NHL Trade Deadline: A look at three of the most impactful deadline moves in the past 15 years

The NHL trade deadline is rapidly approaching, with teams unable to make deals after March 3.

Hockey fans have already seen one significant deal executed so far, with the New York Islanders acquiring Bo Horvat from the Vancouver Canucks. In exchange, the Canucks landed forwards Anthony Beauvillier and Aatu Raty, as well as a protected 2023 first-round draft pick from the Islanders.

"Couple reasons why @#NYIslanders made super deal getting #BoHorvat. As Lou says, "He brings it every night and plays the 200-foot game." And Bo's reason for getting it done with the Isles: "The team's culture and organization." A double-dip victory for Lou and the franchise." - Stan Fischler

Several stars are expected to be on the move before the NHL trade deadline. Names such as Timo Meier, Jesse Puljujarvi, and Vladimir Tarasenko have been mentioned in rumors.

While some trades can be the final piece of a championship team, many others are made to build for the future. Here is a deeper look at three of the most successful trade deadline deals from the past 15 years.

#1. Jeff Carter: Blue Jackets to the Kings at the 2011-12 trade deadline

The Los Angeles Kings and Columbus Blue Jackets made a blockbuster deal at the 2011-12 trade deadline. The Kings bolstered their offense by landing superstar Jeff Carter in exchange for defenseman Jack Johnson and a 2013 first-round draft pick.

After landing with the Kings, Jeff Carter was an integral force for his new club during the playoffs. Carter racked up 13 points (eight goals, five assists), including the game-winning goal in Game 6 of the Stanley Cup Finals against the New Jersey Devils. Carter went on to win two Stanley Cups with the Los Angeles Kings (2011-12, 2013-14).

"The Columbus Blue Jackets traded Jeff Carter to the LA Kings. The LA Kings went on to win the Stanley Cup that season and Carter scored the Cup-Winning goal. The Penguins ditched Jack Johnson, then later acquired Jeff Carter at the trade deadline. You know the ending already." - Penguins Jesus

#2. Bill Guerin: Islanders to the Penguins in 2008-09

The first of two trades on this list involving the Pittsburgh Penguins, the acquisition of Bill Guerin from the New York Islanders proved to be a highly successful one. The Penguins landed the veteran forward for a conditional 2009 draft pick.

While originally brought in for his veteran leadership, Bill Guerin proved to be a valuable asset to Pittsburgh, scoring seven goals and eight assists in 24 playoff games. Guerin helped Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin win the first Stanley Cups of their careers. The seemingly low-profile move paid off handsomely for the Penguins.

#3. Marian Hossa: Thrashers to the Penguins in 2007-08

A year prior to the trade deadline deal that landed them Bill Guerin, the Pittsburgh Penguins took another risk by acquiring Marian Hossa and Pascal Dupuis from the Atlanta Thrashers. Pittsburgh sent Colby Armstrong, Erik Christensen, Angelo Esposito, and a first-round selection (Daulton Leveille), in exchange.

"You guys ever just sit back and think about how the Penguins Marian Hossa trade was probably one of the best trades of all time for the team?" - Aaron Strayer

The Penguins would ultimately fall to the Detroit Red Wings 4-2 in the Stanley Cup finals. Hossa led the team in playoff goals (12), as well as finishing second on the team with 26 playoff points. Even though they lost, the playoff experience gained undoubtedly helped the club win the Stanley Cup the following season.