Perhaps no NHL team was better-equipped to make a big splash at the trade deadline than were the San Jose Sharks. With over $10 million in cap space and a cupboard overloaded with high-quality prospects, the Sharks were able to pick and choose what player to target and outbid all other suitors. And when All-Star defenseman Brian Campbell wasn't able to come to terms on a contract extension with the Buffalo Sabres, the Sharks filled what was without question their biggest (and perhaps only) need.

Meanwhile, the St. Louis Blues wisely decided not to reverse their positive organizational momentum by operating as buyers at the deadline, instead dealing away two defensemen who weren't a part of their long-term plans to further accelerate their rebuilding plan. They sent veteran rearguard Bryce Salvador to the New Jersey Devils in exchange for St. Louis native Cam Janssen, an agitator in the mold of Sean Avery, then got a fourth-round pick for Christian Backman, who never made good on his enormous promise with the Blues. St. Louis is still very much in the fight for a playoff spot in the West, but it's abundantly clear that their future beyond this season is (and should be) their primary focus.

Check out Brian Campbell in his new teal sweater, as he helps the Sharks take on the Blues in brilliant 1080i on HDNet, live at 8:30 p.m. ET.

Sharks to Watch

All eyes will most certainly be on Campbell, a talented puck-moving rearguard who is expected to energize the Sharks' power play and help make them a much more dangerous transition team. Despite a tremendous amount of offensive firepower, the Sharks have had surprising difficulty scoring goals, and the prevailing belief is that Campbell will help change that. He's got a great shot and is an excellent skater, and though it's possible that he'll test the waters as a UFA this summer, his long-time friendship with Joe Thornton (and the potential for great success in San Jose) may sway him to commit long-term to the Sharks.

Thornton, one of the game's greatest playmakers, has been nothing short of sensational this season, effectively carrying the Sharks' offense for most of the season's first three-quarters. His 73 points (in 63 games) leads the team by a wide margin (Milan Michalek is next-closest with 42), and his plus-seven rating is a strong indication of just how effective he's been at all ends of the ice.

Michalek appeared to be on the verge of a breakout season similar to the one enjoyed by Thomas Vanek last year, but his production has been somewhat disappointing. He does lead the team with 20 goals, but his 22 assists are far lower than what was expected, and he's on pace to finish with 55 points rather than the anticipated 70-80.

In goal, Evgeni Nabokov has been an absolute workhorse, starting 61 of 63 games and providing the Sharks with incredible stability. Last year, Nabokov split time with Vesa Toskala (who was traded to the Maple Leafs last summer), but this year he's proven to be more than up to the task of handling the workload as the Sharks' unquestioned starter. The former Calder Trophy winner has been an absolute revelation, and should receive serious consideration for the Vezina Trophy as the league's top goalie. Without much in the way of goal support, he's been sensational.

Blues to Watch

The Blues' offense is quite diverse, with 10 players scoring at least 20 points thus far this season (eight Sharks have done so). Veteran Paul Kariya leads the way, with 51 points in 64 games, and he's done a great job as the top line's playmaker alongside Brad Boyes (team-leading 32 goals) and Keith Tkachuk.

Boyes, acquired from the Bruins last spring for defenseman Dennis Wideman, has absolutely broken out playing with Kariya. He's already shattered his previous career high for goals (26), and is on pace to top the 40-goal mark. 10 of Boyes's goals have come with the man advantage, where he's emerged as one of the Blues' most potent weapons.

On defense, 2006 first overall pick Erik Johnson's career has gotten off to a great start. he's tallied 23 points in 51 games, providing surprisingly strong offensive production. But even more importantly, Johnson's posted a plus-one rating, demonstrating that he's up to the task of matching up against NHL-caliber forwards. Just 19 years old, Johnson is quickly emerging as one of the best young defensemen in the entire NHL.

Former Calder Trophy winner Barret Jackman was rumored to be on the move at the trade deadline, but the Blues instead inked him to a long-term contract extension. The hard-hitting rearguard doesn't contribute much on the offensive end, but he is a stalwart in the defensive zone and will provide the perfect stabilizing presence alongside Johnson on the top defense pair over the coming seasons.

The goaltending situation in St. Louis is somewhat peculiar. Manny Legace is largely considered a stop-gap solution until one of the Blues' many goaltending prospects (Marek Schwarz, Hannu Toivonen, Ben Bishop) ascends to the role. But in delivering an All-Star performance this season (.913 SV%, 2.29 GAA, four shutouts), Legace is making a case for why the Blues should consider him an integral part of their team for the foreseeable future.

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