Ranking Tuesday's 6 trades by playoff significance

A handful of teams got an early jump on the trade deadline, with six deals going down Tuesday.

Here's a ranking of those trades in order of playoff significance.

6. Red Wings trade Steve Ott to Canadiens

The Canadiens added depth at center in the form of Steve Ott, sending a sixth-round pick in 2018 to the Detroit Red Wings.

Considering what he brings to the table, it shouldn't move the needle all that much, except maybe in the wrong direction.

Steve Ott " pic.twitter.com/ITzw04RGJ9

- Dom Jr. Galamini (@MimicoHero) March 1, 2017

5. Red Wings trade Brendan Smith to Rangers

The Rangers are loading up on former Badgers.

Brendan Smith familiar with McDonagh and Stepan from their Wisconsin days so that should help the transition.

- Pierre LeBrun (@Real_ESPNLeBrun) February 28, 2017

Brendan Smith came at the cost of a second-round pick in 2018 and a 2017 third-round pick after he recorded two goals and three assists in 33 games for the Detroit Red Wings this season.

Not much of an impact player, but a useful defenseman for a playoff team.

4. Hurricanes trade Viktor Stalberg to Senators

Prior to signing a one-year deal with the Carolina Hurricanes, Viktor Stalberg found himself placed on the waiver wire by the Nashville Predators.

Now, his nine goals and three assists are worth a 2017 third-round pick, and he'll likely slot into Ottawa's bottom-six group of forwards.

Dorion says Stalberg will bring "an element of speed" and will help penalty kill. #Sens

- Bruce Garrioch (@SunGarrioch) February 28, 2017

3. Oilers trade Brandon Davidson to Canadiens for David Desharnais

Not only did the Canadiens add a nice piece on defense in Brandon Davidson, they also freed up some space for another move or two prior to the deadline.

Despite retaining 20% on Desharnais' contract, #Habs gained cap space & now find themselves with $1.16M, the equivalent of a $5.22M cap hit.

- CapFriendly (@CapFriendly) March 1, 2017

The Oilers, meanwhile, are hoping Desharnais can fill the third-line center spot despite the fact his numbers have been declining.

Desharnais for Davidson is a really interesting trade. Davidson is probably the better player, but Oilers have a lot of bodies back there. pic.twitter.com/0tdadljyi1

- dom " (@domluszczyszyn) March 1, 2017

An Oilers trade with playoff significance. It's a brave new world.

2. Stars trade Johnny Oduya to Blackhawks

The Blackhawks brought a familiar face home in Johnny Oduya. The defenseman, who was traded to Dallas in 2015 as part of the Patrick Sharp deal, was re-acquired from the Stars in exchange for a pick and a prospect.

The two-time Stanley Cup champion brings needed depth and experience to a blue line that looks pretty nice heading into the playoffs.

So ... Game 1 of the playoffs, assuming health:

Keith-Seabrook
Oduya-Hjalmarsson
Campbell-TVR

Thoughts?

- Chris Hine (@ChristopherHine) March 1, 2017

1. Canucks trade Jannik Hansen to Sharks

The Sharks added a capable winger in Jannik Hansen to a roster with legitimate Stanley Cup aspirations.

What sets this deal apart, however, is the condition placed on the fourth-round draft pick sent to the Canucks along with Nikolay Goldobin.

If San Jose does indeed win the Cup this year, that pick becomes a first-rounder, meaning Canucks fans will certainly be rooting for the Sharks come playoff time.

(Photos courtesy: USA Today Sports)

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