Blame Chicago Blackhawks General Manager Stan Bowman for turning Monday's trade deadline into a dud, with a nod to Florida Panthers GM Dale Tallon for also getting a jump on the trade action and diminishing the drama of the final hours.
Bowman, aiming at a fourth Stanley Cup championship in seven seasons, made his big moves last week by acquiring left wing Andrew Ladd from the Winnipeg Jets and forwards Tomas Fleischmann and Dale Weise from the Montreal Canadiens.