Well that was unexpected.
This morning, the Ottawa Senators acquired Toronto Maple Leaf Captain Dion Phaneuf. Yes, you are reading that correctly.
There’s still a good three weeks until the NHL’s Trade Deadline but that didn’t stop the Ottawa Senators and Toronto Maple Leafs from making a huge splash.
It was a trade that shocked both fan bases. Not only because there had been zero speculation about the possibility leading up the Tuesday morning blockbuster but because it’s so rare to see a deal of this magnitude between Division Rivals. Or between any two teams for that matter. In the end, it’s a deal that features nine players and one draft pick. And one Captain switching sides in the Battle of Ontario.
Here’s how it breaks down- The Ottawa Senators acquire Dion Phaneuf, forward Matt Frattin, forward Casey Bailey, forward Ryan Rupert and defence prospect Cody Donaghey from the Toronto Maple Leafs in exchange for defenceman Jared Cowen, forwards Colin Greening, Milan Michalek and Tobias Lindberg as well as Ottawa’s second-round pick in the 2017 NHL Draft. No salary retained on either side of things. Just nine players with new organizations in the blink of an eye.
I’ll give you a second to let it sink in. It’s been hours and I still don’t think it has for me.
So what do the Senators get here? Well they get a legitimate top four defenceman on a not so great contract. They get a serviceable depth guy in Matt Fratin. And they get three sort of throw in contracts. Just as important as what they get is what they were able to give up. Jared Cowen and Colin Greening, previously thought to be unmovable, are both headed to the Leafs.
Yes, Jared Cowen and Colin Greening play for the Leafs now. And there’s already talk in Toronto about whether or not Mike Babcock can salvage Cowen. All I know is it’s gonna be fun to watch someone else try.
The Senators also give up a useful but slightly overpaid Milan Michalek. Michalek had to waive a no-trade clause to make this deal happen, and it apparently wasn’t an easy sell. Can’t really blame the guy. He has been a great fit here in Ottawa and is well-liked by everyone.
And then in terms of actual tangible assets, the Senators give up Tobias Lindberg and a 2nd round pick in next year’s draft. Lindberg is a legitimate prospect.
Here’s the thing. Top four defenceman are not easy to find. They are pricey in free agency and always highly sought after. When one hits the trade market, it’s the same story. A number of GMs line up with high picks and top prospects in tow. So sometimes, if you want to address a glaring need, you have to get a little bit creative.
And that’s exactly what Bryan Murray has done here.
He’s taking on a dangerous contract. He’s absorbing some long-term risk. But in exchange, he’s getting exactly the player the Senators need and for not just this year but for next year too. And then possibly the year after that. Maybe not so much towards the end of the deal but that’s the whole long-term risk part of the equation. There will be plenty of debate about Phaneuf’s shelf-life in the next little while but the guy can still play. And should thrive in a slightly decreased role here in Ottawa.
The real miracle here is that not only does Murray address the team’s biggest need, but he also found a way to save Melnyk some money in the process. At least over the next two years. And that’s something that the Sens Owner will certainly appreciate.
To summarize, Bryan Murray shipped out three of the team’s most problematic contracts, addressed his roster’s more glaring need, and saved his Owner some money in the next couple years. And all in one shot.
Not a bad day at the office for Mr. Murray.
Dion Phaneuf is expected to make his Sens debut tomorrow night in Detroit, skating on the second pairing with Cody Ceci. He’ll wear #2.
The #Sens Store works quick: pic.twitter.com/1xQBX4TlUp
— Ottawa Senators (@Senators) February 9, 2016
