A rare occurrence took place on Thursday as the Montreal Canadiens and Toronto Maple Leafs, hockey’s long time arch-rivals, swung a trade.

The Canadiens shipped young center Mikhail Grabovski to the Leafs in exchange for prospect defenseman Greg Pateryn and a second round pick in 2010.

Grabovski showed promise In his limited time with the Canadiens but was unable to crack the roster full time last season, and at one point left the team in the midst of a US west coast road trip to fly to Los Angeles and confer with his agent, who advised him to return to the Habs.

The Canadiens have $10 million in available cap space but have several young free agents to re-sign and are expected to land a veteran forward from the UFA market, making Grabovski expendable.

For a rebuilding Maple Leafs team thin at center Grabovski could be a good fit and should get much more playing time in Toronto than he got in Montreal.

The Toronto Maple Leafs had cleaned house in June to free up cap space to facilitate their rebuilding process, but have thus far made a couple of questionable signings.

The first of course was second year d-man Jeff Finger to a four-year, $3.5 million per season contract that has observers shaking their heads.

The latest is forward Niklas Hagman to a four-year, $12 million contract, which breaks down to $3 million per season against the cap.

That’s right, $3 million per season for a winger who, prior to this past season, never had more than 34 points in a season.

In 2007-08 Hagman had 27 goals and 41 points in 82 games with the Dallas Stars but most of that might’ve had to do with linemates like Mike Ribeiro and Brad Richards. In the playoffs in 18 games he managed only 3 points.

If Hagman were a promising young forward one could chalk this up to Leafs GM Cliff Fletcher paying for potential, but Hagman will turn 29 in December and it remains to be seen if he’s a classic late bloomer due for better things or if this past season was a one-off.

For the Leafs and their fans, I sure hope it’s not the latter.

Most hockey fans outside of Colorado have little idea who Jeff Finger is, but many in Canada will get to know him starting next season.

Finger today signed a four-year, $3.5 million contract with the Toronto Maple Leafs, who only play in Canada’s biggest hockey market.

Despite the efforts of Leafs GM Cliff Fletcher to clear some cap space to continue the team’s rebuilding plan he doesn’t have enough to bid competitively for the big name free agents available this summer, leading many to suspect he’d seek more affordable free agent signings.

Finger’s signing certainly fits the bill. At 28 he’s only a second-year NHL player but showed promise in his second season with the Colorado Avalanche last season, with 19 points in 72 games and a solid plus-minus of +12.

It may not seem like much of a move but Finger could go on to become one of Fletcher’s better signings and a good addition to the Leafs blueline.

**UPDATE** Originally this was reported as $3.5 million over the four years. It's now being reported by TSN as $3.5 million per season.

That changes my analysis completely. At $3.5million over four years it would've been more than affordable, nearly doubling Finger's $475K he earned last season.

But $3.5 million per season? The hell???

Sorry, but that's crazy money for a guy who only played one full NHL season. I realize Fletcher's doing like most GMs and paying for potential but that's far too much for a blueliner of his caliber at this stage of his career.

As if the pressure of playing in Toronto weren't bad enough, Finger's now going to have to justify that $3.5 million per season.

For his sake and that of the Leafs, I sure hope he does.

Reports out of Toronto claim the Maple Leafs have signed their former starting goaltender to a one-year deal believed worth $700K.

Things have changed since Joseph last joined the Leafs ten years ago. Back then he was brought in as their starting goaltender, but this time he’ll be used as a backup and tutor for current starter Vesa Toskala.

The Carolina Hurricanes have further bolstered their blueline corps by bringing back defenseman Anton Babchuk, signing him to a one-year, $ 1million contract.

Babchuk spent last season playing for Avangard Omsk of the Russian Super League after a contract dispute with the Hurricanes last summer.

The Florida Panthers have announced placing center Jozef Stumpel on waivers in what could be a prelude to buying out the remainder of his contract.

Stumpel has one year at $2.25 million remaining on his current contract. He’d been a consistent 50-point player throughout this decade but last season struggled with injury posting his lowest offensive totals in a decade.

It’s possible he could play overseas next season but he might test this summer’s NHL UFA market where he could be an affordable depth.

