Three deals that you may have missed as the NHL Trade Deadline approaches

The NHL Trade Deadline continues to be one of the most important and exciting dates of every season. This year is expected to be no different with several teams already emerging as sellers, with several trade rumors surrounding teams such as the San Jose Sharks and Vancouver Canucks.

NHL fans have already been treated to several trades involving notable players and teams. One of the top deals so far has seen Vladimir Tarasenko move from the St. Louis Blues to the New York Rangers for Sammy Blais, defenseman prospect Hunter Skinner, a conditional first-round pick in the 2023 NHL Draft, and a fourth-round pick in the 2024 NHL Draft.

"As expected, Vladimir Tarasenko scores for the New York Rangers INSTANTLY" - Blues Buzz

Several other notable trades have taken place before the NHL Trade Deadline, including Bo Horvat to the New York Islanders and Ryan O'Reilly to the Toronto Maple Leafs. Both moves have already paid off, as Horvat and O'Reilly have scored several times for their new clubs.

While the deals of Tarasenko and O'Reilly have garnered the most attention, there have been three trades that may have gone under the radar. Here is a deeper look at three trades you may not have seen.

The Ottawa Senators' trade of Nikita Zaitsev may have an impact on the NHL Trade Deadline

On Feb. 22, the Chicago Blackhawks acquired defenseman Nikita Zaitsev, a second-round pick in the 2023 NHL draft and a fourth-round pick in the 2026 NHL draft from the Ottawa Senators in exchange for future considerations.

"Trade alert: The #Sens have acquired future considerations from @NHLBlackhawks in exchange for defenceman Nikita Zaitsev, a second-round draft pick in '23 and a fourth-round selection in '26." - Ottawa Senators

While the deal may not seem like much on paper, the cost the Ottawa Senators paid to remove Zaitsev's salary may affect other teams' plans as the NHL Trade Deadline approaches. The trade frees up $4.5 million in cap space for the Senators this season and next, which should help the club moving forward.

For teams looking to unload large, unwanted salaries on their roster, the price Ottawa paid may have shifted the market price for teams taking on expensive contracts.

The New York Rangers acquire forward Tyler Motte

On Feb. 19, the New York Rangers acquired forward Tyler Motte from the Ottawa Senators in exchange for forward Julien Gauthier and a conditional seventh-round pick in the 2023 NHL draft. The move came only 10 days after acquiring Vladimir Tarasenko from the St. Louis Blues.

The feisty winger will be right at home, as he used to play for the Rangers, so the chemistry is already there. While Motte may not have a major role for the team, he will likely line up in the bottom six, but will provide an edge for the New York Rangers as the NHL Trade Deadline approaches.

The Anaheim Ducks acquire forward Josiah Slavin from the Chicago Blackhawks

On Feb. 23, the Anaheim Ducks acquired forward Josiah Slavin from the Chicago Blackhawks in exchange for forward Hunter Drew. The deal will see both teams switch 24-year-olds, but neither will likely have a major impact on either roster. Combined, the two have played a total of 17 games in the NHL.

"TRADE: We have acquired Josiah Slavin from the Chicago Blackhawks in exchange for Hunter Drew. Slavin will report to the @SDGullsAHL. #FlyTogether | @EandELaw" - Anaheim Ducks

While this may be one of the lowest-impact trades of the NHL Trade Deadline, fans will be happy to see trades taking place.