Theory: Four reasons Kris Versteeg was traded to Philadelphia

The Leafs traded Kris Versteeg to Philadelphia this evening for a first and third round pick in the 2011 draft.

Versteeg, who arrived this summer in a trade with Chicago for Viktor Stalberg, Chris DiDomenico and Philippe Paradis, racked up 14 goals and 21 assists in his short stint with the Leafs.

A member of last season's Cup-winning team, Versteeg started slowly in Toronto. Despite his speed and versatility, two traits that appealed to the Flyers, the 24-year-old struggled offensively with the Leafs. After 53 games, he was also a -13 and, in recent days, the subject of escalating trade speculation.

So why unload a player after getting him less than eight months ago? Why trade a player once believed to be a Top 6 forward for draft picks from a team that's certain to finish high in the standings?

Here now, four theories:

1. Versteeg was too casual about losing. Do you remember when the team went off the rails in November? The one word Versteeg never stopped using in postgame interviews was "fun." He was always grinning. He never seemed particularly bothered by the mounting losses.

2. Versteeg could be selfish with the puck. How many times did he wind up and blast a low percentage shot instead of pass? How many times did he carry the puck for that extra second or extra step, which often resulted in a missed shot, a botched play, a whistle or a turnover?

3. Versteeg was made expendable by the recent acquisition of Joffrey Lupul, who can also play multiple positions and be used on special teams.

4. Versteeg did not seem to have any fire in his belly, at least not when it came to hockey. Maybe this was related to already winning a Cup. Maybe it was a personality quirk. But instead of fulfilling an on-ice leadership role, which was open to him this summer, he always seemed more preoccupied with the off-ice role of practical joker.

All of which boils down to this: Versteeg was not a good fit here. Maybe the team expected too much. Maybe he expected too little. But, ultimately, his breezy attitude was at odds with a team gasping for two points most nights, a team choking under the weight of chronic inconsistency.

Kris Versteeg, in my opinion, had blue-and-white disease before he arrived in Toronto.

On Philadelphia, like Chicago last season, Versteeg's "soft flaws" will not be as pronounced. He will be given a chance to contribute offensively down the stretch and in the playoffs. But this is a close-knit team, one that tellingly did not surrender any current roster players to acquire Versteeg. If he can help, great. If he wants to crack wise, build friendships and polish his sweet ride, he won't play very much.

This was a luxury Toronto could no longer afford. And in advance of this summer's free agency dance, they now have picks that can be flipped and significantly more cap room.

• More on the trade here.
• LEAFS TV has an exit interview with Versteeg here.
• The view from Philadelphia.
• The view from Chicago.

Comments

[moe green]

I remember when the Leafs were mired in a slump early in the season Versteeg had no idea how many games they had lost. Every single Leafs fan knew. I agree with your assessment Vinay. I would also add that he probably didn't get along with Ron Wilson. I guess Wilson wasn't "fun" enough.

[Robert]

Versteeg never seemed interested. Who knows why? Could be when he got here and looked over the present situation, he wanted a more competitive team. That would be giving him the benefit of the doubt. Perhaps the coaching staff. He wasn't playing big minutes for a first or second line player in the Leaf organization.
He will certainly get the chance in Philadelphia to fit in with some top six forwards so, presumably his future is up to him.
If he wasn't happy, then everyone is better off. The last thing we need at this stage of the game is to waste game time with someone who isn't interested.

[Alecia]

Burke to address the media at 9.

[We BeLeaf]

Hi Vinay, I think there may be another reason...and that is perhaps Burke is engineering another trade with what he gained from letting Versteeg go, to package off a pick(s) along with another player(s) to get the desperately needed top 6 forward.

Could there be another blockbuster in the making? Things are getting interesting now!

Cheers,

[80s Leafs]

Agreed on the point about him possibly being too loosey-goosey. It probably bugged Burke, although he would never admit it publicly, that's five sure.

Furthermore, perhaps the team's dental insurance also was null and void if a player suffered an injury while mouthguard was not properly fitted, and this worried the team management even more...

[Robert]

Just watched a report out of Versus - they claim a first and third round pick for Versteeg is a high price to pay for a third line player. Is there any sense at all in this business?

[Boo Who?]

Farewell Kris, we hardly knew ye.

I'm hoping it's a combination of all four. It's funny how we talk about players not having 'fire in the belly' and then Lupul gets called out for being critical of the team's performance in Montreal (not here, but in other media). Luckily Supes had his back. (Then Kessel of course said something like 'uhhhh, time for a change...I guess. Hope we can get something going.' He's such an inspiration. Not.) I like Lupul so far. It only took him two games to get pissed off enough to complain about how lazy the Leafs are. I find that telling.

[Brian K]

I really got tired of how he always had his mouthguard hanging out, so for that reason alone I'm glad he's gone.

[palbo]

in burkespeak - he gave up 3 assets for versteeg - he got 2 back - remains to be seen if this is a good trade - perhaps there is more to come as others have already said

[Go Leafs Go]

So essentially Burke traded Stalberg, Paradis and DiDomenico for picks in the #25-#30 and #85-#90 range. I wish we still had Stalberg instead. He had a very rare combination of size and speed. What a shame.

[Nik Culoman]

My opinion is this...This is a just a precursor for what might be a Kaberle trade....If I were BB I would offer Kaberle and the first pick we just received in this trade to Boston for Wheeler and the our original pick. If this isn't the trade something tells me this isn't it.

My question to Vinay would be this....Does Burke have enough picks to make an offer sheet to say offer a contract to Zach Parise?? Because BB seems like a man who is very calculating with this moves he is making, stack the Leafs with prospects, and now some picks...May mean something bigger is coming or will come this summer.