The Vancouver Canucks have claimed center Kyle Wellwood off waivers from the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Not a bad move by the Canucks as this is an affordable way to bring some depth at center. Wellwood has the potential to be a second line scorer but the injury prone center must improve his conditioning to reach that potential.

The Ottawa Senators have parted ways with tough guy Brian McGratton, shipping him to the Phoenix Coyotes in exchange for a fifth round pick in 2009.

McGratton’s presence should make teams in the Western Conference think twice about taking liberties against the Coyotes best players. He’s a restricted free agent but the Coyotes shouldn’t have too much trouble getting one of the league’s best brawlers under contract.

Former NY Islanders goaltender Wade Dubieliewicz has reportedly signed a two-year contract with AK-Bars Kazan of the newly formed Kontinental Hockey League.

Dubielewicz rejected a contract offer from the Islanders and was eligible for UFA status in July.

TSN in Canada reports tonight Toronto Maple Leafs GM Cliff Fletcher has contacted veteran winger Darcy Tucker to inform him the club will buy out the remainder of Tucker’s contract.

The 33-year-old Tucker has three years remaining on his current contract at $3 million per season, so by exercising their buyout option the Leafs will be looking at roughly $1 million per season counting against their cap for the next six seasons.

It’s understandable why Fletcher is taking this route. The Leafs are in the midst of a massive rebuilding project and has too much money tied up in too few veteran players unwilling to waive their movement clauses. He needs to free up as much potential cap space as possible heading into this summer’s UFA market.

Still, this could be a costly move over the long run for the Leafs.

Tucker struggled through injury and a lack of playing time last season but still might’ve had enough left in the tank to be a worthwhile contributor to the Leafs.

He loved playing for the Leafs and loved living and working in Toronto, and it’s possible he might’ve bounced back next season.

If he didn’t the Leafs could’ve gone the buyout route next June when it would’ve been than $1 million per season against the Leafs cap for a shorter period time (four years).

One million per season in dead cap space might seem like a drop in the bucket for the NHL’s richest franchise, but they still have to work under a salary cap like everyone else and six years is a long time to carry that dead space, which could come back to haunt them.

Tucker in the meantime shouldn’t have any trouble finding a new NHL team to sign with. Rumor has it the NY Rangers might make a pitch if they opt not to re-sign Sean Avery.

Three more players hit the waiver wire on Tuesday.

The Toronto Maple Leafs placed goaltender Andrew Raycroft and forward Kyle Wellwood on waivers, while the Tampa Bay Lightning did the same with goaltender Marc Denis.

In the case of Raycroft and Denis, who both have one season remaining on their existing contract, it’s the first step for the Leafs and Lightning buying them out.

Raycroft was expected to be bought out this month, having lost his job as the Leafs starting goalie to Vesa Toskala after cracking under the pressure of playing in Toronto.

Denis’ status had been uncertain until the sale of the Lightning to OK Hockey was approved. He never turned into the starting goalie Lightning GM Jay Feaster was hoping for when he peddle winger Fredrik Modin to Columbus for Denis.

Raycroft has $2.2 million remaining on his contract, Denis $3 million. Their buyouts will be at two thirds the remaining value spread over the next two seasons. Should they clear waivers as expected by noon ET on Wednesday they'll become unrestricted free agents.

Wellwood however isn’t on an existing contract and is eligible for RFA status unless the Leafs decide not to qualify his rights, in which case he’d become an unrestricted free agent on July 1st.

It’s my understanding the Leafs didn’t qualify his rights so perhaps they’re hoping someone will take him off waivers and do so.

Regardless, it’s quite a fall for Wellwood, who was projected to be the Leafs second-line center heading into last season, but a combination of injuries and poor conditioning saw his stock plummet.  

The St. Louis Blues have been the busiest team thus far in the final 24 hours heading into the start of the 2008 NHL Entry Draft.

On Thursday night the Blues dealt veteran forward Jamal Mayers to the Toronto Maple Leafs in exchange for a third round pick in this year’s entry draft, and on Friday obtained goaltender Chris Mason from the Nashville Predators for a fourth round pick (111th) overall , also in this year’s draft.

