Wednesday Trade Grades: Market Heats Up Ahead of Friday's Deadline

Mackenzie Weegar to Utah

Mammoth: B | Flames A

One of the biggest moves of the day saw Flames defenceman Mackenzie Weegar head to the Utah Mammoth. The return for Calgary is headlined by three 2026 second-round picks. All things considered, this is a strong return for the rebuilding Flames, as Weegar is now 32 years old and carries a $6.25M cap hit for the next five seasons.

Utah is eager to enter its contention window, as they look to boost ticket sales in their new city. However, giving up that many futures for a 32-year-old defenceman is certainly a bold choice, given the strength of their young core and prospect pool.

The Mammoth are likely a few years out from serious contention, but it doesn't hurt to have a veteran defenceman in the locker room to help out the young guys. While they likely overpaid for Weegar, they managed to do so without giving up any premium assets.

Full trade details:

Colton Parayko to Buffalo🚫 (DECLINES TO WAIVE)

Sabres: A | Blues: A+ (IF it would've occurred)

In what would've been a blockbuster deal for the Sabres, Colton Parayko has declined to waive his no-trade clause and will remain in St. Louis. The original trade was reported to include a first-round pick and 6'6 defenceman prospect Radim Mrtka.

The Sabres are amidst their most successful season in years, as they find themselves in a position to break their 14-year playoff drought, but it wasn't enough to convince Parayko to waive his clause.

This would've been a good return for the Blues on the 32-year-old Parayko as they enter a rebuild of their own. Mrtka has the same frame as Parayko, so they likely saw him as the perfect replacement.

Full reported trade details:

Jason Dickinson to Edmonton

Oilers: B+ | Blackhawks: A+

At first glance, giving up a first for Jason Dickinson is a lot. However, the Oilers get him at 50% retained, dump the next two years of money owed to Andrew Mangiapane, while also attaining young forward Colton Dach.

The Oilers desperately needed bottom-six help, and Dickinson provides an elite defensive game, paired with the ability to chip in offensively. 23-year-old Colton Dach can also be a solid checking fourth liner with his size and ability to play the body™.

The Edmonton first is very likely to land late in round 1, and it's also top-12 protected for added insurance. This looks like a lot to give up, but the Oilers scratch a lot of itches and certainly get better before the playoffs.

Full trade details:

Tyler Myers to Dallas

Dallas Stars C+ | Vancouver Canucks A+

The Dallas Stars adore right-handed depth defenceman a little bit too much, as they pay a steep price for defenceman Tyler Myers. Now, Myers isn't awful by any means, but he certainly doesn't command this return if he isn't 6'8.

Vancouver does retain 50% of Myers' $3M AAV for this year and next, but a second and a fourth is a lot to give up for the services he provides. Regardless, Dallas gets a position of need at a low cap hit, and the last-place Canucks add some more assets for their future.

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Rumours are swirling, and more players have been dealt since this posting. Trade grades from now till the deadline will be covered here at playthebody.ca. Follow us on X and never miss a post by subscribing to our newsletter! 👇