Trading deadline.
For some teams, it is a great day, some a sad day, and for some it can be disaster.
The Ottawa Senators didn't wait to improve their team and they did it in a big way.
Sure they went on to lose their next two games, but they pick up grit, determination, and Stanley Cup experience.
They are the team to beat.
Their neighbors to the southwest however, are in a different situation.
Do they sell off? Do they stand pat? Do they trade Sundin (if he lets them) and then try to resign him in the off-season?
You know what?
IT DOESN'T MATTER!
They can't sell off.
No one is going to take players like Kubina and McCabe because of their ridiculously high salaries. Even if Toronto buys out their contracts (which the Leafs CAN afford to do) they are still going to take a serious salary cap hit for several years.
So they can't really sign anyone big.
They could jettison Sundin and sign a big name, but just one. And clearly, that won't fix the team.
The Leafs could finish dead last and draft first, but that draft pick is going to need time to develop to make an impact.
So Leaf nation, say hello to another 3-5 years of horrendous hockey, no matter who management brings in.
Dig up the foundation, and start it over!
comments (2) write a comment »
write a new comment
7 months ago
very very true. until the end of the 2010 season, they don't have too much money to spend. They certainly can't afford to re-sign Sundin in the off-season to a long, multi-million dollar contract. They spent WAY too much on contracts like McCabe, Toskala, Blake, Tucker, Kubina and Hal Gill.
Trade an aging Sundin for someone with some value, while he's still worth something.
7 months ago
For the leafs it will be addition by subtraction. Clear out as many bodies as possible. Give the incoming GM as much rope to play with as possible. They should not sign any big names - just get picks and prospects.
write a new comment