NHL Trade Deadline: Did Each Team Get Better or Worse at the Deadline?

Now that the deadline has passed and the team rosters remain the same until after the regular season, organizations can sit back and relax. The fate of how their team will fare remains in the concluding month and a half or regular season play.

Team's made the gusty moves, the financial moves, and moves that surprised many. 

But what team's made the right and wrong moves? What moves did a team make that can make them or break them?

While every team made their share of moves, some didn't and others completely depleted their roster. 

Take the Detroit Red Wings for example, they didn't make any moves due to cap space they didn't have, and simply because they didn't need to. All their needs have already been fulfilled.  

On the other hand, there is the Florida Panthers, whose general manager Dale Tallon, had the mindset of completely rebuilding his team. They gave away seven players—most of whom were their best players.

Every team had their ups and downs, here's how they'll fare for the rest of the season.

Anaheim Ducks

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ANAHEIM, CA - FEBRUARY 25: Goaltender Dan Ellis #38 of the Anaheim Ducks looks on against the Minnesota Wild at Honda Center on February 25, 2011 in Anaheim, California. The Wild defeated the Ducks 3-2 in overtime. (Photo by Jeff Gross/Getty Images)

The Ducks reeled in a lot of picks for the next draft—two seventh rounds and a fifth round—along with another pick for 2012. 

Bringing in Dan Ellis bolsters their depth in net giving them three goalies who've had both starting and playoff experience. All are around the age of 29, which allows them to keep that depth for some time if they choose.

They brought back defenseman Francois Beauchemin after he experienced two years in Toronto. Dealing Joffrey Lupul might have been an iffy call but the Ducks brought enough forwards—including Jarkko Ruutu—in to provide themselves enough depth at the position.

Anaheim stayed the same after their busy days before the trade deadline.

Atlanta Thrashers

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PHILADELPHIA, PA - DECEMBER 01: Mark Stuart #45 of the Boston Bruins on the ice against the Philadelphia Flyers at the Wells Fargo Center on December 1, 2010 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Nick Laham/Getty Images)

Mark Stuart left New England to go all the way down south for the first time in his NHL career. It'll help out the Thrashers on defense as they hope to move their way into the playoffs with the remaining weeks in the season getting slimmer.

The B's were happy to give the Thrashers Blake Wheeler and the Thrashers are happy to have him now. He's been productive thus far.

As for the rest of the moves, the decisions they made weren't the greatest. Giving away Richard Peverley, who had the best years of his career in Atlanta, benefits Boston, but not themselves as they lost a solid forward.

Also, giving away a player with a lot of potential in Niclas Bergfors didn't seem like the right call for the Thrashers. 

Giving up eight players for five, and two late round picks just doesn't seem like the right moves to make as the deadline passed yesterday.

On paper their team looks to have gotten worse, but only time will tell, right?

Boston Bruins

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CALGARY,CANADA - FEBRUARY 22: Tomas Kaberle #12 of the Boston Bruins skates against the Calgary Flames during their NHL game at Scotiabank Saddledome, February 22,2011 in Calgary, Alberta, Canada.(Photo By Dave Sandford/Getty Images)

They had one of the best weeks as far as obtaining players goes. The additions of Tomas Kaberle and Boris Valabik added strength and depth to their defense even after giving away Mark Stuart.

Dealing away Blake Wheeler might have helped them out—as he sometimes failed to create anything in the offensive zone—but it in return, might have helped out the Atlanta Thrashers as well. Wheeler has three points in the four games he's already played in ATL.

Chris Kelly and Richard Peverlay were also good forwards that the Bruins grabbed.

However, they dealt a first and second round pick for next year and another second pick for the following season. Was it worth it?

Yes, especially for Tomas Kaberle, who is already showing promise on the B's power play.

Overall, the Bruins are a winner after their moves before the deadline.

Chicago Blackhawks

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CHICAGO, IL - FEBRUARY 18: Michael Frolik #67 of the Chicago Blackhawks awaits a face-off against the Columbus Blue Jackets at the United Center on February 18, 2011 in Chicago, Illinois. The Blue Jackets defeated the Blackhawks 4-3. (Photo by Jonathan Da

Michael Frolik is a player whom the Chicago Blackhawks didn't think would be coming their way. But with the Florida Panthers dumping players left and right in an effort to rebuild their franchise, the Hawks gladly took him.

Who wouldn't want to be on a team that just won the Stanley Cup?

It's not looking as that will happen again, but the Hawks have been finding ways to stay in a playoff spot. Frolik can be the answer to help them get there and keep them there.

Also, Chris Campoli was a nice pickup on defense for a team that has said they needed one. The departure of Nick Boynton to the Flyers is a hole that Campoli can fill for the Blackhawks.

In Jack Skille's rookie season for the Blackhawks, he only amounted 17 points throughout 49 games. Him being dealt to the Panthers was a smart decision as the Panthers are looking to bring in young forwards.

Chicago won't drop out of the playoffs and will stay hot as they currently are on a five game win streak.

