Hockey Trade Deadline Day -- Part Two

All in all, today's trading action was a bit slow compared to previous years. But there were some interesting moves.

For weeks (it seems) there has been a lot of speculation about where Olli Jokinen, the Coyotes somewhat disgruntles star would end up. Most thought Montreal or perhaps Chicago. But in the end Calgary Flames stepped up and swung a multi player deal that included Matthew Lombardi to get the big centerman.



Whether Jokinen will be the big man down the middle is yet to be seen. There is a lot of talk around the league about Olli's nasty disposition especially with young players. Hopefully, the leaders in the Flames dressing room will keep Olli from spreading the doom and gloom that seems to follow him from team to team.

It was trade deadline day and of course that meant a new team for a couple of veterans who have become trade day travelers the past few years.

Bill Guerin was shipped by the Islanders to Pittsburgh where he will bring lots of grit and leadership to a team that is loaded with young talent, but not necessarily a lot of maturity or toughness.



And, of course what would trade deadline day be without Mark Recchi skating to another location. Remember, he went to Carolina on this day a few years back and ended up leading the Hurricanes to the Stanley Cup.

This year the Boston Bruins hope that Recchi can repeat his magic with them as they sent two youngsters to the Lightning to get Mark for their post-season run.



Winners and Losers today:

Philadelphia did not get their hands on Jay Bouwmeester and although they did trade Scotty Upshall to clear some cap space, you have to consider them losers today.

Same too for Vancouver and all the other teams that coveted the Florida star defenseman but did not get him.

Winners:

Ottawa, if Pascal LeClaire proves to be the goalie that the franchise so desperately needs.

Pittsburgh and Boston for landing key veterans to help them down the stretch.

Buffalo for doing what was needed to keep Connolly in a Sabres uniform, and for getting Telqvist to fill in for Miller. But in the end, it might be the acquisition of Dominic Moore that will have the most impact, at least this season, his speed and gritty style of play might just help secure a playoff position for the Sabres.

And, Calgary. Leopold is a great addition and if Jokinen does not wreak havoc in the dressing room then the Flames will unquestionably be the big winners today.