Toronto Maple Leafs Trade Deadline MovesThe Toronto Maple Leafs were expected to be one of the busier teams on this year’s trade deadline, but made their most significant moves before the day of the deadline. They made a big splash before the Olympic break when they were involved in a 7 player deal that saw Dion Phaneuf become a Maple Leaf. J.S Giguere was acquired later that same day, and the rebuilding of the club was beginning. In the last 48 hours GM Brian Burke, and Assistant GM Dave Nonis were hard at work with a few more deals.
Alexei Ponikarovsky, arguably the Leafs best forward this season was dealt to the Pittsburgh Penguins yesterday, and in return the Leafs acquired Defenseman Martin Skoula and prospect Luca Caputi. Skoula didn’t last long in a Leaf uniform. Not even a game in fact. Skoula was dealt today to the New Jersey Devils for a 5th round pick in this year’s draft. Goaltender Joey Macdonald has also found a new home. Macdonald makes his way to Anaheim and in return the Leafs get a 7th round pick in 2011.
The Leafs continued dealing, as they sent forward Lee Stempniak to the Phoenix Coyotes for Defenseman Matt Jones and a 4th and 7th round pick in this years draft. The last move of the day for the Leafs saw defenseman Chris Peluso join the team from Pittsburgh in exchange for a 6th round pick in this years draft. The Leafs weren’t as busy as a lot of people said they would be, but some areas were addressed, and the rebuilding of the Leafs seems to be in full effect.
By:
Bill Burfoot |
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