Pavel Kubina Traded to Thrashers for Garnet Exelby and Colin Stuart

Published by Toronto Mike on July 1, 2009 @ 18:20 in Toronto Maple Leafs

LeafsDamian Cox giveth, taketh away, and returneth the Kubina to Atlanta trade. But it's not the deal we were teased with, Kubina for Colby Armstrong, but instead it's Pavel Kubina and the rights to forward Tim Stapleton for defenceman Garnet Exelby and winger Colin Stuart.

This is clearly a move to make cap space. I'm not a fan of the bodies we're getting back for Kubina, but I understand the money we save will help land another free agent. Burke sure does love hard-nosed toughies who can't score to save their lives. We certainly won't be pushovers with guys like Schenn, Komisarek, Finger and Exelby on the blueline.

Let me close with a word about Tim Stapleton. I attended several Marlies games last season, and Tim Stapleton was consistently a standout. During the most exciting playoff clinching overtime win, it was Stapleton who scored the winner. I got an autographed picture of Stapleton that's pinned to my daughter's bulletin board right now. I'm sorry we won't have #17 to cheer on at Ricoh next season but I'm hopeful he'll get a chance to see more NHL ice in Atlanta.

Permalink Entry Permalink Comments 15 comments

15 Responses to "Pavel Kubina Traded to Thrashers for Garnet Exelby and Colin Stuart"

andrew
July 1, 2009 / 18:37

You forgot Van Ryn who played awesome when not hurt. I'd take him over Finger.

Toronto Mike
July 1, 2009 / 18:44

Something has to give on the blue line.

The following players are vying for the top 6 spots:

Kaberle
Schenn
Komisarek
Finger
Van Ryn
Exelby
White
Oreskovic
Stralman

Does Exelby even make this team? Is this really all we could get for Kubina?

Where's the Colby Armstrong I was promised!

Fredericton Steve
July 1, 2009 / 18:50

Of Course Exelby makes this team. He is a big tough player that leaf fans will grow to love the first time someone comes cruising across the blueline and he flattens them out.

Believe it or not, the return isn't that high on 32 yr old d-men with serious defensive problems and a 5 million cap hit.

Toronto Mike
July 1, 2009 / 19:09

I always felt Kubina got a bum rap here. He wasn't that bad, and he was pretty damn good more often than not.

I like the Orr deal, b/c he's tough and cheap. I like the Komi deal, b/c I think we need a guy like him on the blue line.

I'm just not sure we got enough for Kubina, even though I fully recognize we're saving $ on the deal.

andrew
July 1, 2009 / 19:14

Ian White, other than Kaberle most offensive of the group.
Played awesome last year after his initial benching early in the season.
White as a forward?

Toronto Mike
July 1, 2009 / 19:27

Wilson can work in guys from the top 7. If Kaberle isn't traded, and that's a big if, the top 7 could be:

Kaberle
Schenn
Komisarek
Finger
Van Ryn
Exelby
White

Then, Oreskovic can play with the big boys in case of an injury or two.

andrew
July 1, 2009 / 20:17

What team carries 7 defencemen?
NONE. So White is done??

Toronto Mike
July 1, 2009 / 20:21

Don't you remember last season when our 7th defenseman was in the press box. That's where White was at first before they fell in love with his porno stache and gave him another shot.

White's not done... and Kaberle could still be traded. The Bruins are still interested in him.

We'll see what the potential D line looks like in September.

Steve
July 1, 2009 / 20:31

The Leafs know they have no chance next year and Kubina only had one year left on his contract. It's just a cash dump. No harm, no foul.

Fredericton Steve
July 1, 2009 / 20:44

The way I see it is Burke moved a 32 year old 5 million cap hit for 2 27 year olds 5.8 million cap hit.

Toronto Mike
July 1, 2009 / 20:46

Do we agree that Colby Armstrong would have been a better score?

Fredericton Steve
July 1, 2009 / 23:33

Sure, he would have. However I'm sure it would have required the leafs send more than Kubina back with it.

elvis
July 2, 2009 / 11:54

Antropov to Atlanta for $16M/4 years.

Rot in hell dirtbag!

Toronto Mike
July 2, 2009 / 11:56

To steal a line from DGB.

He's worth $16M. The deal is for 20 years, right?

James Edgar
July 2, 2009 / 15:27

He's worth $16M. The deal is for 20 years, right? LOL that made me laugh! DGB FTW!

Leave a Reply



« Mike Komisarek Signs With Maple Leafs Band of Horses - The Funeral »