If the Leafs do offer these picks to get Parise....Haven't we won in this transaction?? I have a feeling more trades are coming. I don't like nor do I support this trade....This puzzle doesn't seem complete just yet...

Vinay I will be sending you an email soon......

[palbo]

Nik - my understanding is that to make an offer sheet, you must have your own picks, not someone else`s - somebody correct me if i`m wrong.

[Alecia]

Like I said much earlier today, I definitely think that this entire thing is just a part of a much bigger trade and the lack of an official press conference suggests that. When Burkie addressed the media at 9, he stated that the 3rd round pick has already been offered to another team and the 1st would be traded if need be.

The conference audio is on here, under the 2nd audio tab ->http://www.640toronto.com/Blogs/EatSleepLeafs/BlogEntry.aspx?BlogEntryID=10205183

[Lewis McClain]

How about this....We trade the entire team including Wilson (if they will take him) for Crosby.(injured or not)...Bring up the Marlies that are left, or the guys in Reading. I say we would win a lot more. ...At least the team would have a winning attitude...

[Go Leafs Go]

The only way the Leafs can land Parise is if he does not want to sign with the Devils and holds out for a trade a la Kessel. If Burke tried to sign Parise to an offer sheet (which he would have to do with his own draft picks), I can guarantee you that Lou Lamoriello wouldn't waste a second matching it. The Devils aren't afraid to send fat contracts down to the minors to clear cap space. In fact, I think they were the first team to utilize this loophole (see Mogilny). Anyway, my point is that Burke would have to trade for Parise and that is only if Parise doesn't want to sign with the Devils. And if that does become the case, I'm afraid there are many more teams with much more to offer the Devils. If Kessel is worth 2 firsts, a second and a third, then Parise is worth AT LEAST 8 firsts, 4 seconds and 4 thirds. Parise in a Leaf uniform is a pipe dream. Sorry.

[Boo Who?]

As far as I'm aware you can't use another team's picks for an offer sheet. So that's not it. Hmmmm. I'm really curious now.

[Tom]

5. The team got sick of always seeing that f***ing mouthguard hanging out of his mouth and shipped him to Philly post-haste. :P

[Boo Who?]

Anybody else see the interview Versteeg gave just before heading out of Toronto? He could not look happier. Said that a lot of guys have 'had a rough go of it' this year. Was very specific about who he'd miss, i.e. 'the guys he had a good relationship with'. Hmmmmm. To be a fly on the wall of that dressing room. Hope Burkie continues cleaning house, because that's a player whose heart was never in it.

VM Replies: Exactly.

[Boo Who?]

And I hope we continue to deal out West, because that's where I'm feeling the most love.

[Alecia]

@Boo berry - I saw the same interview and had a quick 180. I was upset when I first heard but he seems like he couldn't be happier. At least Beauchemin was a class act about it.

Hey Steeger, don't let the door hit you on the way out.

[Pete]

this probably also gives them some more cash in the off-season to go after richards, and resign the rfa's

[moe green]

Great news for me cuz now I have a team to cheer against in the first round. Go anyone but the Flyers, Go!

[Joe]

Funny how no one seems to be a good fit with the Leafs, nor play with fire in the belly. I think the last guys to be a good fit were Darryl and Lanny.

[Alecia]

I've always hated the Flyers so I'll second that Moe!

Go anyone but the Flyers, Go!!

[Boo Who?]

As much as I would love to have Richards, we're more likely to get someone like a Korpikoski at this stage. (Not that I mind him, I'm just saying we need to temper our expectations.) I'm pretty happy with our forwards, but we have a few d-men that I wouldn't mind seeing the back of. Let's find a team that needs to add some depth on the blueline and see how much Burkie-Wurkums can squeeze 'em for!! Let us pray...

[pinot grigio]

It's amazing how a team can give up assets to get a player without being aware that he is a lackadaisical layabout who does not give a crap whether the team wins or loses. Is it not the role of the scouts to find out about character as well as skill level?

Personally, I thought Versteeg was a very versatile asset but he was not used the way he should have been used once it became clear he 'did not fit on a line with Kessel'. When you come to think of it, nobody else fits with Kessel either but for some reason Versteeg was first shuffled off to the third line and then sacrificed for a couple of middling draft choices. What a waste.

Now Phillie is going to get burned. "He’s a quality forward that can play in a lot of different roles for your hockey team,” said Flyers GM Paul Holmgren.

“He can move up and down our lineup. He can kill penalties. He can play on the power play. We think he’s a guy that over the last few years, particularly in Chicago, has really blossomed into a good forward and we think he’s going to be a really good addition to our team.”

Maybe Versteeg is just a casualty of the fabulous coaching that the TML endure. But then again, maybe the TML scouts and Holmgren are all wet and the trade is a good deal.

[Matt M]

Haha! I completely agree with Brian K's assessment of Versteeg: he needs to start wearing his mouthguard.
I always had a slight paranoia he was going to get hit while chewing on it, and end up with a brutal injury.

Versteeg, to me, is contrasting to Colby Armstrong in a lot of ways. Colby works hard, brings it every shift, and we can't win a game when he's not in the line-up. Versteeg was really selective in his effort. Plus, Colby's actually funny.

[Tony]

Worst trade I've seen Burke make.
Gave up Stalberg, DiDomenico, and Paradis for what now amounts to a very low 1st round pick and a 3rd round pick, in a rather poor draft year. Versteeg succeeded in Chicago, was only 24, and played well in a variety of situations. Sure, he made mistakes, but he's not a veteran - he should be able to make mistakes, and learn from them, and not have every columnist (paid or otherwise) scrutinize his every move.