Colorado Avalanche

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DENVER, CO - FEBRUARY 23: Erik Johnson #6 of the Colorado Avalanche looks on during warm ups prior to facing the Edmonton Oilers at the Pepsi Center on February 23, 2011 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Doug Pensinger/Getty Images)

Defense was the question that needed to be answered for the diminishing Colorado Avalanche, who are 1-8-1 in their last ten games. Getting Erik Johnson can possibly be the answer they were looking for.

Getting a first round pick out of the deal is something they ran away with and can help them rebuild their team for next season.

Craig Anderson for Brian Elliot? How does that make sense?

Giving away two young players in Chris Stewart and Kevin Shattenkirk, for an equally young Erik Johnson and Jay McClement, is an iffy call. Especially when St. Louis' end of the deal seems to be working out well so far.

The Avs are going to take the offseason to rebuild, especially with a high, first round pick coming their way (it hasn't been determined yet if the pick is for 2011 or 2012). They will try to get back into the top eight of the west next season.

They are neutral, but leaning towards worse with the way their team has been playing.

Los Angeles Kings

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EDMONTON, CANADA - JANUARY 18: Dustin Penner #27 of the Edmonton Oilers skates against the Minnesota Wild on January 18, 2011 at Rexall Place in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. (Photo by Dale MacMillan/Getty Images)

Arguably the best pickup before the deadline in the entire NHL was made by the Los Angeles Kings.

Dustin Penner has been with the Edmonton Oilers for the past four seasons, but is happy to be in a new home. A home that will give him the opportunity to see hockey after the regular season.

The Kings only gave up a first round pick for the upcoming draft and a third round pick for the 2012 draft, along with rookie defenseman Colten Teubert.

Los Angeles can only get better as they add Penner to a lineup of forwards that include Anze Kopitar, Dustin Brown and Ryan Smyth. Look for them to wiggle their way into the playoffs.

Nashville Predators

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CALGARY, CANADA - FEBRUARY 9: Mike Fisher #12 of the Ottawa Senators during the game against the Calgary Flames on February 9, 2011 at Scotiabank Saddledome in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. (Photo by Dale MacMillan/Getty Images)

Nashville added a veteran forward to their lineup, in hopes to make it far in the upcoming playoffs. That is, if they get that far.

If the Preds don't earn a playoff berth, the pick will look silly. Giving up a first and third round pick for Fisher could come back to haunt them.

Mike Fisher can help the Predators in the future if they don't make the playoffs, so we won't know the magnitude of his acquisition just yet.

Nashville remains neutral as well.

New Jersey Devils

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DALLAS, TX - FEBRUARY 22: Jason Arnott #25 of the New Jersey Devils at American Airlines Center on February 22, 2011 in Dallas, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

Jason Arnott finally was giving the ticket to leave New Jersey as he seemed almost disappointed to come back after so many years. One can't blame him either. Coming back to a team that you've won the Stanley Cup with and having such a horrific start will upset anyone.

This helped the Devils as well—they needed to get rid of the some of the age they had on their roster (Arnott's 36.)

In return they brought in face-off specialist David Steckel, giving the Devils two great face-off centers—Travis Zajac being the other one.

On a line that's projected to be with David Clarkson, those two will provide the Devils with an additional physical presence. Also, Steckel will be a big help on the man down lines.

New Jersey will continue to be winners and get better with this pickup, but it won't make a huge impact that will lead them into the playoffs.

New York Rangers

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UNIONDALE, NY - FEBRUARY 21: Bryan McCabe #24 of the Florida Panthers skates during an NHL hockey game against the New York Islanders at the Nassau Coliseum on February 21, 2011 in Uniondale, New York. (Photo by Paul Bereswill/Getty Images)

Most teams don't want to add age on their team, but Bryan McCabe will add more than that.

The New York Ranger's defensive players all are under the age of thirty, making them young and mistake prone. A former captain himself, McCabe can be the daddy of the Ranger's blue liners and will add leadership throughout the whole team.

Forward John Mitchell adds depth to offense but is not the forward that will help them score, which they need.

New York will squeeze their way into the playoffs, providing New Jersey doesn't knock them out, as the eighth seed. Their defense has improved, but the offense could have used another big name forward.

Ottawa Senators

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GLENDALE, AZ - FEBRUARY 07: Craig Anderson #41 of the Colorado Avalanche skates against the Phoenix Coyotes at the Jobing.com Arena on February 7, 2011 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)

A straight up trade of two mediocre goalies saw Brian Elliot leaving the Sens and Craig Anderson crossing the border into Canada.

With that being said, the Sens did just what the Maple Leafs did: prepare for the future.

Giving away veterans Chris Campoli, Mike Fisher, Jarkko Ruutu, Alex Kovalev and Chris Kelly is the key reason that they are looking ahead.

A first round, two second rounds and possibly two sixth rounds picks (a second or third in 2012) are the picks that Ottawa will be working with for the draft. Along with the picks they already have of course.