The Mayers trade signals the continuation of the Blues rebuilding with youth, and by acquiring Mason they get an experienced backup for Manny Legace who could challenge for the starting goalie role.

Moving Mayers also freed up $1.4 million per season, which will  alleviate the cost of Mason’s $3 million per season for the same period.

These moves also have consequences for the Maple Leafs and Predators respectively.

The Mayers acquisition could signal the end of Darcy Tucker’s tenure as a Maple Leaf. Mayers doesn’t have Tucker scoring touch but both play a similar style of physical game, plus his $1.4 million per season salary is more affordable than Tucker’s $3 million per.

If Tuckers bought out as has been oft-rumored the $1 million cap hit plus Mayer’s salary for the next two seasons equates to around $600K in savings for the next two years.

Trading Mason to the Blues not only frees up $3 million in cap space for the Predators but is also a likely signal that their anticipated re-signing of impending UFA goalie Dan Ellis is imminent, probably for around the same as Mason’s salary.

He’s the great mystery man of the NHL who’s yet to play a game on pro hockey’s biggest stage yet he’s apparently had the general managers of 20 NHL team panting for his services.

He’s comparable to the Loch Ness Monster, in that you’ve heard of him but never seen him (with apologies to TSN analyst Glenn Healy) except on grainy YouTube video clips.

He’s been called the next Daniel Alfredsson or Marian Hossa but at the same time is considered in some quarters an over-rated talent.

He’s considered talented enough to be a potential top-six forward in the NHL, yet had 37 points in 54 games in the Swedish Elite League.

He’s Fabian Brunnstrom and he’s apparently close to signing with an NHL team for next season.

Brunnstrom, 23, is considered a late bloomer by the standard of NHL prospects. By that age most have paid their dues in juniors or the minor leagues to make the NHL, or face a life-long career playing in the minors or in Europe, or the stark reality that a pro hockey career isn’t attainable.

And he’s not content just to sign a entry-level contract with an NHL team. No, Brunnstrom wants to sign with a team that’ll give him the best opportunity to break into the league immediately.

Until the Vancouver Canucks fired Dave Nonis as general manager they were believed not only the front-runners but also close to having him under contract, but now he and his agent are considering other clubs.

The Detroit Red Wings are believed among those on the short list for his services but they apparently won’t guarantee anything beyond the opening month of the season to evaluate his performance before committing a full-time roster spot for him.

The Toronto Maple Leafs and Ottawa Senators are also believed on the list and it’s rumored the Leafs may now be the front-runners.

But is Brunnstrom worth the hype?

Most of it has appeared over the last couple of months, a period when player movement is non-existent and the start of the annual unrestricted free agent spending frenzy is still over two months away.

It’s tempting to dismiss it therefore as just so much overwrought media babbling by bored hockey writers in cities where the local NHL club is on the golf course rather than chasing the Stanley Cup, but then there’s that reported number of NHL teams interested in Brunnstrom: 20.

If that number is accurate it means two thirds of the league’s general managers, based on reports from their scouts, believe Brunnstrom has the goods to become a top-six forward in the NHL, maybe with time a scoring star.

That many general managers along with their respective scouting staffs aren't  suffering from collective insanity. They've obviously heard and seen enough of Brunnstrom to believe he has the potential to become a quality NHL player.

Given the shallow depth in star talent in this summer’s UFA pool and of course the high prices that would be paid to sign them, the opportunity to land a reasonably mature 23-year-old prospective top-six forward at an affordable three-year entry level contract appears too good to pass up.

But is he worth promising a roster spot to?

Apparently that depends on how desperate a general manager is to bolster his offensive depth, hence the reason the Canucks, Maple Leafs and Senators are among those interested in landing him.

The Red Wings don’t lack offensive punch, but since they’re also on the short list of suitors for Brunnstrom -and were rumored a couple of months ago close to signing him -one has to assume it’s because Brunnstrom really wants to play for them if they’d only give him a chance.

And the Wings do want to give him a chance, but as they aren’t hurting for scoring depth they can insist that he either prove himself worthy of a roster spot or spend time in the minors developing his skills. The other front-runners might not have that option.

