There were big trades leading into the event. Massive exchanges of draft capital during the event. And periphery considerations keeping us on our toes from the first pick to the last one, no matter which market you call your own.

For a league that so often fails to replicate the entertainment value of its product any time it shifts from the playing surface to the executive suite and beyond, this was a rare moment of offseason intrigue that could stand up to their competitors on the North American sports scene. Whether or not the NHL itself played a hand in guiding this flurry of moves that was equal parts volume and substance, it's a great moment for the league, and just this once, we absolutely have to hand it to them.

Now that the dust has settled on Day 1, all that's left is to look at the winners and losers from the day's action.