Ottawa is worse coming out of the trade deadline, but still have a number of players they can build their franchise around in the future (Jason Spezza and Erik Karlsson being two of the main components.)

Philadelphia Flyers

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TORONTO, CAN - FEBRUARY 7: Kris Versteeg #32 of the Toronto Maple Leafs skates in a game against the Atlanta Thrashers on February 7, 2011 at the Air Canada Centre in Toronto, Canada. The Leafs defeated the Thrashers 5-4. (Photo by Claus Andersen/Getty I

Was forward Kris Versteeg worth the first and third round pick that Philly gave up to get him?

Only time will tell. But with the bringing in of the young Versteeg, the Flyers brought a Stanley Cup champion into the mix and only added depth to their stacked arsenal of forwards.

Tom Sestito is another player who will only add depth and some offensive to the team.

Philly will remain the best in the Eastern Conference and can only get better as they look to take the Stanley Cup this year.

Pittsburgh Penguins

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TORONTO, CANADA - FEBRUARY 26: Alexei Kovalev #72 of the Pittsburgh Penguins shoots during warmup before game action against the Toronto Maple Leafs at the Air Canada Centre February 26, 2011 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. (Photo by Abelimages/Getty Images)

Alex Kovalev is back in Pittsburgh and can help the Pens stay alive as they have faced major injuries with Evgeni Malkin and Sidney Crosby. He also brings playoff experience, one of the greatest among current players, and a Stanley Cup under his belt to the team.

James Neal also brings more depth and experience to the depleated Penguins at the forward position.

The departure of Alex Goligoski and arrival of Matt Niskanen is one that doesn't even out. Goligoski was one of the Pens better defenders, alongside Kris Letang, and with Brooks Orpik out, Miskanen can only add some depth, not talent, to the blue liners of Pittsburgh.

With their two best forwards out, Pittsburgh should have looked to obtain more forwards and add insurance and depth to a team that will go to the playoffs.

They'll get better once Crosby and Malkin heal up, but might be going home early in the playoffs.

Pittsburgh remains neutral.

St. Louis Blues

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DENVER, CO - FEBRUARY 14: Chris Stewart #25 of the Colorado Avalanche skates against the Calgary Flames at the Pepsi Center on February 14, 2011 in Denver, Colorado. The Flames defeated the Avalanche 9-1. (Photo by Doug Pensinger/Getty Images)

Can't determine yet whether or not the dealing of Erik Johnson to the Colorado Avalanche was a smart one or no yet.

That and giving a first round pick away.

Getting forward Chris Stewart in return can develop to be a good pickup in the future as he can help lead the Blues into a higher standing in the Western Conference. He's already proven to be a factor in St. Louis, having seven points in the six games he's spent there. Giving up Brad Boyes will erase a key forward they used to have.

Kevin Shattenkirk is a young defenseman that can develop into one of the Blues top blue liners.

St. Louis is already in the bottom three in the highly talented Western Conference so the chances of their dealings getting into the playoffs is one that won't happen. 

They remain neutral.

Toronto Maple Leafs

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ANAHEIM, CA - JANUARY 16: Joffrey Lupul #19 of the Anaheim Ducks skates against the Edmonton Oilers at the Honda Center on January 16, 2011 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Jeff Gross/Getty Images)

General Manager Brian Burke is looking ahead to future as he grabbed a boat load of picks for the next draft. Two first rounds and third for next draft and second, fourth and seventh for the next couple of years.

The departures of Tomas Kaberle, Kris Versteeg and Francois Beauchemin will be ones that will hurt the team in both depth and talent.

Joffery Lupul was their main acquisition as was Joe Colborone who is hoped to turn into a good forward as he's only in his rookie season.

Nothing can be determined quite yet, the Maple Leafs will obviously not make the playoffs now but might help some of the other teams on the bubble get in. Those teams being the Thrashers, Sabres and maybe even the Devils.

The team has gotten worse after the deadline but look out for them to rebuild in the future.

Washington Capitals

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UNIONDALE, NY - FEBRUARY 21: Dennis Wideman #6 of the Florida Panthers looks to pass during an NHL hockey game against the New York Islanders at the Nassau Coliseum on February 21, 2011 in Uniondale, New York. (Photo by Paul Bereswill/Getty Images)

As stated before the Caps got Jason Arnott, adding Stanley Cup, playoff and regular season experience to their roster. Not to mention a towering 6'5" power forward to their lineup. 

Also coming into town is blue liner Dennis Wideman whose stay in Florida wasn't as hot as he thought it to be. His +/- rating decreased significantly, but on a team like Florida one can't expect it to be too high.

Wideman's seasons with Boston were good up until last year which potentially led him to not returning and ultimaltey ending up in Florida.

Adding a big forward with experience and depth to their defense can give the Capitals the push to make it further into the playoffs and could ultimately give Ovechkin the Stanley Cup all the critics have been waiting for him to get.

Just not this year.