NHL / Richard Douglas / 06 March 2009 / Leave a comment

The Western Conference saw more major activity on deadline day than its Eastern cousin. The move of Olli Jokinen from Phoenix to Calgary stole the headlines on a relatively quiet closure of the window. But then, perhaps fittingly, the highly-rated centre's most notable achievement is an anticlimax, writes Richard Douglas.

Olli Jokinen has played more regular-season games than anyone in the history of the sport, a stunning 780, without appearing in the Play-Offs. Given that is the main aim for teams with a quarter of the campaign to go, you are hardly filled with the sense that there were seismic shifts made this month. However there were certainly some more minor movements in the balance of power. Here's my highlights.

Calgary Flames

The Canadian outfit were the biggest boldest and brashest of the deadline dealers. They acquired centre Jokinen, plus his $5.25 million salary, from the Phoenix Coyotes and then re-signed defenceman Jordan Leopold from the Colorado Avalanche. The former fills a problem position and is a regular 30-goal a season man. He has 21 so far this time along with the same number of assists. Leopold should be a seamless fit too having risen to prominence at the club. He'll also rekindle his centre-ice relationship with Robyn Regehr, who hasn't found the right partner since Leopold's departure.

Both deals were concluded relatively early in proceedings. It is seen as a statement of intent by a side ([4.1]) who may not catch Detroit or San Jose in the West but may have a puncher's chance for the Stanley Cup [17.0] especially if Miikka Kiprusoff maintains his fine form in goal. Both new boys hit the ice skating with three of the Flames five goals in the win over Philadelphia this week.

Detroit

The Red Wings did no business on deadline because they did not need to. The Motor City side are already better than the team that won the Stanley Cup last season. They added a major talent in Czech left winger Marian Hossa during the close season and defenceman Brad Stuart has also proved his worth since signing on last deadline day. They have scored 10 per cent more goals than anyone in either Conference and remain the side to beat in the Western [2.3] and in the Stanley Cup [4.3].

San Jose

The Sharks are the nearest challengers to the Red Wings at Conference ([2.3]) and Stanley Cup ([5.7]) level. The leaders in the West have been struggling a little of late so there was a feeling that, while their top-line talent was as good as anyone, there was not enough strength in depth. Injuries to the likes of Torrey Mitchell, Mike Grier, Jeremy Roenick and Marcel Goc have not helped. The signings of Travis Moen and Kent Huskins will not sell many shirts but the former adds grit, experience and a recent Stanley Cup to the third line, while the latter gives the Sharks nine defencemen they can trust during the two-month run.

Edmonton

The Oilers did sensible business by unloading the underperforming Erik Cole and adding Ales Kotalik and Patrick O'Sullivan. Despite that, they seem a reasonable lay for the West title given they are well adrift of the leading pair. They are also long for the Stanley Cup at [70.0]

Vancouver

The Canucks were rumoured to be in for all sorts of players around deadline day but nothing transpired. It may not affect them though. They are one of NHL's form sides at the moment with 11 wins from their last 13. Captain Roberto Luongo is considered amongst the best goaltenders in the League. Perhaps Vancouver's inertia was down to confidence not financial concern.

They are [4.3] for the Western Conference and [30.0] for the overall title.

Minnesota

The Wild were certainly guilty by doing nothing. Although they remain a reasonable fancy for the West at [5.1] they still have not even locked down a Play-Off spot. Calgary, Edmonton, Minnesota and Vancouver are all in the North-West division and all four won't make it.

The Flames will surely take one spot, Vancouver look decent and Edmonton got stronger in the window. The Wild just maintained the status quo. Will it cost them?