The NHL Trade Deadline has reshaped the Western Conference playoff landscape, with several players making significant impacts as the postseason approaches. Mikko Rantanen's transfer from the Carolina Hurricanes to the Dallas Stars highlighted the deadline, where he has already contributed 17 points in 18 games, establishing chemistry with teammates Wyatt Johnston and Jamie Benn. Expect to see him in a top-six role during the playoffs, particularly against his former team, the Colorado Avalanche.

Brock Nelson is another key acquisition, joining the Avalanche from the New York Islanders. With 13 points in his first 19 games for Colorado, Nelson is set to bolster their center depth, crucial for playoff success. His history of playoff performance, including 50 points in 78 playoff games, makes him a player to watch.

Additionally, Andrei Kuzmenko's move to the Los Angeles Kings has proven fruitful, showing signs of his previous form from the Vancouver Canucks. With points in six of his last seven games, Kuzmenko is aligning well alongside Anze Kopitar and Adrian Kempe, creating a potent offensive threat. Meanwhile, Reilly Smith's return to the Vegas Golden Knights demonstrates the importance of veteran depth in playoff runs, as he has already tallied 11 points since his acquisition.