If you thought trades were a think of the past, think again. The New Jersey Devils have sent Brandon Gormley to the Ottawa Senators in exchange for future considerations. Remember, the trade deadline is only truly for playoff eligibility, meaning that teams can still swap minor league players like Gormley. As such, the Senators have announced that he will report to Binghamton of the AHL.
Gormley was drafted 13th overall back in 2010 by the (then) Phoenix Coyotes but never developed into the kind of shutdown defender the team had hoped for. After a few unsuccessful seasons, Gormley would be traded to the Colorado Avalanche before eventually being released by the club. He signed a contract with the Devils last summer, but has struggled at times with the Albany Devils as well.
Future considerations in this case will likely not amount to much, as Gormley is basically an addition for the baby-Sens (who aren’t even in a playoff race). He is only an restricted free agent this summer at the age of 25, so perhaps they just wanted an extended look at him in person to see if he’s worth re-upping on a two-way deal this summer. Afterall, the pedigree is certainly there—he was drafted just before Jaden Schwartz, and three picks ahead of Vladimir Tarasenko.
How? Did it just not come out before the deadline?
The deadline is really only about playoff eligibility, but teams rarely make moves afterwards. We may see more this season because of the expansion draft, though this isn’t one that should affect that.
Not even a trade deadline can stop Dorion.
The AHL trade deadline is this Wednesday, March 8. Teams can still make moves for their affiliates. Players acquired by that time can still play in the AHL’s Calder Cup playoffs. After that deadline, it is similar to the NHL in that players who are acquired cannot play in the playoffs. The exception is that drafted players who finish their junior seasons are eligible to join the AHL team & play immediately.