The Florida Panthers were a big winner on NHL Trade deadline day for the very simple reason that they did not force themselves to trade Jay Bouwmeester.
That trade could have been devastating to the psyche of that team, which really desperately needs to make the playoffs this year. It's an important time for the Panthers' franchise and they're making a bit of a statement by holding on to him. I like that.
Edmonton was also a winner Wednesday by subtracting one forward who was okay in Erik Cole and adding two forwards in Patrick O'Sullivan and Ales Kotalik, who have a chance to give them a boost offensively - which could be the difference in the Oilers making the playoffs.
Montreal and Vancouver will be criticized for not doing anything at all at the deadline, but Bob Gainey in Montreal did a good job in getting Mathieu Schneider. And I don't believe the Canucks should be criticized, because sometimes doing nothing makes the most sense in the long run.
The loser for me would be the Philadelphia Flyers, just because I don't think they're in the same class right now as the Boston Bruins, Washington Capitals or the New Jersey Devils. I know Washington didn't do anything either, but I think they're a little further ahead. I'm not sure that adding Daniel Carcillo and subtracting Scottie Upshall makes a big difference.
The Flyers still have issues in net, and some on the blue-line, so I would say the Flyers were a bit of a disappointment on Wednesday.