Domaju

Timmins, ON • Canada • 25 Years Old • Male

The Game of Risk

Earlier this morning the Leafs made one heck of a move. One that could end up being looked at as an incredibly stupid one.

Brian Burke was able to take Dion Phaneuf away from the Calgary Flames, and move that I was excited about...until I saw what they traded. I was ok with giving up Mayers and Stajan, but Hagman and White are not sitting well with me.

Niklas Hagman was on pace for a career year and has been one of the most consistent players the Leafs have had. He is under contract for 2 more years at a very good rate of only 3 mil.

Ian White has been a gem of a find in the 6th round of his draft year. One of the most consistent d-men behind only Tomas Kaberle this year. White has played his butt off the last 2 years and I am a little upset that he's been traded away after all the hard work. He's versatile in both a forward and defensive role and Calgary will be very happy to have him. He is due for a pay raise after this season, but it would not be an increase that is not worth keeping him around.

Obviously Toronto needed to give up a lot for Phaneuf since he is signed until the 2012-2013 season and Stajan and White were both done this year and will most likely both be getting raises.

I understand a shke-up was needed in the Leafs dressing room, however 2 of only 3 players who have been at all consistent this year are now gone. Somehow I don't see how this can improve the team this year, but I guess we'll have to wait and see. Dion is a very talented player and has a booming shot and bone crunching hits (something the Leafs desperately need), but he alone won't turn this season around.

We'll have to wait and see if this pans out. There are rumours floating around that there could very well be another trade coming for the Leafs, and this trade could be opening up some room for something else.

We'll have to wait and see, but right now I think Toronto may have given up a little bit much.

For this and more on the Leafs by me you can check out www.thereedreview.com