Brunnstrom is expected to make a decision shortly as to which NHL team we’ll sign with. By this fall, hockey fans will discover if he was worth the speculation, and his new NHL team will discover if he was worth guaranteeing a roster spot.

As another disappointing season ends for the Toronto Maple Leafs, and with their Stanley Cup drought now at 41 years and counting, interim general manager Cliff Fletcher claims that part of the club’s rebuilding plan will be to bolster its prospect depth.

It remains to be seen if the Leafs will actually follow through with that plan. This is a team that, under the previous CBA, preferred to spend its way out of trouble, often at the expense of its youth.

With the Leafs going into this summer’s UFA market with potentially $14 million in available cap space, potentially more if Pavel Kubina is traded and Andrew Raycroft bought out, the temptation to splurge on free agent talent could be too strong to overcome.

The Leafs get kicked around for not drafting well, particularly over the last ten years, but they have been capable of selecting some decent talent.

All-star defenseman Tomas Kaberle was selected 204th in the 1996 draft, hulking forward Nik Antropov went tenth overall in 1998 and two-time 20-goal scorer Alexei Ponikarovsky went 87th overall the same year. Brad Boyes went 24th overall in the 2000 entry draft but was dealt away in the ill-fated Owen Nolan deal. Alex Steen and Matt Stajan were both 2002 draft picks

The problem unfortunately is that the Leafs haven’t been able to draft well consistently over the last ten years.

Some of their current kids, like Jiri Tlusty and Anton Stralman, have shown some promise, and prospect goalie Justin Pogge has played well on their farm club this season. That bodes well for the team’s rebuilding process, but they’ll have to devote more time and attention to not only drafting well but developing their young talent well.

The Leafs could learn from the example set by their long-time rivals, the Montreal Canadiens, which has rebuilt itself into a powerhouse this season in the Eastern Conference primarily through drafting and development.

Sixteen members of the Canadiens current roster were drafted and developed by the team. Of those, Andrei Markov and Michael Ryder (1998), Mike Komisarek and Tomas Plekanec (2001), Chris Higgins (2002), Andrei Kostitsyn, Maxim Lapierre, Ryan O’Byrne and Jaroslav Halak (2003), Mikhail Grabovsky and Mark Streit (2004), and Carey Price, Guillaume Latendresse and Sergei Kostitsyn (2005) were all selected within the last ten years.

Other prospects seen as potential Habs include Kyle Chipchura (who played 36 games this season with the Canadiens) and Alexei Yemelin (2004), David Fischer and Ben Maxwell (2006) and Ryan McDonagh, P.K. Subban and Max Pacioretty (2007).

Little wonder the Canadiens prospects have the club regularly ranked among the top five NHL teams in that regard in recent years, and certainly accounts for the Habs stunning rise to prominence this season. That talent pool could keep the Canadiens among the league’s top teams for several years, possibly even putting them into Stanley Cup contention during that time.

Of course there are other means of rebuilding a club, via trades and free agency, but in a salary cap world drafting, developing and retaining young talent appears to be as valuable a building block as ever.one the Leafs ignore at their peril as they embark on a long-overdue rebuilding program.

With the NHL season almost over, here’s a look at how the top free agents of 2007 (based on salaries of $5 million or more per season) have fared in the first season of their current contracts.

Oh, and for those nitpickers wondering why I’m doing this now (and my review of my season preview last Friday) given the handful of games remaining, it’s because I’m preparing to cover the upcoming playoffs and won’t have the time to do this at season’s end.

Anyway, stats are as of March 31, 2008,along with their projections in November 2007 and January 2008. The regular season ends on April 6, 2008. I’ll leave it up to you, the readers, to decide if they’re worth the money they’re getting.

Enjoy!

Daniel Briere, Philadelphia Flyers - 2007-08 salary: $10 million. Salary cap hit: $6.5 million.

November 2007: on pace for: 41 goals, 61 assists, 102 points.
January 2008: on pace for: 32 goals, 49 assists, 89 points.
March 31, 2008: 78 GP, 31 goals, 40 assists, 71 points, -23

Scott Gomez, New York Rangers – 2007-08 salary: $10 million. Salary cap hit: $7.357 million.

