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The NHL Trade Deadline came and went on Tuesday. No deal produced the sort of “Where’s the nearest bridge?” reaction that we saw last year when, right up against the clock, Captain Canada Ryan Smyth was sent from the Edmonton Oilers to the New York Islanders, sending a nation into mourning.

There were some big ones, for sure (see below), and a shocker or two- the biggest when Montreal sent their top goaltender, Cristobal Huet, to the Washington Capitals for just a second-round pick. While Huet is an upgrade for the Caps over Olaf Kolzig, the Habs, relevant again for the first time in a long time, are putting all of their playoff and Cup hopes behind rookie Carey Price who, despite leading the Hamilton Bulldogs to an AHL title, has yet to appear in a single NHL playoff game.

Will he crack under the pressure like Martin Gerber in Ottawa, or carry his team far like Cam Ward did for Carolina?

Tuesday’s blockbuster saw big time forward Marian Hossa (and Pascal Dupuis thrown in for funsies) sent to Pittsburgh for Erik Christensen, Colby Armstrong, prospect Angelo Esposito, and a 2008 first-round pick. Since Hossa will be an unrestricted free agent come July 1st, the Penguins really took a gamble by giving away some solid forwards, a promising prospect, and another opportunity to continue stockpiling young talent for what could be rental. Once Sidney Crosby returns to the lineup from his high ankle sprain, Pittsburgh will be loaded up front, but it might not be enough in the long run to make up for less than stellar defense and goaltending.

The SoCal teams made a couple trades (and even made history when they conducted the first locals only swap in the 14 year history of sharing adjacent real estate), as well, though far lower in impact. For the Kings, it wasn’t a surprise to see them move two players. That one wasn’t named Rob Blake, though, was a shock to some. All the signs were there. Rumors that Blake wanted to move to a Cup contender, that he’d waive his no trade clause, that he had interest in certain teams. He gave the Kings the green light to deal him Tuesday to Colorado, but only if the Kings could get some value in return. But when the Avs acquired Adam Foote from Columbus to shore up the blue line, it became clear that Blake was going to remain a King.

They did move a defenseman, though, thinning out an already skinny group. Brad Stuart was traded to the Detroit Red Wings for a 2008 second-round pick and a 2009 fourth-round pick. The Red Wings have been in a downward spiral ever since the Kings upset them earlier this month (who could blame them?), winning just one game since that third period blowout. Stuart, who is set to become a UFA and wasn’t likely to re-sign with the Kings, will provide Detroit with some greatly needed defense. The Kings, who as you may have noticed are a little short on talent, can put those picks to better use than they could Stuart.

Now for the history. Okay, it wasn’t as grand as we’ve all hoped the first 5 Freeway deal might be, but it’s history nonetheless. L.A. sent goalie J.S. Aubin, who was recently sent down to the Manchester Monarchs in order to make room for Dan Cloutier, to the Anaheim Ducks for a seventh-round pick in 2008. This trade came out of left field. After all, Ducks GM Brian Burke could have had Aubin for FREE if he had just claimed him off waivers several weeks ago. First Burke hands Phoenix Ilya Bryzgalov (thriving in the desert for The Great One) and now he’s giving the Kings a seventh-round pick.

Well played.

The deals leave the Kings with enough picks in the 2008 to practically field an entire hockey squad. Of course not all of them will pan out, with most spending their careers in the AHL or in Europe, but if this year’s draft is a strong as all the analysts are making it seem, the Kings could walk out with one or two NHL-ready players. L.A. made out well in taking an opportunity to build organizational depth while only giving up players they wouldn’t have resigned, and not taking on any sub-par rental players just to look good.

If only Lombardi could be this smart in the upcoming Free Agency period.

The Ducks generally tinkered around the edges of their roster, receiving some minor players. The biggest name was Marc-Andre Bergeron (MAB) who was acquired from the New York Islanders in exchange for a 2008 third-round selection. You’d think Anaheim doesn’t need another defenseman since they already have seven of them. Chris Pronger and Scott Niedermayer can each play 30 minutes and once you realize the team also has Mathieu Schneider, Francois Beauchemin, and Sean O’Donnell it makes you wonder if losing a third-round pick was worth upgrading from Joe DiPenta and Kent Huskins?

MAB isn’t a top-tier defenseman but I suppose he’ll add some punch on the power play.

Really, though, the slow day for Anaheim was expected. They didn’t need to make any big moves once Teemu Selanne and Scott Niedermayer returned. Given their current hot streak, they look even stronger and more skilled than they did last year. As a result, the hockey public will once again be treated to the game’s MOPB (Most Outstanding Playoff Beard), courtesy of Scott Niedermayer.

And to top off Trade Day, the Kings re-assigned Teddy Purcell to the Manchester Monarchs. Apparently doing well in the AHL is more important than getting out of 30th place in the NHL.

Marie Stiles hosts Purple Crushed Velvet, and also contributes to HLOG. She’s an L.A. native, and a bigger Kings fan than you.

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