For those who are disappointed with the minor activity by the Leafs at the trade deadline, it's the best that Fletcher could do at this stage of the game. He has only been around for 5 weeks after all.
Around that time I did point out that the most likely players to move would be the larger physical guys (Belak, Kilger, Gill and Ponikarovsky) who would provide depth for a contender. I got 3 out of 4 correct. There was a lot of interest in Ponikarovsky but no offer was accepted. There was also offers for Toskala (I bet Ottawa) but Fletcher has always rebuilt teams from the net out (remember the Grant Fuhr trade). So he hung on to his goalie.
There were nibbles for McCabe and good interest in Kubina but he wouldn't waive his no trade. This was likely not too smart of a move. Kubina can be traded this summer. If he had agreed today at least he could have controlled where he goes. Kaberle can be traded in the summer of 2009 and Tucker in the summer of 2010.
So the Leafs free up about $3.5 million but are still have $40 million in salary commitments for next year (not including Sundin). Fletcher isn't a tough guy and wouldn't force one of his no trade players to go. The next GM might not be as nice. So look for more salary dump over the summer. Definitely Raycroft is gone and likely Bell as well. An attempt might be made to try to trade Kubina again. These players represent about $9 million in salaries. In the meantime the Leafs have 4 additional draft picks although they could not pick up an additional 1st rounder.
12 years ago
