The NHL took a nod from reality at the trade deadline this season. Like how some enjoy turning their birthday into a weeklong event, general managers across the league got a jump on the deadline by stretching out the fun and games (and transactions) over the course of about a month or so.
Although spreading out the moves might not have made for great television on deadline day, what it did allow was taking a wider look at all the moves that came through up until 3 p.m. ET on Friday. Even when it came to picking winners and losers, it allowed us to get a bit more creative when passing judgment.