Dion Phaneuf is Captain!

Yesterday, Ron Wilson named Dion Phaneuf the 17th captain of the Toronto Maple Leafs (22nd in the history of the franchise). Since the news broke, I, personally, have been scowering various sports websites to see different inputs on the new captain. The responses have been on either ends of the fence.

Some people speculate that this move was done in perfect time just after the cup, but just before the draft (where the Leafs won't be drafting until the 3rd round) and therefore this is done as a distraction to forget about the Kessel trade. This is partially true, there has been very little, if any, talk about the Leafs lack of a pick in the first two rounds.The timing of the announcement is a good PR move in terms of "distracting" fans, however to say the whole Phaneuf captaincy is based on that distraction is about as doubtful as Vesa Toskala having a .900 save percentage.

Listening to 102.1 The Edge, Wade Belak was a guest, talking about the Phaneuf captaincy, he said he thinks it's either about justifying the trade to get Phaneuf, or Phaneuf is a kiss-ass. If any trade needs to be justified with a captaincy, make Kessel the captain (although I was for that trade, just not for giving away two first rounders), that is the more controversial trade. I don't think many people had an issue with trading floaters like Stajan and Mayers away (too bad Whitey and Hagman had to go though). About Phaneuf being a kiss-ass: if it makes the team better, then who cares? Ever since the Phaneuf trade the Leafs have had more of a jump in their strides.

Another criticism is the short time Phaneuf has been with the Leafs. Phaneuf has only played 26 games with the Leafs having 2 goals and 8 assists in that span. It doesn't matter how few games you have played with a club, if you're a leader, then you deserve the 'C'.

The bottom line is: there is no one else on this team right now that I would consider a leader. Players like Beauchemin and Komisarek can help guide Phaneuf along the way. I feel Phaneuf will make a great captain and will be with the Leafs for many years to come. The pieces are beginning to fall into place in Burke's plan, now we just have to wait and see how well these pieces will fit together.

Trade Deadline!

3:38pm- Leafs acquire a young defenseman from Pittsburgh for a sixth round pick.

3:16pm- Joey MacDonald goes to Anaheim for a 7th round pick. Definately a step up from Vesa Toskala for the Ducks.

3:11pm- 4th and 7th round picks coming to TO for Stempniak.

3:07pm- Stempniak to Phoenix/Hamilton for Draft picks being reported...my prediction is a third and fourth rounder.

3:03pm- Deadline! However, trades are still coming through, will keep posted on the Stempniak trade...and anything else involving the Leafs.

2:57pm- According to Downgoesbrown Stempniak deal is done...no word where or what for.

2:43pm- According to Darren Dreger "Stempniak is going to go."

2:38pm- Darren Dreger is reporting that the Leafs are not done yet.

2:15pm- Burke says something coming within 45 minutes...I sure as hell hope so.

2:10pm- Kypreos reporting that Toskala is on his move once again, this time to Calgary...I guess he won't be able to wash the black and gold out of his equipment.

1:51pm- We're approaching the final stretch, I have a feeling Kabs is going.

1:31pm- AM 640's Jonas Siegel states that Kaberle acknowledged the he will waive his NTC if the right deal comes along.

1:14pm- All's quiet on the Leafs' front still...

12:19pm- Listening to Pony on the Leafs TV live feed online. Classy guy, we'll miss you too Pony, good luck in Pittsburgh!

12:14pm- Reported that Burke has said "with the players we are looking at moving things wont start heating up until 1:30 or 2 pm," let's see what players he's talking about.

11:48- Justin Pogge goes to Carolina for Aaron Ward....interesting trade...apparently Carolina hasn't seen any Leafs games with Pogge from last year.

11:18 am- Leafs get a 5th rounder in 2010 for Skoula...nothing fantastic.

11:00 AM- Martin Skoula to the Devils, no word on who the Leafs are getting back, will update when word is heard.




Well, we're back from the Olympics and the Leafs are back to their losing ways. However, Burke trades Ponikarovsky to Pittsburgh for Luca Caputi and Martin Skoula. Yet another one off my list of potential people to be tarded.

Caputi is a rookie who only has 9 NHL games under his belt, 3 points in those 9 games. The one thing I know about this kid...he has a sick name! But besides that, Burkie is continuing the trend of going younger: Ponikarovsky is 29 years old, Caputi, just 21.

Based on speculations that I have heard, the Leafs might be trading Skoula. The Leafs got Skoula so that the Pens could work out their cap issues. Skoula has 193 points in 757 NHL games. This year with the Pittsburgh Penguins skoula has 8 points (3G, 5A) in 33 games.

If the Leafs decide to keep Skoula, it could mean a guy like Exelby or Finger is heading out: Exelby being in the last year of a contract and Finger being a burden on the cap.

Rumors are also swirling that Burke is aware of teams Kaberle would waive his NTC for, however no official list has been given. The ball STILL is in Kabby's court.

Players I suspect will be traded: Stempniak, Finger, Exelby, Grabovsky and maybe even Primeau. I will try to update today as much as possible as more news breaks.