This story has updated to reflect all trades through 4:30 p.m. Thursday
The NHL trade deadline is still six days away, but some teams got some early shopping done. Rating the opening moves for the 2022 NHL trade deadline:
1. Montreal trades Tyler Toffoli to Calgary for a 2022 first-round draft pick a 2024 fifth-round pick, plus Tyler Pitlick and prospect Emil Heineman (Leksand, Sweden)
What the Flames are thinking: Coach Darryl Sutter wanted more scoring and he knew Toffoli from their days in Los Angeles. Toffoli has delivered with eight goals and five assists for 13 points in 14 games. Toffoli has put charge into Calgary's third line. What the Habs are thinking:They are in rebuild mode and they want the draft picks and the prospect. Heineman has already logged 91 games in the Swedish League. He has played well this season, scoring 11 goals in 37 games. He is a two-way forward who was originally drafted by the Florida Panthers in the second. He was not considered one of Calgary's best prospects.
Overview: This is the kind of final piece acquisition that often helps a team make a long playoff run.
2. The Florida Panthers acquire Ben Chiarot from the Montreal Canadiens for a first-round pick in 2023, a fourth-round pick and prospect forward Tyler Smilanic (Quinnipiac). The Canadiens are eating half of Chiarot's salary.
What the Panthers are thinking: The Panthers are among the NHL's top contenders, but their defense needed an upgrade. They are getting a player who played a vital role in helping the Montreal Canadiens to the Stanley Cup Final last season. Chiarot is a defense-first kind of player. He is challenging to play against.
What the Canadiens are thinking: The Canadiens are in a rebuilding mode and they are collecting draft picks and younger players. Smilanic was one of Florida's better prospects. He has 14 goals this season in 38 games.
Overview: Are the Panthers the favorite in the Eastern Conference? 3. Flames acquire Calle Jarnkrok from the Kraken for second-, fourth- and seventh-round draft picks. The Kraken retain half of his $2 million salary.
What the Flames are thinking: Flames had a hole at No. 3 and Jarnkrok fills it nicely. He's a dependable, two-way defenseman who can contribute offensively. He has 12 goals this season.
What the Kraken are thinking: They are still trying to build a competitive team and three draft picks will aid that process. Jarnkrok is going to be an unrestricted free agent and probably was heading elsewhere.
Overview: Flames added second piece to the puzzle and may not be done.
4. Anaheim Ducks deal defenseman Josh Manson to the Colorado Avalanche for a second-round pick and prospect defenseman Drew Helleson (Boston College).
What the Avalanche are thinking: Manson solidifies the Avalanche defense for the postseason. He is an edgy, competitive blueliner. Plays a belligerent style. With Samuel Girard out until April, Manson is playing with Jack Johnson. But a Girard-Manson could be formidable for the postseason. What the Ducks are thinking: This is a quality return for GM Pat Verbeek. Helleson isn't flashy, but he is a smart, dependable defenseman who is going to play in the NHL for a long-time.
Overview: Colorado probably outbid the Maple Leafs for Manson. This makes the Avs a better playoff teams and they are not done dealing.
5. Colorado trades Tyson Jost to Minnesota for Nico Sturm
What the Wild are thinking:: Sturm is going to be an unrestricted free agent this summer. He told the Wild he wasn't going to re-sign. The Wild got back a comparable player in Jost. He is under contract for another season at $2 million and then he will be a restricted free agent. What the Avalanche are thinking: They get a bigger, less expensive center. They seem to be reducing their cap hit for another major deal. Jost hasn't developed the way the Avs hoped he would Overview: This is a trade involving two players who could both use a change of scenary,