Yeah, yeah, we know that it’s far too early to know who really won the trade deadline. Still, a team’s moves (or lack of moves) can tell you a lot about their aggressiveness, confidence and overall plan. With that in mind, let’s discuss some of the deadline’s winners and losers in the Eastern Conference.
Winners
Washington: I’m usually all about going for a sure thing instead of an unknown prospect, but the Capitals gave up a lot for Joe Corvo, Eric Belanger, Milan Jurcina and Scott Walker. Washington is clearly gearing up for a Cup run, though, and (at least for this year) these deals should give them a slight boost.
Pittsburgh: GM Ray Shero continued his stellar deadline track record of low-risk, high-reward moves. Alexei Ponikarovsky and Jordan Leopold might not be world-beaters like Marian Hossa, but the Penguins didn’t give up much to upgrade their depth.
(More winners)
Buffalo: The draft picks more or less cancel each other out, so they basically received a gritty, playoff-proven rental (Raffi Torres) for Nathan Paetsch and Clarke McArthur. That might not knock your socks off, but the small market Sabres could really benefit from Torres’ physical presence.
Toronto: Brian Burke is dramatically altering the Maple Leafs and he did a solid job of dumping salary and bringing in picks/prospects. Getting rid of Stempniak was wise, but finding a sucker to take Jeff Finger would have justified Burke’s notable swagger.
Losers
Philadelphia: The Flyers left the deadline empty-handed: no goalie, no Dan Hamhuis. They’re on a hot streak now, but if Michael Leighton falters there will be plenty of second guessing.
Atlanta: They’d missed the playoffs if they started today, but wouldn’t it have been wise for the Thrashers to try to soothe their fan base (at least a bit) after the Kovalchuk trade?
Florida: Tomas Vokoun is one of the most underrated goalies in the league, but if his time in Florida is indeed limited then why not get something for him sooner rather than later?
