(Toronto) The Toronto Maple Leafs, off to the best start in recent history, have pulled the trigger on one of the biggest trades in franchise history.
"I can’t tell you how excited we are to announce the acquisition of 21 year old Maurice Richard winner Rick Nash from the Minnesota Wild," said Owner, President and GM Garrett Hansford. "Its not often you can put together a deal like this, but we decided it was an opportunity we couldn’t pass up."
Along with Nash, the Maple Leafs also acquired forward Tyler Arnason. Headed to the Wild are forwards Henrik Zetterberg, Brendan Morrison and a 3rd rd pick in the coming draft pick.
"Dealing Brendan along with Henrik was a tough move for us to make. We’re now going to be looking for another centre moving forward. We felt with 3 3rd rd picks we could afford to include one in this package," said Hansford.
"Now, if we can move another asset or 2 to acquire a top end centreman, we’ll be more then happy moving forward."
Wow, truly a big one. I like this deal for the Wild, they really addressed their need for a 2nd line centre by acquiring Morrison. Handzus can now slot back to the 3rd line where he will be much more valuable.
The Leafs become weaker in the short term with this trade, and their centre position takes a big hit. Arnason isn't good enough to be a top 2 line centre but doesn't have any of the other attributes you'd want in a checking line player. In my opinion he's pretty worthless right now, especially for a team in need of offensive help.
As for NHL value, I expect Zetterberg's numbers to be somewhat underwhelming this year with Detroit's loss in firepower, but he should still be good for at least a point per game. Nash could really explode with Columbus this year, he's already started to explode.
Right now I'd say that the Leafs lose the trade, but it depends on whether they can pick up a top 2 line centre. Their top line looks awesome with Nash-Marleau-Tucker but they don't have much scoring depth behind that.
-- Edited by CBJackets at 20:02, 2006-10-10
__________________
To NYIslander: Daniel Tjarnqvist, Duvie Westcott, Ilja Bryzgalov, Pat Rissmiller, Tom Poti, Bjorn Melin, Karri Ramo, Tom Gilbert
To Boston: Chris Pronger, Doug Murray, Jocelyn Thibault, Ken Klee, Wade Brookbank, Denis Istomin, Viktor Dovgan
This is a cash league with hundreds of dollars to be won by top teams.
Toronto is first in the league after 9 games and Zetterberg is on fire with a hat trick and starring in other games as well. Morrison also has 10 pts. Arnason 0 pts.
Of course, after 3 NHL games Nash looks like he'll re-rate well next season.
It was basically a 2-for-1 deal geared toward next season and beyond. Worth it?
Time will tell.
Note: These two teams meet on Day 62. That will be a good time to look back on this trade, in terms of BRHL2 and NHL performances.
Ya i think that Toronto won this deal. I think morrison is definately an asset but nash has won the friggen Rocket and is only 22. Jeez that guy is a franchise winger.
There is no question that Rick Nash has more value than Zetterberg at this time, but I couldn't pass up dealing a 1st and 4th liner (on the Wild) for a 1st and 2nd liner (on the Wild). Not saying that the Wild won the deal, just stating that the Wild are a better team today than they were yesterday. Good deal for both teams, especially if Arnason can improve his attitude.
