*Heard an interesting fact the other night...3 defensemen OVER the past 8 years have a postive +/- rating...2 aren't surprising (Rafalski and Lidstrom), I'll provide the third defenseman later on...*
On My Mind
It's hard not to think about the two fairly big trades that occurred yesterday. I have been thinking about them all day. It's rare that I can honestly say I think both teams did fairly well. I think the Leafs did good in terms of gettting a good young player with quite a bit of upside (especially if he can put up the points like he has shown in the past), as well as what this does in terms of marketing for the team. I think people are forgetting that Dion Phaneuf is still only 24 years old and because of some early career success he has set lofty yearly goals for his critics to use as ammunition. I know alot of Leaf fans were growing restless with the team sinking in the standings and no changes happening with the team. This trade definitely shows hard work and that the front office was not willing to sit idle and let this season go by without any changes. In addition, the Leafs get Keith Aulie who appears to have some potential as a possible future shutdown defenseman. As for Calgary, although I think they could have got a better package in terms of draft picks and prospects, this will help them with their push for the playoffs in two ways. The first is the depth that they acquired. I have never been a fan of Matt Stajan, however, I think as a 3rd centre option he should fit in alright. He was given way too much responsibility with the Leafs for his skill level, however, if the Flames do need a 2nd line centre due to injuries Stajan could be a short term solution. I am a big fan of Hagman and believe that he should definitely help with their secondary scoring or even playing with Iginla if required (again due to injury as I personally like Hagman as a 2nd line player and sometimes even a 3rd. Lastly, because I'm not even going to discuss Mayers, is Ian White. Definitely a solid all around player who will ease the loss of Phaneuf and will be alot cheaper if they decided to resign him or trade his rights in the offseason. The second way that this trade helps is because of the small contracts they have obtained it should give Calgary easier ways of trading for more help before or at the trade deadline if they choose. With 4 players coming close to Phaneuf's salary its alot easier to deal players and allows alot more flexibility to get yourself and/or trading partners below the salary cap.
The 2nd trade works out for both teams more so in terms of money and cap flexibility. I do believe that Giguere is an upgrade over Toskala, however, because the Maple Leafs got rid of the Blake contract this greatly helps them out as they would have had him for another 2 years at a cap hit of 4 million. Now they only have Giguere at one more year at a cap hit of 6 million. If they choose to re-sign him, then it will definitely be at a reduced salary. Now alot of people will say how did Anaheim win if Blake's contract was so bad. It has more to do with the fact that nobody wants to pay their backup goaltender 7 million dollars (6 million cap hit), as the re-signing of Hiller shows he is the number one keeper. They take Toskala as well in the deal, however, his contract expires at the end of the season providing 2 million in cap savings and 3 million in salary savings and also serving as a decent backup who appears to have a good attitude. In addition, an escape from the constant media scrutiny of Toronto might do Blake some good. I don't believe that should ever be an excuse for a professional athlete but let's face it, some athletes just can't deal with the pressure.
Both of these trades leave the Leafs thin up front, although it will give them a chance to provide adequate playing time to youngsters Stahlberg and Hanson. I would imagine now that the Leafs will move a defenseman to fill tihs need. My guess would be Kaberle if they can get around that NTC. I didn't think they would trade him, but with the acquisition of Phaneuf I definitely see Luke Schenn as a possibility. I surely hope those rumours of Tampa offering their 1st round draft pick last year (turned out to be the 2nd overall) for Luke Schenn were only rmours as Leaf fans could have had Duchene (I'm fully aware he went 3rd).
One Last Thing...
Have to say I really like the make up of the LA Kings. The trade for Smyth is paying huge dividends as well as the signing of Scuderi, providing some solid defensive work. Everyone talks about the offensive firepower of the Kings, however, the top four defensemen on the team aren't too shabby themselves. Doughty, Scuderi, Greene and O'Donnel (The 3rd defenseman from the question above) are all doing a mighty fine job and are definitely overlooked. I think with the emergence of Doughty as an offensive force and being great on the powerplay, you will see Jack Johnson traded by the deadline as he has fallen down the depth chart. He could definitely offer a good return in a trade as well.
Thanks for reading...and whatever became of Alexander Perezhogin?
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