Martin Hanzal

Wild land Martin Hanzal from Coyotes, but he didn't come cheap

Published Feb. 27, 2017 7:02 a.m. ET

Pete Blackburn

One phrase has been used to describe this season's NHL trade deadline over and over again: "seller's market."

That idea was reinforced on Sunday night when the Minnesota Wild acquired Martin Hanzal and Ryan White from the Arizona Coyotes for a package involving several draft picks.

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Many would consider that a steep price for a half-season rental of a depth forward in the 30-year-old Hanzal, who is on the final year of his deal (Arizona will retain 50-percent of Hanzal's $3.1 million cap hit this season), and a grinder in White.

But Minnesota is sitting atop the Western Conference and clearly committed to going for it this year, and Hanzal can bring some additional offense and experience to the Wild lineup. Hanzal has 16 goals and 10 assists in 51 games with the Yotes this season.

There always tends to be a deal or two that sets the market in the days prior to the deadline, so it will be interesting to see how this deal (as well as the Ben Bishop trade) affects the asking prices from other general managers around the league in the coming days. Honestly, those in a position to sell should be foaming at the mouth looking at the early returns.

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Martin Hanzal

Arizona Coyotes

Minnesota Wild

National Hockey League