Transaction Alert: What is special about today!?

A few trades occurred today.

First, the biggest one.
Columbus sends Ryan Johansen C to Nashville for Seth Jones D.
This is a big move. Not sure either team loses here. Both need the new piece. And both got really good pieces. Personally, I don't know what makes Ryan Johansen trade-able. He is a potentially very good forward - like VERY good. Regardless, the Blue Jackets received a young really good d-man in Jones. So if you are going to get rid of a forward with such high potential, you better get something special in return - I think Columbus did.

Two other moves made today that could have an impact.
Los Angeles sends Jordan Weal C and a third round pick in this year's draft to Philadelphia for Vincent Lecavalier C and Luke Schenn D.
This is a depth move and a salary dump, I am thinking. Well, after reading about it, it helps the Flyers if they want to make a move this season, but it sounds like Lecavalier is retiring at the end of the season anyway. Truly, if the guy is healthy, he could be the guy that gets a key goal in the playoffs. He is talented. But he really has been invisible the last few seasons. And his heart certainly is questionable. The real pick for the Kings was Schenn. He adds depth to a very solid defense group. If he plays some minutes and can keep from making mistakes, the Kings are fine with this trade. Schenn, to me, is not a top four d-man. But the Kings don't need him to be. He is a force. My suspicion is that if he can play with Drew Doughty D or just learn from the guy, he will improve his game and their team.

And then there is the Washington Capitals. They signed Mike Richards C.
Mike Richards is a very good component for a team with it's eyes on the Cup. If he has his head in the game and wants to be special, he will be. The negative of this trade scares me. Washington is playing so well and the chemistry is so good. Richards's partying ways can definitely be a distraction. The Flyers didn't let him and Jeff Carter go for no reason. At the same time, Carter and Richards were big pieces of both Kings Cups. I am really hopeful that Richards has gotten himself straight.