Tom Lynn, the Assistant General Manager of the Minnesota Wild looks back at trade deadlines of the past to provide some historical context for March 4, 2009.

There seem to be four general categories of trades this time of year. The Blockbuster trade (one of the top 10 forwards or defensemen in the League changes teams, or a top goalie). There are Significant trades, in which an impact Top 6 forward or Top 3 defenseman moves. The vast bulk of trades are Depth trades, in which teams make sure they have enough horses for the tough competition in the stretch and through a (hopefully) long run in the playoffs. Finally, there are always a number of Toughness trades, in which teams want to get tougher or grittier for the balance of the season.

Worth a read.