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

20. Florida Panthers

No matter what happens to the Florida Panthers this season, they need to find a new general manager. Dale Tallon isn’t cutting it. And the Panthers have been quite patient with him, too. The Vincent Trocheck trade was brutal.

19. New York Rangers

The New York Rangers, as everyone expected, got an extra first-round pick at the NHL trade deadline because they traded someone. But it didn’t come via Chris Kreider, who got an extension. Rather, it came from Brady Skjei.

18. Nashville Predators

The Nashville Predators made the interesting decision to do absolutely nothing at the trade deadline. They’re close to the playoffs and if their goaltending improves, it’s not hard to see them making some noise in the postseason. That is, if they get there.

17. Columbus Blue Jackets

Give credit to the Columbus Blue Jackets for sticking in the playoff hunt for this long despite having so many injuries. But all those injuries are starting to catch up to them, as they’ve won just two of their last 10 games. Not good when the teams you’re competing with are starting to do well.

16. Arizona Coyotes

Injuries are once again killing the Arizona Coyotes. It will be a darn shame if they miss the playoffs after trading for Taylor Hall. But the Pacific Division is rather weak and the Coyotes are, as of Feb. 25, in the playoffs.