Trade Deadline Winners and Losers

Yesterday was the trade deadline, and I think it's safe to say that there were some winners and losers in the push to get better.  So, for the sake of argument, I will pick three winners and three losers from the trade period and give an explanation as to why they are where they are.

WINNERS:

Los Angeles Kings:  Criticized for not going bold last year, the Kings did a lot better than Fredrik Modin this year, going after Dustin Penner.  The price may be steep, giving up prospect Colton Teubert, a first round pick in 2011, and a third round pick in 2012, but the Kings could afford to give up Teubert, since they are stocked on the blue line.  Penner offers scoring on the wings, and if he plays to his size, a legitimate power forward.

Toronto Maple Leafs: Despite being in the playoff race, they were sellers in this market.  Why are the Leafs winners?  Well, they didn't go for the temptation of sacrificing the future for a playoff spot this year.  Gone are Kris Versteeg, Tomas Kaberle, and Francois Beauchemin, but the Leafs now have draft picks that they could potentially flip for prospects or players in the offseason.  Being in the playoff chase is just one more sign that the Leafs are going in the right direction.

Washington Capitals:  One of their biggest needs was a second line center, and they got that in Jason Arnott.  He provides a presence on the second line and offers leadership qualities that should help the locker room.  Acquiring Dennis Wideman from Florida was a bonus, since the Caps didn't give up any significant pieces to get him, as was getting Marco Sturm off of waivers.

LOSERS:

Nashville Predators: A team that perpetually needs offensive help didn't get any in this trade period outside of Mike Fisher.  Now, the Preds will have to rely on their defense to carry the day, which will be a tall task, given that most of the teams competing for the last playoffs spots did something to improve themselves.

Colorado Avalanche: You have to feel sorry for this team, with all of its good intentions in trading Craig Anderson, Kevin Shattenkirk, and Chris Stewart for Brian Elliot, Erik Johnson, and Jay McClement, only to have those deals backfire in the immediate future.  Maybe it works for them in the long term, but for right now, they are just treading water at this point.

Chicago Blackhawks: Yes, they acquired blue line help in Chris Campolli, but was it really necessary for them to sign Brent Seabrook to a five-year extension? For all of the problems that the Blackhawks have with the salary cap, they did not need to make this deal.  Now, they will pay for it even more in the offseason.