Leafs Notes: Trade Deadline Day Edition

Thoughts on the Day that was

Well, it's after 8 p.m. and another deadline day has come and gone.  It is the first time I can really recall that the Leafs didn't add anyone (roster-player-wise, as buyers).

But for all the different variables that were involved in today's deadline dealings for Maple Leafs general manager Cliff Fletcher, I thought he did a reasonably good job today.

Dealing Wade Belak to Florida for a fifth-round pick came out of nowhere. To be completely honest (and in no disrespect to Wade) I didn't think there was even a market for the big guy. 

Really though, as much of a fan favorite and locker room guy he was, Wade Belak was not part of the rebuilding process that is expected to take place. It is tough for some fans, and all of the Leafs players, to see Wade go after seven seasons in blue and white, but give Fletcher credit for getting at least an asset for him in return.

That was very early in the day. A lot later on in the day, two deals came in quick succession. 

First, the Leafs sent big defenseman Hal Gill to Pittsburgh in exchange for a second-round draft pick, and a fifth-round pick for next year’s draft. Then, no more than 15 minutes later, Fletcher pulled off his final deal of the day, sending Chad Kilger to Florida in exchange for a third-round pick.

Gill has a lot of on ice tangibles to offer the Pens. He's a big guy, and yes, he is slow-footed, but he usually makes up for that with his strong, smart positioning. Gill knows his role, doesn't try to be too flashy, and can be a great guy to have on your side leaning on other teams’ best players in a seven-game series. 

In a live or die by the power play-type of world the NHL lives in, a strong penalty killer like Gill can be quite an asset, especially at $2.1 million, for one more season after this one. Hal was a real locker room guy as well, and he will be missed for sure. 

I thought he was one of the better defensemen for the Leafs this year, somewhat sad to see him go, but he was expendable with the emergence of Anton Stralman, and the return of Carlo Colaiacovo. 

I was also impressed Fletcher was able to grab a second-round pick in the deal too. If they are doing the "snake" style draft they have done in recent years (and I think they are), than a Pittsburgh second-round pick will be good for the sixth pick (36th overall) in round two, based on today's standings. 

Another character guy was dealt across the hall when the Panthers (who are the Leafs’ opponents tomorrow night) grabbed Kilger in exchange for a third-round pick. The Pick, as of today's standings, would be good for the fifth pick of the third round (65th overall). The Leafs will miss Kilger. He's a gritty guy with a cannon of a shot who loves to hit, loves to skate, and has underrated hands.  

So, while it could have been a much bigger day for the Leafs, it appears Cliff Fletcher did add some solid pieces. By today's standings, they would pick sixth overall, 36th, and sixth in the first three rounds, as well as the rest of their own picks in the remainder of the draft.

Latest on the Kubina Situation

In his post-deadline press conference, Cliff Fletcher mentioned having a player who agreed to waive his no-trade clause early last night, only to change his mind after the game. That player appears to be Pavel Kubina and a lot of people are questioning why Kubina would change his mind.

It is apparent this team really isn't going anywhere this year. I mean it's not mathematically impossible, but it would be a borderline miracle to see this team playing meaningful games in April.

Another factor to this that confuses people is the way Kubina's no trade clause is structured, the Leafs CAN deal Kubina during the summer months, from the draft up until August 15th, without him having to give them permission.

So, considering he can, and most likely will be dealt somewhere in the summer when his NTC is not in effect, why wouldn't he agree to a trade today? At least today he would have had some say where he would go to, as opposed to in the summer, where he will be at the mercy of Cliff or the new GM.

What this Means in the Short/Long Term

In the short term, the Leafs didn't acquire any bodies from other teams, but they do have some slots that will be filled from within. 

As eluded to earlier, trading Gill to Pittsburgh opens a slot for Stralman to play regularly.  Trading Kilger means Robbie Earl, who was already called up to play for the injured Boyd Devereaux, will finish the year with a regular spot in the Leafs’ lineup. 

Also, Kris Newbury and Jeremy Williams were called up and summoned to Florida, so it looks like they will get a chance with the big club, before being returned to the AHL-affiliate Marlies for their playoff run.

In the long-term, they added a good amount of draft picks. As of right now they have their own first, third, fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh rounders, and from other teams they have a second, third, fifth, as well as a fifth for next year. 

So right now that's nine draft picks for this year, and who says they are done. One could speculate Kubina could be a draft-day deal for another pick or two.

Certainly the rebuild is in its beginning stages. Like I said, it wasn't the giant leap a lot of fans were hoping for, but it certainly did take steps today, even if they were only baby steps.

Trade Deadline Coverage a Success

I just want to quickly thank everyone one more time for making today's trade deadline coverage a huge success!  6200 people (and counting?!) read the live coverage. I never thought that many people would be so interested, but I am grateful for it, and I thank everyone who commented, and made the day fun for everyone. 

I also want to thank McDonalds (my unofficial food supplier for the day.  Couldn't have done it without you.)

Believe it or not, I have already begun planning out next year's deadline coverage, so I hope you'll join me for that when the day comes.

Right now, it's time for me, and my laptop to unplug for the night, before we both explode (my head, my laptop’s motherboard).

Be on the lookout for a full recap including highlights and analysis of the Leafs/Panthers tomorrow after the game.

Questions, comments, suggestions can be directed to [e-mail]