Many players around the NHL changed cities this offseason. Some of those worked out, others didn't. Here's a look at five moves that have benefited a team this season.
Phil Kessel
Kessel was traded to the Pittsburgh Penguins back in July, and has made an impact in nearly every game he's played thus far this season. He started out the year on Sidney Crosby's line but ever since he's changed to the Malkin's line he's looked so much better. He has four goals in 12 games for the Penguins. And while the number may be low right now, expect it to increase to 30-35 by season's end.
T.J. Oshie
The Washingtom Capitals acquired Oshie from the St. Louis Blues a couple days after the Penguins acquired Phil Kessel from Toronto.
Oshie has already fit in very nicely with the Capitals. He has four goals and four assists in 12 games for a Capitals team that needed another top six winger after last season. Oshie's goal number should also increase the more comfortable he becomes in the system. He'll be sure to get over that number playing with the likes of Nicklas Backstrom who's one of the more underrated centers in the NHL.
Patrick Sharp
The Chicago Blackhawks had to unload Sharp and a couple other players this offseason because they were so far up against the cap. Sharp was traded to the Dallas Stars and he's been a very good fit there on a team who currently leads the Central division. Sharp has nine points this season and four of those are goals. It always helps when you're playing in the top six with Tyler Seguin and Jamie Benn who is arguably the best player in the league right now.
Paul Martin
The San Jose Sharks decided to upgrade their defense this summer by signing veteran defenseman Paul Martin to a four-year deal. This will likely be his last deal with a team since he's 34 years old and will be 38 when his deal expires. Martin is not known for being an offensive defenseman but he's a an all-around blueliner who can do anything including killing penalties. Whenever Martin has been in the lineup this year, the Sharks just seem to play a lot better and he's going to quickly become a fan favorite there over his time there.
Ryan O'Reilly
Buffalo went out and got a big time winger this summer in Ryan O'Reilly from the Colorado Avalanche to bolster their scoring and he's done exactly that. He had 13 points in his first 13 games with the Sabres and four of those are goals. He's signed for another seven years in Buffalo and he's entering the prime of his career so he's going to become a very good player over the next couple of years. The Sabres may not be a playoff team yet but O'Reilly will surely help make them one in a year or two.