Things Get Rolling

Some quick thoughts on a host of major deals that have down in the past 90 minutes:

Brad Richards to Dallas: A perfect No. 2 guy behind the vastly improved Mike Ribeiro, and who knows, maybe Richards takes over the top role in the post-season. The Stars didn't hurt themselves in the deal, other than taking on Richards' huge contract, and even losing shootout Jussi Jokinen isn't that bad because Richards is outstanding on free shots.

For Tampa, they had to move a big contract after signing Dan Boyle. After failing to get the No. 1 goalie they thought they were getting when they picked up Marc Denis, the Bolts have to hope Mike Smith is really the answer this time.

Brian Campbell to San Jose: The Sharks needed that puck-mover on the back end, and Campbell is a player who has gone very deep into the post-season the past two years. The Sabres, in turn, had to get a meaningful player in return, not just futures, and Steve Bernier is a solid youngster and an NHL player right now. But does Campbell solve all the uncertainties with a maddening San Jose team?

Montreal trades away No. 1 goalie Cristobal Huet for a draft pick, leaving rookie Carey Price on his own going into the post-season. For a team thinking it has a chance to win the east, this is a perplexing move, unless there's a veteran goalie going to the Habs before the deadline. Could it be Johan Hedberg from Atlanta if the Marian Hossa deal happens?

And could Ollie Kolzig end up in Ottawa with Huet now in Washington?

And the Leafs? Surely there's more to come than Wade Belak to Florida.

Comments

[James]

Getting something for Belak was a good start. The odds aren't in favour of the Leafs turning the pick into a NHL-calibre player but it's still better than nothing.

[Tim]

"The odds aren't in favour of the Leafs turning the pick into a NHL-calibre player but it's still better than nothing."

Really? How? Is it that hard to find players for the Marlies?
I'm sure Damien would have gotten a first rounder and a second rounder for him.

[kushiro]

More importantly, at least for the Panthers: apparently Florida hockey fans will be rushing to the BankAtlantic Center and dropping anywhere up to $260 to watch Belak play 4 minutes and punch someone.

[Matt]

I'm almost sad to see Belak go. Not so much of an impact player, but a entertainment player and definitely a fan favourite. If this all Fletcher's got, I'm afraid nothing has changed at all except for the fact the Leafs are now without an enforcer.

[CARLoS M.]

I can't wait to see Belak beat the crap out of Tucker tonight.

Beeeeelaaaaaaaak!!!!!

I'll miss that guy.

[matt d]

Great decision...why keep a guy who actually shows some passion when he's on the ice? Maybe if you cross your fingers, throw enough money around and squint really hard, guys like Antropov and Steen will turn into the superstars mangement seems to think they are. Too bad there won't be anyone left to protect them if they ever get into the playoffs again.

[Sanj]

At this rate the Leafs should be contending in say 10 years? :-P

[Slooz]

I just heard they got a 2 and a 5 from Pittsburgh for Gill - not bad at all. If only some of the no-trade 5 could be moved, Fletch could really make things happen...

[GrantRankin]

What a move,good thing we got Fletcher to take over.Toronto gets any softer they will melt,so trade the enforcer they dont play,what an organization.They are trying to blame the second and third stringers for their failures,the real blame lies in the selfish no trade bunch,i think everyone knows who they are.

[Patrick]

Hopefully, this means that Newberry will get the extra playing time. A more versatile player.

[Mike]

Fletcher did a nice job, imo. He gave up virtually nothing and added second and third round picks and a good bit of cap space, which whether Damien wants to admit it or not, because he makes his living bashing the Leafs, can turn into something.

Also, I think he's way off base on the Richards trade. Dallas gives up a solid goaltender and a good young player and gets a guy who provides medium level production for a terrible high-price contract. He has four goals more than Jussi Jokinen and is a -25. These trade deadline deals are killers down the road; as Brian Burke has said, there's only one parade.

And I don't understand the brigade that wants to trade Antropov and Steen - they may not be superstars, but they'd fit on any roster in the league, are young players, and have great contracts. Doesn't a team that's rebuilding want those types?

[poploser]

there is absolutely no way Brad Richards is a No. 2 center behind Mike Ribero.