[Sensi-Bill]

I saw a post that opened with: "I have a suggestion. Move to a real Province."
.
Does anyone have ANY idea what the hell that's supposed to mean?

[Sensi-Bill]

"If I were BB I would offer Kaberle and the first pick we just received in this trade to Boston for Wheeler and the our original pick."
.
OK, obviously some blends of the Blue & White Cool Aid are more mind altering than others.
.
Kaberle and a 22nd-to-30th round pick for Wheeler and a top-6th pick?
.
I think someone in Boston would have to be taking even stronger mind-altering drugs to even hallucinate making that deal.
.
And some wonder why people laugh at SOME Leaf Fans.

[Sensi-Bill]

@GoLeafsGo
.
" If Kessel is worth 2 firsts, a second and a third, then Parise is worth AT LEAST 8 firsts, 4 seconds and 4 thirds."
.
I like it. A little hyperbole to make a point never hurts.
.
I get what you're saying man, and totally agree.
.
Sure beats some of the strange math I've seen around here.
.
Someone recently stated that the Leafs are "4 games out of a playoff spot."
.
I assume they were referring to the Leafs being eight points out of a playoff spot. Unfortunately, they obviously don't understand how the points system, and the standings, work. At two points per win, four victories (not just games) do add up to eight points. But that presumes everybody else is standing still while you win those four games. It simply doesn't work that way.
.
Of course not everybody else has to be standing still. It's the teams between you and the eighth position who have to stand still while you rack up those four wins.
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And by standing still, I mean those teams have to lose every game during whatever time it takes you to win four. Not one of those team's can even lose a game in overtime or a shootout.
.
Even if this wasn't the era of parity, just how totally impossible is it for not just one but a number of team's to lose every game over a certain period of time?
.
And just how long, at their current pace, would it take the Leafs to amass four wins?
.
Four games (more than a week) if they win four in a row. But this isn't the start of the season when a lot of teams are slow to get off the mark.
.
No, these are teams trying to hit their peak as they try to earn a playoff spot, or hold onto one. If every one of them was weak enough to go even a couple of weeks without picking up at least one point, it's unlikely they'd be ahead of you to begin with.
.
And even if you did somehow get ahead of them all to gain a playoff spot, you'd then have to continue to outpace them in the wins column to hang onto that spot.
.
"Four games out of the playoffs" sounds nice. And no doubt makes the nearly impossible --- or at least highly improbable --- sound tantalizing close.
.
But to me, it's just one more crazy invitation to engage in the kind of delusional thinking that has people occasionally rolling their eyes at the goofier side of Leaf Nation.

[Pat Ribble]

Hopefully, the Philly trainers can fit Versteeg with a shiny orange mouth guard that will constantly be drooling out of his complacent pie hole.

[Princess Mononoke]

Vinay, YOU told us that the Leafs were undefeated in regulation when Versteeg scored. Statistically, he seemed to be a gauge of team effort and perseverance. He wasn't much of a leader, but at times seemed to score the clutch goal, no? Besides which, *who* is a leader on this team? I would have thought Versteeg would be part of long-term plans, perhaps not for attitude, but for skill.

Doesn't it seem as though Wilson is just the coaching kiss of death for so many guys? I saw Lupul make several beautiful giveaways during the Habs game, and it occurred to me that he was either trying to fit in with his new friends, or was already suffering from the first symptoms of intractable Wilsonitis, the disease that makes you forget everything you've learned since Pee Wee days, blurs your eyesight, shifts your accuracy 6 feet to the left and renders you a self-preserving sociopath.

VM Replies: Good morning, Princess. You are up early... Hey, I didn't trade him! All I'm saying is do not underestimate the premium Burke and his management team place on attitude. It's the central reason they blew things up last season and started putting people on planes.
It's true, one of the statistical oddities this season was the Leafs undefeated record when Versteeg scored. But in terms of "clutch," it's also true he had 0 game winning goals. Not even Mitchell and Orr can say that.
P.S. Please do not put "YOU" in all-caps before 6 a.m. It's unnerving.

[scagneti]

I'm glad to see that the Leaf fans have noticed all of the flaws that non-Leafs fans mentioned about Versteeg when the trade was announced last summer. At the time, we, of course, we were called "haters" and "jealous" but we knew eventually you'd see Versteeg for what we saw of him in Chicago. Not the first time that's happened though. Naturally I warned Leaf fans about Komi for the last two seasons "Oh scagneti -- just wait until he's healthy", I'd hear after his season ending injury. "You're just mad he chose Toronto over Montreal", they'd quip. After I got tired of explaining that he's just a terrible d-man (McCabe without the scoring ability, I'd call him), I'd just smile, secure in the knowledge that eventually the light bulb would go on. Funny how it took until Versteeg's trade out of Toronto before the bulb finally went on.
And FYI - there are 29 teams that I could handle winning the Cup. Well, 28 because I really don't like Boston, but the only team that would make me avoid hockey all offseason would be if Philly and their vile players & fans won the Cup.

[hoofheartz]

Scags, you wouldnt be the 1st stinking hab fan to tell me that Komisarek sucked. I truly believe that Lucic did a lot more than physical harm to him when they fought. Surely he must have had some skills to be drafted 7th overall, or was that just a misread by the stinking habs?

[peduval]

I'll say it he was a cocky hot dog.Probably why he was the first one out of the Hawks door.By the way Vinny great read by you as always!!!! GO Burke Go!!!

