Five Worst Maple Leafs Trades Of Salary Cap Era

Feb 12, 2015; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman Anton Stralman (6) and St. Louis Blues left wing Alexander Steen (20) skate after the puck during the first period at Amalie Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

The Toronto Maple Leafs, like all teams, have had their share of transaction blunders. Let’s take a look at the worst five trades the blue and white have made since the inception of the salary cap.

The top five Maple Leafs transaction follies span just over three years and involve three different General Managers: John Ferguson Jr., Cliff Fletcher and Brian Burke.

The salary cap era hasn’t been kind to the Toronto Maple Leafs in any way but these deals have proven to be particularly painful when you look at what the departing players have done since they were traded and who the draft picks turned out to be.

There will be more trades, presumably some before the current season ends, but we can only hope that Dave Nonis doesn’t make the same mistakes that his predecessors have made.

Note: If you’re looking for the Phil Kessel trade, move along. Kessel is a point a game player that scores 35 goals without a top NHL center. He’s basically a superstar all by himself.

Let’s get at it.

Next: #5: Alexander Steen