Ferguson's big draft weekend trade: Toskala and Bell for the Leafs' 2007 1st (moves to 1st in 2008 if San Jose can't get the player they want) and 2nd round picks plus the Leafs 4th round pick in 2009.
My thoughts: Well most good GMs have figured out that draft picks and home grown talent are essential in today's NHL. I guess JFJ doesn't fall in that category. For the second time in his four year tenure, he deals away the Leafs' first round pick.
It's nice to have Toskala to challenge Raycroft and Toskala's cap hit is fine, but he's 30 years old and an unrestricted free agent at the end of this season. Today I heard JFJ actually admit he was unhappy with Raycroft's performance last season. During the season he couldn't say enough nice things about his goalie.
Mark Bell is is intended to fill the power forward spot that the Leafs have sought. He has been a disappointment so far in his NHL career so I'm not expecting a lot out of him. So a conditional 1st round pick, 2nd round pick and 4th round pick seems a bit high - especially if the player San Jose wants in the 1st round isn't available. If San Jose can't get their man, the pick moves to 2008, a draft many are calling the deepest in years - comparing it to the very robust 2003 entry draft.
For me this is another disappointing deal by JFJ.
12 years ago