VM Replies: Thanks, peduval.

[maxwelledison]

The Leafs problems are not alone.

Here in Sabreland, despite an ownership change in the next few days from do-nothing, to hope springs eternal.

But like the Leafs, Sabres still have a similar problem... win now versus not mortgaging their future. Yet, unlike Burke, Darcy sits on his hands- will only consider a trade (s) if the deck is heavily stacked in Buffalo's favor.
So that takes care of win now.

Personally, Versteeg reminds me of several current Sabres who don't 'put out' on a nightly basis. Weigh that with win-now versus build for later.To me, these players are expendable. So, say what you want about acquiring Flyer's 1st and 3rd,. At least Burke's doing something, even if he's waving that 3rd round pick for an expensive center.

My not-so-wildest guess is Tim Connelly.

VM Replies: Always nice to hear from you guys in Sabreland. Hang in there. My guess is the inertia will vanish after the bean counters have time to do a once-over.

[Ken Chevis]

Another example of "The Genius Of Brian Burke". Sure glad he wasn't handling strategy for WWII. As far as the purity of this blog is concerned, VM why don't you "password protect" access, so we "trolls" can't upset the faithful.

VM Replies: Password protect? That sounds like more work, so no.
You are not a troll, Mr. Chevis. I was referring to the one-time commenters (I can see IP addresses) who breeze in after a loss just to be incendiary.
You are always welcome here, even if your comments leave a small hole in my soul.

[prize maple]

What was with the mouth guard hanging out anyway, like he pretending to be Patrick Kane. Sorry buddy, you're not even close. I get the feeling that this guy thought far too much of himself for the level of player that he was.

[Robert]

Not to defend Versteeg but, lets look at the inner sanctum. Here is a guy who comes from a team that has just won the cup. They can't afford to keep him.
That would be a piss-off alone. But, he was playing with guys like Toews, Sharpe, Kane etc who had the skill and tenacity to win the Stanley Cup. There must have been tremendous energy in that room. Then he walks into the Leaf dressing room. He is shifted from line to line. Some nights they play hard, some nights they don't show up. Never sure what Wilson is going to say, or even what he means when he does say something! Lupul's comments may be something we should take to heart. This could well be an indication of something deeper.

[TimB]

I bought a 1/2 ton yesterday for $2000.Today I sold it for $1700. (I am so close to taking the red pill)

VM Replies: No!

[Nik Culoman]

Most talk of the Versteeg interview...But did anyone of you catch the BB interview?? He is working on parlaying the 3rd round pick and has already approached a team with another trade offer.....

I am not sure that this trade is an one off move...I think this is part of something larger, I have read and heard that the Leafs have been pushing hard for Brayden Schenn, who they would have to give up, no real details, but it would be interesting now with these two new picks in his treasure chest what BB may do.

Even if it is an one off move...Some were complaining we didn't have a first round pick, now people complain when we get one. I don't get this hockey market, I want to remind some people that these picks can be moved for something more tangible at the draft, by Feb. 28th, we don't know what is coming next. But yet, some are already complaining.

Let's wait this through, This is what I have seen so far....We gained in two weeks 3 draft picks, 1 prospect in Gardiner, and Lupul. What we gave away was a vet Dman, and Versteeg...Who didn't seem to want to be here.

That is great in my books, and if you add that to the prospects that we already have: Kadri, Rynnas, Irwin, Mueller, Aulie, Hanson, McKeeg, Nicholls, Blacker, Ryan, and so...We are starting to generate a large enough prospect pool that we could pick talent from within.

[Al]

Vinay: I have been harbouring this suspicion/assumption/nightmare since last summer that Burke could have got Byfuglien but instead chose Versteeg. ("hey, let's get another undersized forward instead of one of a guy who epitomizes everything I just said I wanted the Leafs to be")

and now his big offseason acquisition, the "asset" Burke supposedly valued over Byfuglien, has been shipped off for some crappy picks.

I mean, kudos for recognizing a mistake was made with Versteeg, but how many mulligans are we supposed to give here?

VM Replies: By using the word "mulligans," are you suggesting golf season is just around the corner?

[Ken Baumgartner]

I don't really know what to think. He disappointed for sure in that he was indeed a third liner on this team which confounded me but he was on a team where almost eveyone was underacheving. One thing I will give Burke is that he recognized Versteeg was not working out here and he stepped up and took care of it at a time when his value was high. The guy is not afraid to man up when something doesn't work regardless of what his detractors think. To me that is solid.

@NIK, indeed if you want to sign a restricted free agent you need your own pick which takes the Leafs out of the game.

YOU Vinay, that's right YOU, yes YOU wrote a good column. Good on YOU!
It's after 8:00 now.

VM Replies: Thank YOU, Bomber.

[Chad]

Versteeg simply wasn't the player that Burke thought he was getting. most nights he was barely noticeable. won't be sad to see him go.

[We BeLeaf]

Good morning Vinay, hope everyone had a great Valentine's Day!

Just read this here and thought I would share with everyone...
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/609109-breaking-trade-maple-leafs-trade-versteeg-to-flyers-for-draft-picks.

Does anyone have a prediction for tonight's game?

Cheers!

VM Replies: I'll go out on a limb and make this fearless prediction: At some point tonight, we will hear chants of, "Thank you, Kessel."

[Ken Baumgartner]

What is somethng you can give and keep at the same time?
Your word.
From all indications that is Brian Burke, and if you ask me I would want to be associated with a guy like that every time. He is trying to make this team a championship team first and foremost and I don't understand it when people don't see it. Am I a blind sheep?

