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NHL Trade Deadline: Ranking every team’s worst ever trade

By David Rouben

SACRAMENTO, CA - APRIL 3: Wayne Gretzky of the Los Angeles Kings in action against the Edmonton Oilers at the Arco Arena on April 3, 1994 in Sacramento, California. The Kings defeated the Oilers 6-1. (Photo by Rocky Widner/Getty Images)
SACRAMENTO, CA - APRIL 3: Wayne Gretzky of the Los Angeles Kings in action against the Edmonton Oilers at the Arco Arena on April 3, 1994 in Sacramento, California. The Kings defeated the Oilers 6-1. (Photo by Rocky Widner/Getty Images) /
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Jan 17, 2016; Detroit, MI, USA; Philadelphia Flyers right wing Jakub Voracek (93) celebrates the shoot out win goal during the game against the Detroit Red Wings at Joe Louis Arena. The Flyers defeated the Red Wings 2-1. Mandatory Credit: Leon Halip-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 17, 2016; Detroit, MI, USA; Philadelphia Flyers right wing Jakub Voracek (93) celebrates the shoot out win goal during the game against the Detroit Red Wings at Joe Louis Arena. The Flyers defeated the Red Wings 2-1. Mandatory Credit: Leon Halip-USA TODAY Sports /

7: Columbus Blue Jackets

The Columbus Blue Jackets’ short history has been one characterized by bad contracts and bad deals. Of all the poor decisions they have made over the years, there may not be one that hurts more than this. It’s also an example of a very rare instance where the Flyers won a trade.

Since Jakub Voracek has joined the Flyers, he hasn’t scored less than 22 goals. His goal tally has dipped this year, but he’s more than made up for it in assists with 36. Does it help that he has Claude Giroux on his line? Sure, but he’s a very talented player whose skill set more or less equals Carter’s.

If the deal were a straight up swap of Carter and Voracek, it might’ve made more sense, but to include an 8th overall pick was idiotic. As such, the Flyers were able to land Sean Couturier, a highly touted prospect who put up ridiculous numbers in the QMJHL. Couturier has been a great two-way forward for the Flyers, and even limited Evgeni Malkin’s productivity in 2012 in a series that had scorelines such as 8-5, 8-4, and 10-3.

Jeff Carter didn’t last half a season with the Blue Jackets before he got traded to the Kings for Jack Johnson. Not only do the Blue Jackets give up good players for bad ones, but when they get good players they can’t hold on to them – just as they couldn’t with Marian Gaborik or Ryan Johansen. It’s what makes Columbus one of the most futile franchises in the league, and with only two playoff wins in their history, being a Jackets fan must be a full-time job.

Next: 6: Montreal Canadiens

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