TSN TV Schedule TSN2 TV Schedule

Dreger: A trade in the future for the Leafs and Oilers?

{eot}
Darren Dreger
2/3/2010 11:52:45 AM
Decrease Text SizeIncrease Text Size
Text Size

On Sunday, the moving truck loaded up and moved out six Toronto players while their Maple Leafs teammates watched in disbelief.

Two trades, ten players, and the promise of more to come, and if the pieces of the plan continue to fall into place, there will be more dealing.

Alexei Ponikarovsky survived the first trade tsunami, but its unlikely he'll be able to dodge the next wave.

Like Hagman and White before him, Ponikarovsky attracts a lot of attention from teams interested in his size and offensive ability, and although he wasn't needed to swing either of the weekends trades, it is very likely he will be used to beef up Toronto's draft cupboard.

Veteran defenceman, Garnet Exelby's and shifty forward, Lee Stempniak's names can also be found in the out-box, however if Burke is able to move both, neither is expected to fetch the same return.

For Ponikarovsky, at worst, the Leafs are hoping for a second round draft pick.

Like Ponikarovsky, Stempniak and Exelby are scheduled to be unrestricted free agents this summer, however both still carry hefty tickets. Stempniak is making $3.5 million this season ($2.5 cap hit), while Exelby is on the books for $1.7 ($1.39 cap hit), so moving these players isn't a simple process.

NHL sources say the Edmonton Oilers are pushing hard to move out bodies, but Oilers GM Steve Tambellini hasn't reached a point of desparation where he's willing to sweeten the pot to make a deal.

For example, the Maple Leafs would likely move either Exelby or Stempniak for Oilers captain Ethan Moreau, if Edmonton throws in a draft pick to soothe the pain of swallowing Moreau's contract which includes another year at $1.75 million and a $2 million cap hit.

At 34, Moreau is a character player whose speed and skill is lagging.

He, like most of the Oilers veteran leadership core has been a quality citizen in Edmonton and a good soldier on the ice, but he's hit the wall in the Alberta capital.

Toronto is a team capable and willing to take on salary, but whether it's Ethan Moreau or another teams cap crisis, the Maple Leafs won't accept the burden without added incentive.

Ethan Moreau (Photo: Andy Devlin/Getty Images )

zoom

(Photo: Andy Devlin/Getty Images )
Share This

Share This

Add to FacebookAdd to DiggAdd to FarkAdd to TwitterAdd to Stumble UponAdd to Reddit
Print this Story

Round 2 continues with Toronto's Joffrey Lupul taking on Jake Allen of the St. Louis Blues.
Watch the video and vote for your favourite play!

Eastern Conference Semifinals

(1) Pittsburgh Penguins vs. (7) Ottawa Senators

Penguins lead series 3-1

(4) Boston Bruins vs. (6) New York Rangers

Bruins lead series 3-0


Western Conference Semifinals

(1) Chicago Blackhawks vs. (7) Detroit Red Wings

Red Wings lead series 2-1

(5) Los Angeles Kings vs. (6) San Jose Sharks

Series tied 2-2


Playoff History and Records

NHL on TSN Playoff Fantasy Tracker

TSN TweetBox

Are you ready for the Challenge? Select your roster of 6F, 4D, and 2G each round of the playoffs, and you could win the New 2014 Kia Sorento! Make your picks for ROUND 2 NOW! PLAY NOW!


CURRENT CANADIAN LEADER BOARD

Get in-depth player stats, real-time on the ice matchups, Twitter Trender and so much more. Follow every play for every game.


GameTracker - Full Schedule

Welcome to TSN Predictor: Playoff Edition presented by Kia. Simply build the highest consecutive point streak during the playoffs and you could take home an all-new 2014 Rondo! It's that simple. Pick smart. Win Big.