[Nik Culoman]

"Are you even thinking before you're posting. Man he's trade two guys that became expendable and you're saying this is a second rebuild? What is wrong with people these days. Who wouldn't do this: Beauchemin, Versteeg for Lupul, top prospect, conditional pick, first rounder, and a 3rd rounder. I think you would have to be pretty dumb not to do that"

This is an interesting quote I found....How many of you would have turned down that trade if all the pieces were traded together?

VM Replies: Who is calling this a second rebuild? That's silly.
At the end of the day, this deal was never about progress or even lateral positioning. It was all about cutting your losses, realizing something did not work and making roster/salary room for a couple of bigger moves.

[TimB]

Call me crazy,and many have,but I have a weird feeling that this Lupul/Kessel thing is going to do something tonight.

[Simon]

Enough trade talk. We got rid of Versteeg who most nights was out for himself. Fine. Let's concentrate on tonight's game against the Bruins. The Bruins have been playing some "'ol time hockey" of late and we're going to have to be tough tonight. I'm looking at a sparring match between Big C's: Chara and Dion.

GO LEAFS GO!

[Ken Baumgartner]

Nik go easy, ideally Versteg would still be on this team as a leader. You have to see how people feel this is grasping at straws. Burke just got him. I think he recognized tat he wasn't working out but still it does not look good getting rid of a perceived piec of the puzzle,
He is also counting on Lupul to step up. Remember, that still has to happen. I suspect it will but let's not get carried away until it does.

[We BeLeaf]

@ Bomber and Nik,

Here's a question for a hypothetical situation: Will you still deem this to be a good trade if Versteeg lights it up the rest of the season and is directly responsible for the Flyers winning the Stanley Cup?

[Ken Baumgartner]

@Simon, you are correct about Versteeg being in it for himself. At least it did feel that way. but you never rally know because we are on the outside looking in. It did feel that way though.
Regarding tonight's game. I can't talk about it yet, I'm too afraid too!

[Nik Culoman]

"But Burke says the third-round pick has already been offered to another team as part of a package for an NHL forward and that the Leafs' focus remains the same."

Let's see what else happens before we judge this trade. Don't listen to guys like Kypper, Spector, McLean, and so...No matter what the Leafs do, nobody gives them any credit for it. One minute these "experts" say the Leafs need to build in the draft, BB goes out and trades really replaceable parts and grabs 3 picks, 1 prospect in two trades and than is still hated on.

I want to see how all this shakes out before I give my opinion, Let's see who BB brings in with the above roster move he states will come. One other thing, that most people seem to be forgeting and all seem to be overlooking, Most of the trades BB has completed has been to get younger.

No longer are we seeing a desperate Leaf team going after players past their prime, we are getting players who are about to hit their prime, say what you want about Kessel as of today. Get a guy like Richards or another talented centerman to play with him and you have sure shot scoring threat.

Vinay, now that this trade has gone through...Was that one of the moves you had heard would happen?

VM Replies: Put it this way: I would not have been surprised if Versteeg was traded in December.

[TimB]

@Simon.We will see how many of the Colton Orr haters miss him tonight.

VM Replies: I'm actually very worried about Orr. I know he generates mixed feelings around here. But his condition continues to sound ominous.

[Nik Culoman]

Guys, those that oppose this trade forget one thing...VERSTEEG by all accounts didn't want to play in Toronto any longer. He wanted out, he wasn't liking it here. So BB went out and made the best trade he could for a guy who could have been a negative force in the dressroom.

What we did get was a 1st and 3rd round pick for Stalhberg, Paradis, DiDomenico.....Who wouldn't have made that trade? These picks are set in stone that Toronto has to use them, BB could trade one or both with say Kaberle to Boston for our original pick back and maybe a roster player (Wheeler).

We just don't know what will happen, all I can say is this trade isn't going to be the end all. I think it is part of something bigger, and if it is.....Like most places are reporting, than let's wait and see what we get in return.

[Ken Baumgartner]

I don't know we Beleaf. I just don't know. I will be honest, I thought Versteeg was going to be a leader too. I thought he was going to step his game up with more ice time and with the freedom to be out from under the shadows of Toews and Kane. I did. In that regard he did not meet expectations. At least I don't think so. Even Burke said in his conference call that he will be better suited on a better team, whch in a way is admtting a mistake and as Vinay said he was cutting his losses. I don't know about you but trade stocks and sometime you have winners and sometimes you have to cut your losses. The smart people know when to cut their losses before it is too late. I think this may be the case in Vertseegs case, even though he may light it up in Philly.

VM Replies: Whether or not he lights it up in Philly does not change the fact that he was not going to light it up in Toronto.

[Alecia]

I agree with the opinion that Versteeg was too relaxed on the Leafs. I actually really liked him cause of his speed, he is quick and has a lot of potential when he tries. However, in retrospect, it seems like he wasn’t fitting in here. He was playing on the 3rd line with reduced ice time after having come off a team that has just won the cup. Plus I wouldn’t be surprised if there were issues with Wilson. So in a way, I understand his excitement to leave to go to a cup contender, he’s a high caliber player but he needs to play with guys who will do the dirty work (lay hits, backcheck, forecheck etc) which he will find in the Flyers. I wasn’t too impressed with his exit interview though, seemed a little too excited, not cool, oh well. I was sad to see him go but he wasn’t right in a Leafs uniform. We need more guys like MacArthur, Brent, Schenn, Aulie, Grabo, Kuli…when I watch these guys, I get the sense that they are the representation of what a young Leaf player should be. I have a lot of hope for these young players… a lot.

