NHL – Western Conference vs Eastern Conference Gap Widening?

HEADING WEST

May 10, 2014; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Bruins right wing Jarome Iginla (12) skates with the puck during the second period against the Montreal Canadiens in game five of the second round of the 2014 Stanley Cup Playoffs at TD Banknorth Garden. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports

Jason Spezza – The biggest trade of the off-season (so far) sees a big swing from Ottawa to Dallas.

Benoit Pouliot – Got a long-term deal to play in Edmonton after finally having a breakout year with the Rangers.

Thomas Vanek – Can a move to familiar territory in Minny bring some consistency and compete level to the enigmatic Vanek?

Jarome Iginla – The veteran led the Bruins in goals and will be a leader for the upstart Avalanche.

James Neal – A finisher in Pittsburgh, but will the Predators have a good enough set-up man for him?

Mark Fayne – Also got a big deal to head to Oil country, perhaps overpaid but is an unsung commodity.

Ales Hemsky – After a short stint in the East, returns to the west, essentially cancels the Moulson effect.

Mason Raymond – Re-established himself in Toronto and hit pay-dirt with a multi-year deal in Calgary

Nikita Nikitin – Found a home in Edmonton as well, to help bolster their thin blue line.

Deryk Engelland – The rough and tumble blueliner couldn’t say no to 3 years and almost $10M in Calgary.

Brad Richards – With a buyout cheque in his pocket, Richards joined powerhouse Chicago for just $2M and a good shot at another Cup.

Daniel Briere – Winding down his career with a chance to play for the Avalanche.  Will be counted on for 4th line minutes and not much else but leadership along with Iginla.

Ted Purcell – Flipped from Tampa to Edmonton for Sam Gagner, but Gagner’s stint in the East was short-lived as he was flipped back to the West and Arizona almost immediately.