Representing the biggest (expected) trade chip on the table for Jeff Gorton — and coming off an underwhelming return for Mats Zuccarello — there was a lot of focus on this return. And, as expected, it’s become decisive.
Let’s break down the trade:
The 2019 1st round pick
This is the biggest part of the deal, and likely the requirement that got it done. Hayes needed to bring back a first round pick, and he did — despite Gorton waiting until deadline day to have to get it.