November 2007: on pace for: 14 goals, 44 assists, 58 points.
January 2008: on pace for: 18 goals, 57 assists, 75 points.
March 31, 2008: 77 GP, 16 goals, 53 assists, 69 points, +5.

Thomas Vanek, Buffalo Sabres – 2007-08 salary: $10 million. Salary cap hit: $7.143 million.

November 2007: on pace for: 21 goals, 36 assists, 57 points.
January 2008: on pace for: 23 goals, 25 assists, 48 points.
March 31, 2008: 79 GP, 32 goals, 28 assists, 60 points, -5

Kimmo Timonen, Philadelphia Flyers – 2007-08 salary: $8 million. Salary cap hit: $6.33 million.

November 2007: on pace for: 10 goals, 38 assists, 48 points. -14
January 2008: on pace for: 12 goals, 33 assists, 45 points. –2
March 31, 2008: 77 GP, 8 goals, 36 assists, 44 points, -3

Ryan Smyth, Colorado Avalanche: - 2007-08 salary: $7.5 million. Salary cap hit: $6.25 million.

November 2007: on pace for: 21 goals, 28 assists, 50 points.
January 2008: on pace for: 22 goals, 34 assists, 56 points (sidelined until late-February)
March 31, 2008: 53 GP, 14 goals, 23 assists, 37 points, -3

Chris Drury, New York Rangers – 2007-08 salary: $7.1 million. Salary cap hit: $7.05 million.

November 2007: on pace for: 17 goals, 34 assists, 51 points –3.
January 2008: on pace for: 21 goals, 34 assists, 55 points, -21
March 31, 2008: 78 GP, 23 goals, 31 assists, 54 points, -4

Pavel Datsyuk, Detroit Red Wings: 2007-08 salary: $6.7 million. Salary cap hit. $6.7 million.

November 2007: on pace for: 24 goals, 65 assists, 89 points, +38.
January 2008: on pace for: 30 goals, 66 assists, 96 points, +47
March 31, 2008: 79 GP, 31 goals, 53 assists, 94 points, +41.

Sheldon Souray, Edmonton Oilers: 2007-08 salary: $6.25 million. Salary cap hit: $5.4 million.

March 31, 2008: Sidelined for most of the season by injury.
26 GP, 3 goals, 7 assists, 10 points, -7.

Paul Kariya, St. Louis Blues – 2007-08 salary: $6 million. Salary cap hit: $6 million.

November 2007: on pace for: 26 goals, 63 assists, 89 points +15.
January 2008: on pace for: 23 goals, 53 assists, 76 points, +16
March 31, 2008: 78 GP, 16 goals, 46 assists, 62 points, -9

Brian Rafalski, Detroit Red Wings – 2007-08 salary: $6 million. Salary cap hit: $6 million.

November 2007: on pace for: 10 goals, 58 assists, 68 points, +24
January 2008: on pace for: 14 goals, 52 assists, 66 points, +24
March 31, 2008: 71 GP, 13 goals, 42 assists, 55 points, +28

Andrei Markov, Montreal Canadiens – 2007-08 salary: $5.75 million. Salary cap hit: $5.75 million.

November 2007: on pace for: 20 goals, 44 assists, 65 points, -20.
January 2008: on pace for: 20 goals, 36 assists, 56 points, -4
March 31, 2008: 79 GP, 16 goals, 41 assists, 57 points, 0

J-S Giguere, Anaheim Ducks – 2007-08 salary: $5.5 million. Salary cap hit: $6 million.

November 2007: on pace for: 26-20-7, 2.50 GAA, .906 SP.
January 2008: on pace for: 34-19-7, 2.33 GAA, .915 SP
March 31, 2008: 34-17-6, 2.10 GAA, .923 SP

Mathieu Schneider, Anaheim Ducks – 2007-08 salary: $5.5 million. Salary cap hit. $5.625 millon.

November 2007: on pace for: 12 goals, 43 assists, 55 points, +18 in 67 games.
January 2008: on pace for: 10 goals, 28 assists, 38 points, +22 in 67 games.
March 31, 2008: 63 GP, 12 goals, 27 assists, 39 points, +20.

