The Toronto Maple Leafs have made a trade with the Anaheim Ducks. Before I get to that let's look at recent on ice results. After a strong result against the aforementioned Ducks, the Maple Leafs went on to loose their final 3 games of January heading into the All Star Break. This left the team 12 points out of the final playoff spot, and fans scratching their heads at the thought of Boston reaping the rewards of another top five draft pick at this years entry draft. February has turned the Blue & White's fortunes around, as the team has won 4 out of 5 games with the only loss, predictably at the hands of the Buffalo Sabres. These winning ways are largely due to Marlies call ups Tim Brent, Darryl Boyce, and goaltender James Reimer. Reimer recorded his first ever NHL career shutout on Feb. 3, 2011 against the Carolina Hurricanes. With their recent play the Leafs currently sit 8 points out of the final playoff spot. Now I'm not delusional, so I'm not about to make any great claims. However, last year the odds of Philadelphia making the playoffs were pretty slim, but they did, on the last day of the season. At the very least, this improved play would move the Leafs up the standings, decreasing the quality of Boston's draft pick.
Now, on to the hot topic of the day. The Toronto Maple Leafs have traded Francois Beauchemin to the Anaheim Ducks in exchange for forward Joffrey Lupul, defensive prospect Jake Gardiner and a conditional draft pick in 2013. Wow, I didn't think the Leafs could get that much for Beauchemin. Joffrey Lupul is coming off a serious back injury that required surgery, which may cause some fans pause. Let's remember, that fan favourite Gary Roberts suffered what looked to be a career ending neck injury prior to arriving in Toronto, and had fantastic years here. Lupul has scored 20+ goals 3 times in his career amassing a total of 117 goals, 121 assists for 238 points in 421 games. Lets face it, in almost 2 seasons with the Leafs, Beauchemin was a defensive disaster. In 136 games with Toronto the defense man had a miserable 7 goals, 31 assists, for 38 points and was a combined -17. The Leafs needed a forward, the Ducks needed defense. Both teams got what they wanted/needed, lets see what happens on the ice
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