These two teams were losers ahead of the 2024 NHL Trade Deadline
Pittsburgh Penguins
The Pittsburgh Penguins had the best available player at the deadline and they didn't get a good return for him.
Jake Guentzel went to the Carolina Hurricanes for Matthew Bunting, picks, and prospects. That sounds nice until you think about the picks and prospects.
None of those picks are anything special for the best available player. The Penguins only get a first-round pick if the Hurricanes make it to the Stanley Cup Final.
Out of all the stud prospects that Carolina has, they couldn't get enough of the high-end ones back in this deal. Kyle Dubas could have done better.
Los Angeles Kings
Every other team in the Western Conference playoff picture made themselves better in the week leading up to the deadline except for the Los Angeles Kings.
They tried to make a few trades but everything fell through. They missed on Linus Ullmark. They missed on Tyler Toffoli. Now, they might miss out on an opportunity to win a playoff series or two.
Everyone thought that they'd make some big moves but it didn't get done for them. Now, they have to try and win in the postseason with the group that they have.