UPDATED Your pre-trade Deadline TML Guide

Updated

Poni Traded - For Martin Skoula and forward Luca Caputi.
Martin Skoula traded to New Jersey for a late pick... 5th round?
Stempniak sent to Phoenix for a 4th and a 7th.

Are you ready? It is going to be an exciting couple of hours.

The trade deadline is today (March 3rd) at 3pm, and it looks like Brian Burke is going to be a busy man.

There are several players in the Blue and White that are on the chopping block... going to the highest bidder.

The good news is that it is a sellers market. A lot of teams are still in the playoff hunt, and looking for something to push them over the edge.

Ponikarovsky - TRADED

Ponikarovsky was sent to Pittsburgh for defenceman Martin Skoula and forward Luca Caputi.

Skoula is only a salary dump, to allow Pittsburgh to fit Ponikarovsky under the cap. He has been traded to New Jersey.

Luca Caputi is the big piece here. He is 21 years old, and was playing in the AHL. His last year in the OHL(07/08) he had 51 goals and 60 assists. This year in the AHL, he had 23 goals, 24 assists in 54 games.

Caputi fits the "Burke Mold". A power forward type player who can get garbage goals.

The player most likely to go, is Alexei Ponikarovsky. Poni is an unrestricted free agent at the end of the year, making him a cheap rental player for a team looking to make a playoff push. The 6'4 220 pound Ukrainian will put up points, and is a great fit for most team's first or second line.

Rumoured destinations include Pittsburgh and Nashville, both who are looking for some secondary scoring.

I wouldn't be surprised if a bidding war drove up the price of Poni. If they are lucky, the Leafs may get a first round pick, but a second rounders is more realistic.

Lee Stempniak - TRADED

Sent to Phoenix for a 4th and a 7th round pick

Lee is also a UFA at the end of the season. Although Burke will likely move him, the price won't be as high as Poni.

Remember, this is a player we gave up to first round picks to get (Steen, and Coliacovo).

Stempniak could garner a second round pick, but a 3rd is more likely. He will provide some scoring depth as a third/second liner.

Garnet Exelby/Jeff Finger

Martin Skoula has been traded to New Jersey... Sounds like a 5th round pick back.

Exelby and Finger are the victims of a numbers game. The Leafs have too many defence men... meaning someone needs to go. Earlier in the season Exelby had requested a trade, to a team where he can receive more ice time. Finger could also go, but with a more expensive contract, he may be harder to move.

Either could go, but I wouldn't expect a significant return.

Wayne Primeau

A veteran player that can play on your fourth, or third line. He could even jump to the second line if injuries occur.

Primeau may get a 3rd round pick.

Tomas Kaberle

Don't hold your breath. Kaberle may be moved, but I expect it won't happen until the season is over, and Kaberle's no trade clause is lifted.



I will keep you update on any trades that happen over the next few hours... so keep checking back, or subscribe to my RSS feed!