Oh and a fun fact for you all, according to Capgeek, the leafs’ payroll for next year is currently only at $35m, leaving $24m in cap space.

[TimB]

I know Orr is out "indefinitely" but have you heard something,Vinay?

VM Replies: No, I have not. Last I heard (this weekend) was that he was scheduled for additional medical testing.

[Geoff Read]

It's interesting to see people's reactions - I hadn't realized Versteeg was perceived this way in Toronto. It's funny how a lot of this stuff comes out when a player leaves town. I gotta say though, whether or not this deal was a good one, the previous deal to bring Versteeg to town looks worse and worse doesn't it?

VM Replies: The very act of cutting your losses suggests a mistake was incurred at some point.

[Robert]

@ Simon pls don't let Dion go up against Chara. We have a ways to go this season.
@We Be Leaf: Versteeg could very well light it up with the Flyers. He will be playing with a # 1 centre and winger. Could be Mike Richards. He will also likely be in a better frame of mind.
This is something Burke can't control. The guy wasn't happy - he's outta here!
I repeat from earlier, Lupul referred to the lack of energy on this team. There may well be something else underlying we don't know about.

[We BeLeaf]

@ Nik, you bring up a good point that I had forgotten. If we are to go on the basis that Versteeg approached Burke and flat out said he is unhappy and does not want to be here, then I applaud Burke for being good about moving him and getting the most for his value out of it. On the flip side of that, if every player said they were unhappy for the team they played for what kind of authority would the manager have if he had to pander to their egos?

@Bomber, agreed...Steeger probably was never going to be a leader here, but the genuine hope was that his playoff experience would be a major factor for the rest of the team to learn from. At the beginning, it did look as if he would be that guy. I hope that Lupul becomes the player that Burke says that he is, or will he be gone too?

[We BeLeaf]

@ Robert, Good point! No way to know everything that's happening in the dressing room, but for Lupul to come out this early and state the lack of energy he's seeing possibly foretells of something ominous. I sincerely hope that Lupul turns things around for the Leafs.

Remember that Burke and Wilson have stated that it is their intention to purge the team of Blue & White disease. Vinay, it appears that you may have hit the nail on the head when you stated he had the disease before he arrived here. Are you at liberty to say you saw evidence of this? I'm curious...

VM Replies: In November, I wrote a post questioning the team's lack of intensity and called him out by name. This led to a couple of conversations with certain people, none of which convinced me there was any real disagreement.

[Alecia]

I think you guys are judging this tooooo fast. We have YET to find out what we really got in return for Versteeg. I’d give this a couple of days to see if there is actually a bigger deal in the works with the two picks we acquired. The trade happened late on Monday with no official press conference… it can’t quite be done yet.

VM Replies: The Versteeg deal, for all intents and purposes, was a one-off. There is no other shoe to drop.

[Simon]

@ Robert: Ok, instead of a sparing match, lets see Dion lay out Chara in some unexpected way. Also, the Leafs are going to have to be very disciplined tonight. I've watched a few recent Boston games and teams were getting beaten up except Detroit who just took the check, pushed the puck to a supporting player and scored. Let Dion, Aulie, and Schenn crush some players, and the forwards take some hits.

[A True Leafs Fan]

I am not a big fan of this trade. There is no way that Philly will fall from the standings at all. which means we get a 29th overall pick for versteeg? I think versteeg would have been better for this rebuild, but I guess thats the thing about the draft... you never know.

[Simon]

Alecia, you mentioned a while back about going to games and not being a suit. How much are you paying? I want to go to more games, but I don't want to pay more than around $50.

[Jon]

I like this deal for the Leafs ! They get a 1st, a 3rd and cap space to make another deal !

At the very least, Burke is not a 'stand pat' gm! If things are not working out, make changes!

Vinay, u make several good points about Versteeg. If burke and company have decided Versteeg is not working out, move him! Burke gave this team ample time to prove they could not get the job done! Like Burke i also place a premium on guys who just hate losing...and Versteeg was not one of those guys !!

Burke will not hesitate to make changes to 'get it right'...a refreshing change from the past !!

[Hector Von Smowvitch]

I don't think I buy Cox's argument that the trade for a first-rounder was intended to stifle some criticism. Burke's strategy here is pretty simple and sound. Load up with convertible assets and build permanence from there. Versteeg didn't work for the reasons Vinay cites above. Hot shots don't do grunt work - you can't blame him. Burke knew that and traded for something with value. You can debate whether a high first rounder is worth it but it gives flexibility in sweetening deals or something to bargain up with on draft day. The beauty of it is Burke is leaving much less to chance and to player whim and over time that's a good strategy. Ringeth not thy hands Leaf Fandom, the future looks better than it has in years.

VM Replies: If there's one thing I can tell you with some personal certainty, it is this: Brian Burke does nothing to stifle criticism. It's not a factor in his decision making.

[Michael C. Nemirsky]

Good morning VM and all of leaf nation. When I first heard about this deal last night, two things came to mind. One, the leafs have tanked this season (to early in my opinion). Secondly, this should automatically make the Flyers the favorites in the east. But, after reading your column and the perspective of TRUE leaf fans, my views have changed. I think Versteeg's attitude and inconsistency were the main reasons he was shipped out of town. Also, he seemed to be uncoachable in the frustrating system Wilson insists his players adhere to. So, if BB can flip one of the picks for a player that can help the team now, we will be better off without the distraction of Versteeg. However, Versteeg should fit in very well with the Flyers and could very well be hoisting the Stanley Cup come June. That pains me to admit that!

