NHL Trade Deadline 2016 Tracker: Live Updates, Reaction and Analysis

Much ado about...almost nothing.

The 2016 NHL trade deadline disappointed in terms of both the quality and quantity of deals that came down around the league on Monday.

A decent level of activity in the week leading up to the deadline included two team captains being dealt—Andrew Ladd from the Winnipeg Jets to the Chicago Blackhawks on Feb. 25, then Eric Staal from the Carolina Hurricanes to the New York Rangers on Feb. 28.

But on deadline day itself, the biggest names to move were two mid-level rental players. Mikkel Boedker was shuffled from the Arizona Coyotes to the Colorado Avalanche, while Kris Russell leaves Calgary to shore up the Dallas Stars defense.

A few smaller moves also took place but for the most part, teams ended up standing pat.

Now, the race begins in earnest, whether it's to the playoffs or toward the bottom of the standings for a chance at a better draft pick.