The trade deadline has come and gone, and the Montreal Canadiens are a better team than they were on Sunday. As far as I'm concerned, that's the most important aspect of the deadline when a team is in playoff contention. However, the other important factor is, of course, what the team gave up to acquire assets. A quick recap:

• The Habs started the day early, sending a 2nd round pick, and a conditional pick (which could become a 3rd depending on playoff results) to Edmonton for Jeff Petry. Petry was one of the most sought after defencemen at the deadline, known for his smooth skating, strong shot, and defensive positioning. Petry gives the Habs just what they needed on the back end, and was a solid pick up by GM Marc Bergevin at a reasonable price.
• Bergevin stayed busy, sending a 2016 5th round pick to the Buffalo Sabres for versatile forward Brian Flynn. Flynn gives the Habs speed on the third and fourth line, and he's strong on faceoffs. He should provde valuable depth and character heading into the playoffs.
• Bergevin's final move of the day was sending a 7th round pick and physically-inclined prospect Jack Nevins, again to Buffalo, for Montreal native Torrey Mitchell. Mitchell is another gritty third or fourth liner, who is a solid penalty killer and has playoff experience. He's also a local son, who was very excited to become a Hab. A solid depth pick up at a very reasonable price.

All in all, the Canadiens had a solid day, as trader Marc added valuable depth pieces for the impending playoffs. What Bergevin did not do is add a proven top-six scorer - many believe he was close, and added Flynn and Mitchell anticipating another move of multiple players - but he addressed the Canadiens primary need, which was a top four defenceman.

The Canadiens are a better team than they were to start the week, and they didn't have to part with much. That, ladies and gentlemen, is a solid deadline.

The Habs are in Anaheim tomorrow. Let's see what the new additions can do.