Roman Hamrlik, Montreal Canadiens – 2007-08 salary: $5.5 million. Salary cap hit: $5.5 million.

November 2007:on pace for: 7 goals, 31 assists, 38 points. +24.
January 2008: on pace for: 5 goals, 27 assists, 32 points, +11
March 31, 2008: 74 GP, 5 goals, 20 assistss, 25 points, +7

Michael Nylander, Washington Capitals – 2007-08 salary: $5.5 million. Salary cap hit: $4.875 million.

November 2007: on pace for: 20 goals, 52 assists, 72 points, -43
January 2008: sidelined for the season, was on pace for 21 goals, 50 assists, 71 points.

Mats Sundin, Toronto Maple Leafs – 2007-08 salary: $5.5 million. Salary cap hit: $5.5 million.

November 2007: on pace for: 39 goals, 59 assists, 98 points, +23.
January 2008: on pace for: 36 goals, 53 assists, 89 points, +20.
March 31, 2008: 74 GP, 32 goals, 46 assists, 78 points, +17.

Scott Hartnell, Philadelphia Flyers – 2007-08 salary: $5.2 million. Salary cap hit: $4.2 million

November 2007: on pace for: 11 goals, 18 assists, 29 points, +7.
January 2008: on pace for: 21 goals, 21 assists, 42 points, 0
March 31, 2008: 77 GP, 23 goals, 18 assists, 41 points.

The Leafs continue to make minor moves in their rebuilding process, dealing veteran winger Chad Kilger to the Florida Panthers for a third round pick.

Kilger has a good reputation as a skilled checking forward with good speed who can also chip in offensively, which should make him a good addition to the Panthers checking lines.

He’s also signed through next season with a very affordable salary, which also made him attractive to the cost-conscious Panthers.

The Toronto Maple Leafs made their second move of the day, dealing veteran defenseman Hal Gill to the Pittsburgh Penguins for a second and fifth round pick.

Moving Gill frees up over $2 million in cap space next season for the Maple Leafs, giving them a little bit of wiggle room to bring in perhaps affordable young players. Getting back two picks in this year’s draft for Gill will also help the Leafs, considering their former GM dealt away this year’s second round pick.

Gill should also bring some much-needed veteran physical depth to the Penguins blueline, taking some of the load off Brooks Orpik in that regard, and is signed through next season.

The housecleaning in Toronto has apparently started, albeit in a small way, as the Maple Leafs have dealt winger/defenseman Wade Belak to the Florida Panthers for a fifth round pick.

Belak is a scrappy player whose physical style and pugilistic ability made him popular with Leafs fans and could made him a valuable asset to a Panthers team that has lacked some physical jam this season. 

Two days before the NHL's February 26th trade deadline, Toronto Maple Leafs captain Mats Sundin has told Leafs management he will not waive his "no-movement" clause to facilitate a trade.

As per TSN's website, Sundin issued the following statement:

"I have carefully considered the team's request that I waive my no-trade clause," Sundin said in a statement. "I have always believed I would finish my career as a Toronto Maple Leaf so the actual request was still a very difficult one for me to contemplate."

"I have spoken to and listened to my family and those closest to me about this issue. In the end, there is no right decision in a situation like this one."

"I cannot leave my teammates and join another NHL Club at this time. I have never believed in the concept of a rental player. It is my belief that winning the Stanley Cup is the greatest thing you can achieve in hockey but for me, in order to  appreciate it you have to have been part of the entire journey and that means October through June. I hope everyone will understand and respect my decision."

In an era when professional athletes often appear to be like mercenaries, bouncing from team to team in search of the best contract or the best team with which to win a championship, Sundin has decided he cannot in good conscience leave the team and the city where he's played 13 of his 17 NHL seasons.

I believe he's to be commended for his loyalty to the Leafs and the city of Toronto, but I'm sure there'll be a considerable number of Toronto pundits and Maple Leafs fans who'll feel otherwise.

Regardless, the biggest name believed available in the NHL trade market heading into the trade deadline is definitively off the block, and it remains to be seen what impact it will have in the remaining hours leading to Tuesday's 3 PM ET deadline.