The trade deadline festivities have a date. Chris Johnston of NorthStar Bets reports that this season’s deadline will be on March 3, 2023, at 3 p.m. ET. That’s a Friday, meaning it might be quite the celebration for some hockey fans and a day of remembrance for others. It is also nearly three weeks earlier than this year’s deadline, which was late due to the Olympic break that was built into the schedule. Things are finally getting back to normal on the NHL calendar.
March 3 seems to be a fitting date after 33 trades were completed on deadline day this year, including some huge names switching teams. Marc-Andre Fleury, Hampus Lindholm, Rickard Rakell, Artturi Lehkonen, and Nick Leddy were all on the move but have decided to stick around with their new teams. Others like Max Domi and Andrew Copp found new homes after failing to help their clubs reach the Stanley Cup.
The day is always a fun mix of excitement and disappointment, and this season should be no different. With players like Patrick Kane, Jonathan Toews, Ryan O’Reilly, Vladimir Tarasenko, Max Pacioretty, James van Riemsdyk, John Klingberg, David Pastrnak, Dylan Larkin, Tyler Bertuzzi, Damon Severson, MacKenzie Weegar, and Bo Horvat all still on expiring contracts, there could be some serious fireworks as the deadline approaches. While some of these will be extended, and others kept for Cup runs, there will likely be a handful of big names on the market.
So hockey fans can circle this date on their calendar as one that could be as important as any other this year, both for contending and rebuilding clubs. With the season right around the corner, it will come quicker than you think.
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