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Toronto Maple Leafs Roundtable: Grading The Leafs Trade Deadline

By Tim Chiasson

Feb 28, 2017; San Jose, CA, USA; Toronto Maple Leafs head coach Mike Babcock watches the game against the San Jose Sharks in the first period at SAP Center at San Jose. Mandatory Credit: John Hefti-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 28, 2017; San Jose, CA, USA; Toronto Maple Leafs head coach Mike Babcock watches the game against the San Jose Sharks in the first period at SAP Center at San Jose. Mandatory Credit: John Hefti-USA TODAY Sports /
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Feb 17, 2017; Columbus, OH, USA; Pittsburgh Penguins center Eric Fehr (16) against the Columbus Blue Jackets at Nationwide Arena. The Blue Jackets won 2-1 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports /

Matthew Rodrigopulle’s Grade

Grade: B+ 

There are quite a few reasons I have given the Leafs this grade for their trade deadline efforts.

I personally think the Leafs did pretty well this trade deadline. I didn’t expect them to make many big moves, and they didn’t. They only made two small moves that won’t hurt them going forward.

This is crucial for the Leafs. They are rebuilding, and they shouldn’t be trading away valuable assets like draft picks or prospects too much. On the other hand, unlike most rebuilding teams they are currently fighting for a playoff spot.

Lou Lamoriello has said he wouldn’t want to jeopardize the rebuild when it comes to trading, and that he would only make a trade to improve the current team if it felt right. Well he executed this plan pretty well.

They acquired Brian Boyle first, who will help solidify the team’s centre core for the playoffs. Even though they spent this years second round pick , this draft class isn’t supposed to be all that strong anyways. An important asset was traded away regardless, but it’s arguably easier to gamble on a prospect who may not be ready to play during our expected window of contention in 3-5 years.

The second trade was basically Frank Corrado to Pittsburgh for a fourth rounder plus a cap dump (Eric Fehr). This trade is a clear sign that the Leafs are still focusing on a rebuild, as this is essentially getting rid of an expendable asset in Corrado for a pick.

Now if I like the trade deadline moves, why didn’t I give the Leafs an A?

Well there were still some moves that the Leafs could have made. Mainly, I was hoping one of Matt Hunwick or Roman Polak would at least be moved. They both have expiring contracts and really haven’t been playing good this year. I honestly hoped they could fetch a second or third rounder, and then someone like Martin Marincin could replace them on the blueline.

If the Leafs had done this, and committed more to the rebuild, I would have been much more satisfied. Instead they get a B+, which still proves that they did a great job.

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