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Day 2 of the 2024 NHL Draft was highlighted by a flurry of trades. Some notable names have changed teams, adding to the drama and excitement of Day 1. While Day 1 offered some memorable moments, such as Beckett Sennecke going at number three, there were no significant trades on Day 1.
That drama was reserved for Day 2. So, here’s a look at the biggest names heading to new homes as the NHL Draft winds down ahead of free agency opening on July 1.
5 biggest trades that took place during the 2024 NHL Draft
#5: Logan Thompson heading to Washington
When the Washington Capitals traded Darcy Kuemper to Los Angeles for Pierre-Luc Dubois, the Caps left a hole in their goaltending tandem. That hole appears to have been filled with the acquisition of Logan Thompson from the Vegas Golden Knights.
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In exchange, the Golden Knights got Washington’s 2024 and 2025 third-round picks. Now, Thompson figures to become a tandem with Charlie Lindgren, giving the Capitals two solid options in goal heading into next season. It remains to be seen whether Thompson can become the outright starter.
Nevertheless, this deal makes sense for the Capitals, as it seems the club has addressed a pressing concern ahead of next season.
#4: Kevin Hayes to the Penguins
The Pittsburgh Penguins acquired Kevin Hayes and a 2025 second-round pick from the St. Louis Blues in exchange for future considerations on Day 2 of the NHL Draft. This deal is a savvy move by Pens GM Kyle Dubas as Pittsburgh gets a serviceable forward and a valuable second-round pick for essentially nothing.
Hayes projects as a bottom-six forward, perhaps a third or fourth-line center. However, the second-rounder is a valuable pick, as it could become part of another deal later on.
Meanwhile, this move works for the Blues as they get rid of Hayes’ contract, saving the club nearly $4 million per season.
#3: Vegas gets Schmid from Devils
Vegas was busy on Day 2 of the NHL Draft, nabbing goaltender Akira Schmid from the New Jersey Devils. Schmid immediately fills the void left by departing Logan Thompson. Additionally, the Golden Knights acquired forward Alexander Holtz. Going to New Jersey is forward Paul Cotter and a 2025 third-round selection.
This deal works very well for both sides. Schmid had a disappointing year in New Jersey last season. The acquisitions of Jake Allen and Jacob Markstrom made Schmid expendable. As such, the Devils recoup some assets moving forward.
Meanwhile, Schmid projects as the backup to Adin Hill in Vegas. The savvy move gives the Golden Knights flexibility in goal, allowing the team to address forward depth with Alexander Holtz.
#2: Mikhail Sergachev to Utah
The Utah Hockey Club pulled off the biggest trade of its young existence by acquiring shutdown defenseman Mikhail Sergachev from the Tampa Bay Lightning. The deal is a huge splash for Utah, immediately upgrading its defensive corps.
In exchange, the Lighting got defenseman J.J. Moser, forward Conor Geekie, a 2024 seventh, and a 2025 second-rounder. The deal allows Tampa to clear cap space while acquiring useful assets.
This deal is a rare win-win as the Lightning clear cap space and recovers assets, while Utah instantly elevates its blue line with a legitimate number-one defenseman.
#1: Chris Tanev to the Maple Leafs
The Toronto Maple Leafs acquired the rights to impending free agent Chris Tanev in exchange for a 2026 seventh round pick and RFA Max Ellis during Day 2 of the NHL Draft.
The deal is a home run for the Maple Leafs as they acquire the exclusive negotiating rights to Tanev, further fueling speculation that Tanev wanted to sign with the Leafs. While it remains unclear if and when Tanev signs with Toronto, the Leafs get the rights to one of the most sought-after free agents for a bargain basement price.
Unfortunately, this deal is a loss for Dallas as the club had hoped to re-sign Tanev. The trade signals the Stars have given up on keeping Tanev, thus salvaging what they could during Day 2 of the NHL Draft.
