Winner:
Columbus Blue Jackets
There had been rumors flying like crazy that the Jackets could be moving guys at the deadline. This is a team that's sitting third in the Metro division. Artemi Panarin and Sergei Bobrovsky were reported to possibly be on the move, but they stayed put. Not only did the Jackets keep those two guys, but they added pieces as well. Matt Duchene and Ryan Dzingel were brought in from Ottawa, while Adam McQuaid came in from Boston, and Keith Kinkaid came aboard from Jersey, both guys acquired for draft picks. They were a fringe team that could have lost pieces. now they reloaded and built up for the stretch run and try to do something they've never done, win a playoff series. Is there hope in Columbus, yes there is. It's just can they capatalize come springtime?
Loser:
Ottawa Senators Fans
It really has been rough going for Senators fans over the last few months. Look at who the Sens have lost over the last year and a half. Erik Karlsson, Matt Duchene, Mark Stone, all gone via the trade route.It going to be a lengthy rebuild in the Canadian capital. Ottawa seems to be setting their lineup around Brady Tkachuk, Thomas Chabot and a whole lot of hope. Add in an arena situation that’s in flux and an owner who doesn’t want to spend money, and that’s a recipe for short-term ill will and impatience. They’re far away from their 2017 Eastern Conference Final appearance, and the light of the future seems even further away. A small part of me does feel for the Sens, as a long suffering Islanders fan i know what this is like. Just hang in there Ottawa, you'll ride through the dark days.
Winner:
Vegas Golden Knights
This is a team that's trying to build off the chocking success they had a season ago. They took a step closer to that goal by landing a big prize at the deadline in Mark Stone. Not only did they land him in a deal, they followed it up by signing him to a long term deal, an eight year extension to be exact. Stone is one of the up and coming players in the league, now your paring him with William Karlsson and Jonathan Marchessault on the Golden Knights’ first line. That's a huge boost to the Vegas offense and provide a lift to the team’s power play, which is operating a little below par at the moment. Vegas can now say they have a top six that can match any of the other heavy hitters in the West. They came close to winning it all last year and have another shot at it this year with adding a guy like Stone.
Loser:
Edmonton Oilers
Edmonton was a playoff team two years ago. They won a round in the playoffs two years ago. They haven't come close since. They currently sit 26th in the NHL and they stayed put at the deadline. The Oilers failed to move their unrestricted free agents and the Oilers are still saddled with Milan Lucic’s seven-year, $42 million contract, which lets face facts nobody really wants to take on that deal. Oh yeah, the Oilers front office will have only $7.8 million to play with in free agency according to sources this offseason. Maybe there wasn’t a worthwhile move out there. Edmonton is no better off after the deadline hit, which is sad because they looked like they were getting back on the right track and they have the two time defending scoring champion and all world stud Conor McDavid in the lineup and they're wasting his best years.
Winner:
San Jose Sharks
It may have cost them a little bit, giving up two second round pics, but adding Gustav Nyquist was a solid move by the Sharks. He does have 49 points in 63 games, which just so happen to be his most productive offensive numbers since the 2013-14 season. His playoff numbers are a concern, sure, but his acquisition goes a long way to helping San Jose's forward depth. Why? Because it now helps San Jose out in establishing a third scoring option behind the Evander Kane and Joe Pavelski lines. Again with how top heavy the West is right now, this will help keep the Sharks in the race in the conference.
Loser:
Pittsburgh Penguins
The big problem with the Pens is they needed healthy bodies for the blue line. Well they did add a player to that blueline, but it was Erik Gudbranson. When adding a guy like him, the Pens were seeking physicality over effectiveness. But looking at his metrics, Gubranson is one of the worst defenders in the entire league. It's entirely possible that they've managed to downgrade from Jamie Oleksiak, which is saying a lot. And Gudbranson is signed through 2021. Good luck with that Pittsburgh,
Winner:
Teams Staying Put
It might sound weird saying this, but could the smartest move of all be not making one at all? Well, in a couple of cases it might have been. Tampa is the best team in hockey, they don't need to mess with anything they got it figured out. But you look at teams like the Flames, Hurricanes and Islanders, who all decided it was a good idea to stay put with what they have. And why not, all of them have been pretty solid so far. The Isles are on top of the division, as is Calgary. While the Canes are trying to hang on to the final wild card spot in the East. They all have a new coach who instilled a new system and forged chemistry among players. All three teams had been cited as being players in the market (especially for top-six forwards), but each decided not to pay a high price and instead ride it out with its existing group. It is worth noting that every Stanley Cup winner since 2010 has made a move during the week preceding the trade deadline, so we'll see if any of these teams can change that narrative. So lets see if it works
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