With Toronto being in a playoff race for the first time in a while is an opportunity for Burke to load up on the truculence and finally utilize his prospect pool and picks (
) to finalize his roster and make a true shot at the playoffs, not just getting in on a semi-complete roster and getting bounced by a high seed.
Aulie
3rd
Connolly
Steve Ott
Why?
edit: Dallas looking to rebuild, gets a solid defender in Aulie and a decent pick. Thanks to THS about mutual friendly deal from both sides.
TOR 2012 2nd
Jerry D'Amigo
Bryan Allen
Why?
Similar to the Gill trade Toronto gives up a 2nd + a prospect. D'Amigo is doing well in the AHL currently sitting at 32 points in 54GP. D'Amigo could make an impact at the NHL some day and since Allen is going UFA I think he fits in that balance of not-untouchable but not worthless. Toronto does this for a guy that can play in the top 4 when called upon (if say..Schenn isn't doing so hot or GUnnar is injured
) and his size makes the Leafs as a whole harder to play against. People might have issues with the defensive system but I think everyone agrees depth on the blueline will push teams. Having the ability to run all 3 pairings without worry helps the buds.
Jesse Blacker
TOR 2013 2nd
Evgeni Nabokov
Why?
A veteran goalie with an established background is a big reason why Toronto would chase Nabokov. Add in the shaky-at-best goaltending performances and this leads Toronto to trying something out of the norm and getting a veteran goaltender instead of more youth. Nabokov is being offered an extension at this time but Toronto's futures package would help NYI. Blacker looks like he will make an NHL impact in time and the 2nd aids in the rebuild while Montoya looks to be the defacto #1 in Long Island. Toronto won't overpay for a pending UFA but right now it looks like they will need a guy between the pipes who knows how to steal games.
Greg McKegg
Jarett Stoll
Why?
Kings get a scoring prospect. Leafs get a good 3rd line center that ups their chances of being a playoff team. Stoll more or less completes the 'new' third line. That's all that really needs to be said.
So why does Toronto risk all this? Playoffs, but also a chance to surprise teams by suddenly having a deeper, more experienced team. It comes at the cost of 3 rounds and prospects but Toronto still escapes with the big 3 (Gardiner, Colborne, Kadri) on Toronto while also having guys like Ross, Biggs, and Percy. The only issue is cap space (Stoll and Ott being signed past this year) but Lombardi and others could be waived to make room.
edit: 1st deoesnt leave TO now
FUTURE LEAF LINEZ CUZ ERRY TRADE THREAD HAS TO AHVE THISZ
Lupul - Bozak - Kessel
Kulemin - Grabovski - MacArthur
Ott - Stoll - Lombardi
Brown - Boyce - Armstrong
Crabb
Gunnar - Phaneuf
Allen/Schenn - Liles/Gardiner
Allen/Schenn - Franson/Gardiner
Komiwomisolonelyindatpressbox
Nabokov
Reimer
