacKenzie Weegar from Calgary. The Flames received three 2025 second-round draft picks, defenseman Olli Maatta, and unsigned prospect Jonathan Castagna in the deal.
The 32-year-old Weegar brings veteran leadership and the ability to handle substantial ice time as Utah pursues a Western Conference playoff spot. He had to waive his complete no-trade protection to facilitate the move and is committed long-term to Utah, with his contract running through 2031 at a $6.25 million annual cap charge.
“MacKenzie is a high-end defenseman with the type of leadership and work ethic that we want in a top-four blueliner,” Mammoth general manager Bill Armstrong said. “Acquiring MacKenzie solidifies our back end as we continue to push towards the playoffs, and he will be a great addition to our team on and off the ice.”
These transactions have significantly strengthened the Central Division’s top teams.
The 30-year-old Dickinson brings defensive reliability and exceptional penalty-killing skills from his time in Chicago. This season, he has recorded six goals and seven assists across 47 games.
Dickinson reunites with Connor Murphy in Edmonton after the 32-year-old defenseman was also dealt from Chicago to the Oilers earlier this week. Edmonton’s general manager Stan Bowman previously oversaw Chicago’s operations when current Blackhawks GM Kyle Davidson began his career with the organization.
Vancouver is absorbing half of Myers’ $3 million salary for this season and next, giving Dallas the veteran defender at just $1.5 million for potentially two playoff campaigns.
“Tyler is a veteran defenseman that will immediately add to our group,” Dallas general manager Jim Nill said. “His ability to play on the right side will give us an added element of flexibility on the blue line.”
At 6-foot-8 and 36 years old, Myers is in his 17th NHL season. He waived his complete no-movement clause to join the Stars.
“It just basically checked all the boxes,” Myers said on a video call with reporters. “Obviously had three or four teams that were a preference for us. Dallas one of them. And when we found out that they had some mutual interest, we pushed hard to get it done.”
Dallas sought additional defensive depth and may still pursue forward help before Friday’s deadline. Myers joins a blue line anchored by Miro Heiskanen that also features Esa Lindell and Thomas Harley.
“Already a lot of talent, already a lot of size,” Myers said. “I know how good of a team Dallas already is, and for me I’m just coming in to work as hard as I can and help in any way.”
Minnesota, potentially Dallas’ first-round playoff matchup, acquired bottom-six center Michael McCarron on Tuesday evening. League-leading Colorado added defensive depth by obtaining Nick Blankenburg from Nashville for a 2027 fifth-round pick.
The Wild may continue dealing, with general manager Bill Guerin seeking a top-tier center. Vincent Trocheck of the New York Rangers represents one possibility, as several teams have indicated their willingness to sell assets.
Two-time defending champion Florida has shifted into selling mode following three consecutive regulation losses. Wednesday’s signing of journeyman goaltender Louis Domingue may indicate the Panthers’ direction. Star goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky, who led them to consecutive championships and three straight final appearances while winning two Vezina Trophies, becomes a free agent after this season.
Though trading Bobrovsky seems unlikely, other pending free agents including A.J. Greer and Jeff Petry could generate interest.
Toronto, whose nine-season playoff streak appears ending, also has tradeable assets. The Maple Leafs scratched Scott Laughton, Bobby McMann, and Oliver Ekman-Larsson from Wednesday’s game against New Jersey as trade discussions intensify.
“It’s obviously a tough time for everybody, no matter what team you’re on,” Ekman-Larsson said following the morning skate. “At the same time, you know what you sign up for, and you know that that’s the case around the league.”
San Jose’s Kiefer Sherwood avoided another trade by signing a five-year, $28.75 million extension with the Sharks. San Jose acquired Sherwood from Vancouver on January 19th with the flexibility to either retain or trade him.