from Eric Duhatschek of the Globe and Mail,

It was a trend around the league Wednesday, as the buyers at the deadline had a rare good day. Unlike past years, when teams often sacrificed valuable assets in the name of short-term gains, GMs collectively kept their sanity – with the possible exception of New York Rangers boss Glen Sather – and refused to pay exorbitant prices to rent assets that may or may not make a difference in the stretch drive and into the playoffs.

It was a fascinating dynamic to watch. As the 3 p.m. (EST) deadline approached, most of the high-profile rentals were still on the board.

Only the Los Angeles Kings acted early, acquiring winger Marian Gaborik (an elite goal-scorer when healthy) from the Columbus Blue Jackets. The price was a player they weren’t playing (Matt Frattin), plus a second- and a conditional third-round draft choice. It was a big win for the Kings, who badly needed to jump-start their slumping offence, and got the Blue Jackets to pick up a portion of Gaborik’s $7.5-million (U.S.) contract as well.

As the details of the final deals slowly leaked out, it became clear GMs acquiring assets knew what they were prepared to pay, didn’t overbid and ultimately played a series of winning hands.

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