NHL power rankings: Lightning exit trade deadline as Stanley Cup favorites

25. Chicago Blackhawks

If you’re a Chicago Blackhawks fan, chances are you wanted general manager Stan Bowman to be fired before the NHL trade deadline. Even if you didn’t want him fired before, after seeing what they did at the deadline, you’re probably on board the “Fire Stan Bowman” express. And is it time to start wondering what’s going on with Alex DeBrincat?

24. Montreal Canadiens

I’ve got some bad news for you, Canadiens fans. Marc Bergevin did a really good job at the trade deadline. That might be enough to save his job, so the Canadiens will continue to tread in the waters of mediocrity.

23. Minnesota Wild

Credit general manager Bill Guerin for actually trying to do things. He got a solid return for Jason Zucker a few weeks ago. Given the circumstances and the whole “they tried to trade him twice and failed” thing, a first-round pick, a roster player, and a good prospect is about the best return he could have gotten. Also, Guerin almost traded Zach Parise to the Islanders.

22. Buffalo Sabres

How can have you have a player as outstanding as Jack Eichel and be this terrible? It should be a crime. Eichel should be in the Hart Trophy discussion, but likely won’t even finish in the top five (maybe not even top 10) because the Sabres are that bad.

21. Winnipeg Jets

Don’t their 32-27-5 record fool you. The Winnipeg Jets are an objectively bad team. They have plenty of skill, but their structure is horrible. Head coach Paul Maurice isn’t a good coach, yet he just got a multi-year extension. If they make the Stanley Cup Playoffs (which is sadly still possible), it will be due to Connor Hellebuyck.