[Alecia]

@Vinay, didn’t Burke specify that the 3rd round pick has already been offered to another team in his address to the media yesterday? He’s obviously not done shopping yet. All I am saying is that I would not be surprised if his intent to acquire draft picks wasn’t so much about drafting new players, but using them as trade pieces.

@Simon, I do go to a lot of games. People keep asking me how I get so many tickets but I am not sure people even bother trying before they say that it’s impossible to get tickets. Saturdays are almost impossible to get unless you have a “connection”, usually someone who knows someone with season tickets who is willing to sell. Weeknight games are easy to get tickets for, you just have to buy last minute. Ticketmaster re-releases unclaimed/unsold tickets that are usually held reserved for whoever about a day to two days before the game. I have occasionally purchased tickets for games that had been coming up as “sold out” just hours before the game. You just need to check back and check often. Look for the $63 greens or $42 standing room (these are only in the back of the centre ice sections and you get an awesome, unblocked view of the ice, very worth the money). Also, sections 309 and 321 are centre ice so aim as close to those as possible, I never have much trouble finding tickets in these sections though, in fact, I often sit in 309 and it’s an awesome time. Good luck!

VM Replies: When I say it was a "one off," I'm using his words. Yes, those picks may not be used to pick. They are now convertible assets.
All I'm saying is this was not designed as a multi-target transaction, in which you cock the shotgun on one deal to pull the trigger on another one.

[moe green]

When you dump a recently acquired 24 year old player of Versteeg's caliber from rebuilding team it's obvious that a mistake was made. Burke minimized our losses as best he could.

Put it this way: Versteeg was a third liner. What caliber of roster player could you expect to get in return for even a quality 3rd liner? A fourth liner? Burke did the best he could. IMO, he came out a little in arrears.

VM Replies: How are you feeling? Still on your deathbed?

[Geoff Read]

I've made it pretty clear before that I'm not a Colton Orr fan - so don't take this the wrong way - but I don't see how he can continue his career. An enforcer with concussion problems has a pretty limited future.

VM Replies: This is the fear.

[moe green]

I've turned a corner last night Vinay thanks for asking so it looks like I'm gonna see the other side of this thing after all.

Just a nasty little bout of flu is all. Back into the fray. Though I will be playing catchup on a couple of things.

[We BeLeaf]

OK, so here's my comparisons on the Versteeg trade...It's no secret that Philly has mortgaged its' future by going it for the Cup now, so by virtue of the trade, they get the edge in the short term, but only if Versteeg can be better than he was as a Leaf. Some would say that the Flyers are still weak in goal, but tough to argue that point when you lead the conference. Chicago was reputed to not have the greatest goaltending either last year, and look where it got them.

The Leafs now have a pick(s) for every round in the draft, Burke has made the team younger, and there looks to be more trading to be done shortly. Yet in all of this, Burke has stated that this season is not over and will not concede 8th place. Damn right, I say! Look at what Calgary has managed to accomplish, and look what the NJ Devils have done. With the widespread parity in the league, all that's needed is to get there and then the new season begins.

Who sees this as a fire sale as opposed to some shrewd trading?

[Go Leafs Go]

"Nik: Some were complaining we didn't have a first round pick, now people complain when we get one."

We're complaining that we don't have OUR first round pick. There is a huge difference between our 5th overall lottery pick and Philly's 25th-30th overall pick.

[Simon]

Thanks Alecia. I'll look into it.

And Vinay, maybe you should write a piece on how REAL Leafs fans can get into the game.

VM Replies: Alecia's ability to get tickets seemingly whenever she wants is pretty amazing. It flies in the face of what I've wrongly believed for years.

[Ken Chevis]

@VM. And I had my password all picked out. Thank you for your kind words, I always enjoy reading the back and forth on your blog. Most of your crew are knowledgeable and rational. The others..well, there is the 10% factor in all things. I tried participating in a blog where my favourite team resides but gave it up quickly. Some of the diatribe would curl your hair. Continue the great blogs and I will continue to read them avidly, and the odd time plug in a comment that won't do too much damage to your soul.

[A True Leafs Fan]

@Geoff Read

Colton Orr is my favourite hockey player at the moment. Not to mention the Leafs most consistent players. he goes out every night (well not anymore). Plays simple physical hockey, then goes and finds the biggest guy on there team and punches him in the face.

His goal against Florida to snap that Losing streak was the funniest goal that I have ever seen.(obviously should have been interference) not to mention his first goal of his leafs career was the game winning goal last year against the montreal candadiens. a game that i had quite a bit of money on. the money I won off of my buddies i used to buy his jersey the next day. how can you hate a player that spends more time in the penalty box than he does Ice time? hes -1 which isnt to bad considering other leafs on our team.

P.S

all of his penalties are 5 minute majors and are off setting so were not on the PK,

[A True Leafs Fan]

Colton Orr is the Leafs "Clutch Player"

[We BeLeaf]

Just read that Burke has reportedly made another trade this morning with the Ducks right winger Aaron Voros for a 7th round pick. Hopefully more details to come.....

VM Replies: This was a Marlies-level transaction. What Aaron brings is a lot of penalty minutes, which makes me worry even more about Orr.

[TimB]

@A True Leafs Fan.Could never quite tell if you were being sarcastic or not.If you are with me in the Orr camp,I'm pretty sure that puts us in the Ken Chevis %10.

[Alecia]

I'm very persistant, and I find ways to get what I want. ;)

On occasion, I've even brought my jersery to work with me not having tickets knowing that I would somehow end up at the game, and I do. My next game is the Islanders on the 22nd.

