NHL Trade Deadline Report Card, Part One: Eastern Conference

The NHL Trade Deadline has now passed, and teams have added pieces for either a playoff run or a rebuild. Let's take a look at how everyone in the Eastern Conference did with their February transactions.

Playoff grades assess how teams' dealings will impact a postseason run this year, while fantasy grades deal with offensive additions and long-term potential.

Atlanta Thrashers

The Thrashers didn’t make too much noise, adding Brett Festerling, Radek Dvorak, Ben Maxwell, Mark Stuart and Blake Wheeler. Wheeler is the only player of impact in that group, and is still developing into a power forward. The question now becomes, will Atlanta be able to re-sign him?

Wheeler should be a regular 30-goal, 30-assist player going forward.

Only Johnny Oduya and Patrice Cormier remain with Atlanta from the assets acquired from New Jersey for Ilya Kovalchuk. 

PLAYOFF GRADE: D

FANTASY GRADE: C+

Boston Bruins

The Bruins made a big push by acquiring Tomas Kaberle, Rich Peverley, Boris Valabik, Chris Kelly and a few minor-leaguers. Boston is now built for a long playoff run.

Valabik and Zdeno Chara could be the scariest combo ever, and Kaberle will fill the void on the power play caused by Marc Savard’s injury. The Bruins will try to re-sign Kaberle this offseason; a lengthy playoff run would help.

PLAYOFF GRADE: A+

FANTASY GRADE: A

Buffalo Sabres

The Sabres only made one move, trading for Brad Boyes. Boyes will provide Buffalo with offense from the third line, but could easily jump up a line or two if needs be. The Sabres have turned their season around after a terrible start and Boyes could play a big role in getting them into the playoffs.

PLAYOFF GRADE: C+

FANTASY GRADE: C+

Carolina Hurricanes

The 'Canes made a couple of moves, bringing back former player Cory Stillman and adding some depth to their blue line in Bryan Allen and Derek Joslin. Stillman has two rings, including one with Carolina, and was brought in because he's familiar with the organization.

Stillman will play with Eric Staal and Erik Cole, so he could see a bump in his stats. 

PLAYOFF GRADE: B-

FANTASY GRADE: C

Florida Panthers

The Panthers have traded away several key assets to add draft picks and players like Niclas Bergfors, Alexander Sulzer, Jack Skille, Patrick Rissmiller and Sergei Samsonov.  You have to feel for Panther fans, as this team has no direction; are they pushing for the playoffs or rebuilding? 

Samsonov is on the downside of his career and Rissmiller has played in just one NHL game over the last two seasons.  Did I mention that both of these players are 32 years old?

Bergfors and Skille are both young and have some offensive potential, but you have to wonder why teams are giving up on them so early. Especially Bergfors, who is now with his third team in two seasons. 

PLAYOFF GRADE: Will not make playoffs

FANTASY GRADE: C+

Montreal Canadiens

Due to long-term injuries to key defensemen, the Canadiens were forced to make moves to fill a few holes. Montreal acquired Paul Mara and Brent Sopel; Mara has zero offensive ability but brings the tangibles that can help Montreal win games. He is a big, strong defenseman who will make Carey Price better. 

Sopel was a key member of the Blackhawks' Stanley Cup team, and can play any role necessary. Montreal also got Nigel Dawes from Atlanta, where he just didn’t seem to fit in. Last year Dawes tallied 14 goals and 32 points with Calgary and could be a late bloomer. 

PLAYOFF GRADE: B

FANTASY GRADE: C-

New Jersey Devils

The Devils have been the hottest team in the NHL over the last 22 games, going 18-2-2 in that span. New Jersey traded away Jason Arnott for a younger version of Arnott in David Steckel; the two play similar games but Steckel doesn’t have the same offensive skill set. 

The Devils didn’t need to make major changes this season. They just needed their top players to be their best players. Unfortunately, their hot run is a little too late as they will miss the playoffs and be left wondering, "What if?"

PLAYOFF GRADE: Will miss playoffs

FANTASY GRADE: D+

Aaron Brouwer is the co-creator of www.fantasyhockeycoach.com. FHC is a free fantasy hockey service that developed a ranking system combining post-lockout statistics, current factors and our own hockey knowledge. 

Brouwer writes about fantasy hockey on Bleacher Report. You can contact Coach Brouwer at [e-mail].