It’s been two days since the NHL Trade Deadline, which has given us some time to digest the moves that were made and get a better idea of which teams improved their playoff chances. We won’t truly know which moves paid off the most until the NHL playoffs (or in some cases, years down the line), but the logical thing to do now is to name some winners and losers at the deadline.

Mar 4, 2014; St. Louis, MO, USA; St. Louis Blues goalie Ryan Miller (39) defends the goal against the Tampa Bay Lightning during the third period at Scottrade Center. The St. Louis Blues defeat the Tampa Bay Lightning 4-2. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports

Winners

St. Louis Blues: The Blues got things kicked off a little early, but the Ryan Miller trade was one of the biggest winners at the deadline. The Blues were already one of the favorites out of the West. They solidified that position by adding one of the NHL’s elite goaltenders, shoring things up in the crease. If the Blues had one question mark going into the season, it was the quality of the their goaltending. Adding Steve Ott into the lineup wasn’t a bad pick up either. In one week I feel the Blues took themselves from playoff contender to Cup contender.

Los Angeles Kings: The Marian Gaborik trade could be a game changer for the Kings. If the speedy forward can stay healthy, he will bring some zip to the Kings offense, and hopefully give them a jump start. The Kings move the puck well, but their offense has been lacking. To get a solid player like Gaborik at the price of Matt Frattin and two picks, it was a great pick up by Los Angeles.

Montreal Canadiens: The Thomas Vanek trade was pure highway robber by the Habs. They get a talented winger who should prove to be a valuable player on the run to the playoffs. The price? Sebastien Collberg and a 2nd round pick.

Buffalo Sabres: The Sabres had a mission going into the deadline: move assets and get picks and prospects in return. They received the Blues 2015 1st round pick in the Miller trade, flipped Jaroslav Halak for Michael Neuvirth, and traded Matt Moulson for Minnesota’s second round pick in 2014 and 2016. After seeing what a debacle the Thomas Vanek situation turned into for the New York Islanders, the Sabres came away looking good there as well. Buffalo has a long rebuild ahead, but they got things off to a good start at the 2014 deadline.

Hit next to check out the losers of Wednesday’s trade deadline