[Geoff Read]

@True Leafs Fan
Well, we're all entitled to our opinions! For the record, I don't like Orr because 1) I don't like pure goons who can't really play, and Orr fits that bill 2) in addition to having little talent as a hockey player rather than as a fighter, Orr has a history of borderline hits and cheapshots, including (in my opinion) his knee on Logan Couture this year.

Having said that, I don't like to see anyone's career ended by concussion problems. I just don't see how a guy who makes his living by taking and giving punches to the head can continue on with the issues Orr now has. Frankly, for his own long-term health, he should retire before he ends up like Muhammad Ali. I would even go so far as to say that it would irresponsible of Ron Wilson or anyone else to send this guy over the boards to fight someone knowing that the next punch he takes to the head could leave him permanently disabled or worse.

[TimB]

Wasn't Aaron Voros in our system before?

VM Replies: Was he? I don't think he was but I'd have to check...
Just FYI, the press release on today's deal is now up: http://mapleleafs.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=552796

[Nik Culoman]

@ Go Leafs Go, what if..I know this is an "if" because it hasn't happened..Or may never happen...But what if the Leafs package that 1st from Philly with Kaberle to Boston for Our original pick and Wheeler. Bost has come out and said that the pick is available if the right deal came along.

Or what if Kaberle is traded to Montreal along with that pick for someone of value, Kaberle is the next domino to fall and that would explain the plan of secrecy. These picks could mean nothing, or they could mean that BB is taking a run at someone he truly covets but needed these picks and assets to complete the trade.

Let's wait and see how the next two weeks go, and who knows...With BB being this aggressive let's see how this next week goes...Anything and everything seems possible.

One trade even I would consider is Kadri, philly's 1st and the 3rd, another prospect for Little Schenn. Would that make things easier to accept? It may be a pipe dream of this last trade idea...But you just never know with BB.

Anyone that could trade Blake, Stajan, Myers, Hagman to teams and get them to bite...Can do anything in my books...

[moe green]

@ Geoff Read: Isn't it irresponsible for any coach to ever send any player over the boards to fight? Isn't the whole intent of every single fight to injure the other player?

[TimB]

Nik,if Burke lands Baby Schenn I will not question another move he makes.

[Geoff Read]

@Moe Green.

Ha. Agreed. OK, let's say "even more irresponsible than usual."(??)

[A True Leafs Fan]

@Tim B

Definitly not being sarcastic. I love Colton Orr Probably more than Alecia loves Brent/Reimer combined, ever since he scored that goal against Montreal last year.

[moe green]

Maybe it's time to eliminate all intent to injure plays from hockey? But where do you draw the line? I would start by reducing the hardness of shoulder and elbow pads. Why is this not promoted as an obvious solution to the problem? With all the padding and helmets something is wrong.

[Alecia]

@TimB – I wonder about baby Schenn too. Burke seems to have a history of going after players he has gone after before and it is no secret that he wanted to acquire Brayden previously. He managed to land Gardiner and I would not be surprised if he still has his eyes set on Schenn #2. I’d love to see both Schenn boys on the team. *Fingers crossed*

[moe green]

One wish you say? That Kessel performs well enough tonight to eliminate the "thank you Kessel" chants forever. He'll have to have a big night to achieve that. Or will they keep it going even if he scores four? Stinky bean-eating bums!

[Lasogga]

The secret to this trade is to distract the media talking about Kessel returning to Boston...^^

VM Replies: You are now automatically qualified for the Comment of The Day Award.

[moe green]

How about Kulemin, Giguere and Toronto's first rounder in 2012 for Brayden Schenn. Is that realistic? How good is this kid. Burke likes brother combinations. Maybe? How about him going after Tavares?

[moe green]

Agreed and second the Comment of the Day Award nomination!!

[Rooney]

VM, I think you hit the nail on the head with this post. Versteeg was brought in to be: (1) a top six versatile offensive forward (which he was) and; (2) to show the team the leadership, attitude and work ethic it takes to be part of a Cup champion. I am not going to knock the kid but I've got to believe that BB did not think he was delivering on (2), due the reasons pointed out in your blog. I really like BB's attitude that you are either part of the solution or you are history. This is not something I am use to as a Leaf fan. So I am good with him trading anyone who does not put in an honest effort every game, even if the trade is for a bag of pucks and even if that player plays lights out for another organization. The days of letting anyone (*coughKordiccough*) wear the Blue and White should be in the past.

[Slippery Peters]

Vinay, if you ever get a chance to speak to Brian Burke again, can you ask the following:

In the case of Versteeg - "Isn't there a way to find out before hand if a player is a horses ass before you attain their services, thereby preventing you from having to trade them soon after you get them?"

in the case of Kessel - "Isn't there a way to find out before hand if a player is well below average intelligence before you attain their services, thereby preventing you from having to explain their bad choice of words an inability to understand instructions?"

Thanks!

VM Replies: And just like that... we have a new contender for Comment of The Day Award.

[oakville_girl]

So, it appears that Burke is only dealing with the Ducks?? Is he trying to reacquire his old team?

VM Replies: And yet another contender...

[TG77]

I have heard that David Clarkson of the Devils is the guy that Burke is targeting with the 3rd rounder obtained yesterday but that is through the grapevine and I honestly don't know where my buddy got that rumour from. He spends hours on hockey boards so I am assuming its something he read elsewhere.

On a side note, thanks for the kind words yesterday on my at times depressing journey through Leafs history!

@ Sensi-Bill - The comment about moving to a real province was the OL bugging me about living in BC and had no ill-intention from what I gathered.