Big Moves in Both Conferences!

The immediate impact of the big deals today (see: here for the trades made) will be felt in the Western Conference.
Calgary got...different with the acquisitions of White, Stajan, Hagman, and Mayers and the peace-outting of Phanuef.  You have to wonder if this might be the trade that has the Flames fans saying "Really?! We made that deal?!" three years from now.


I'm not going to pretend be a Leafs expert.  Frankly, I know relatively little other than their names for many players who have played exclusively in the Eastern Conference.  Some of that has to do with a lack of curiosity about random dudes in the East, some has to do with the lack of a National TV deal for the NHL, and all of it has to do with never seeing these guys.  So, when I analyze this trade I will frame it from a "what I learned about these dudes" standpoint.


Calgary:::


Obviously, something was going to happen.  I had been privately speculating since the Sharks 9-1 beating of the Flames that either Brent or Darryl had one foot out the door in Calgary.  I was wrong but I had heard from various sources (ESPN's Scott Burnside was the loudest voice, I think) that Darryl was looking at dealing one of the big three D up in Calgary.  I think there was some talk up there privately that some people were both unhappy with him and that he was visa versa unhappy in Calgary.  We all knew they were going to do something, so here it is:


Nick Hagman:  ESPN Player Card
Not bad second line numbers!  I remember Hagman being a name on the Stars but I don't really remember him making much of a difference on the ice.  His career high of 27 goals came with a very strong Dallas team.  I want to say that I don't remember Hagman being much defensively on the ice but I dont think Calgary could give a shit about his defense.  They need scoring in the lineup, especially in the top-six.  This will help Calgary compete with Vancouver.


Matt Stajan:  ESPN Player Card
This guy is an example of a name that I know and the numbers that I don't.  So, he has 16g and 25a for a center.  Those are pretty good!  Perhaps Stajan was Hagman's center?  Idk.  But, these are the kinds of numbers the Flames need in their top six to compliment Iginla and Bourque as the only people there capable of registering a point.


Ian White:  
Surprisingly, Darryl only got back one Alberta born player from the Leafs.  To those who are unaccustomed to Darryl's ways, he has a reputation for building a psuedo-supremacist organization chock-a-block full of Honky's from Alberta.  No matter what the position, his players are 6' 2" 200+ lbs.  White, a young D man, whom I am almost wholly unfamiliar with is having a career year.  He's young, seems to be agile but not quick, and (as youtube shows) has a knack for rushing the net to dunk the puck.  This could be a great help the Flames to give JayBow some offensive help along the points.


Jamal Mayers:
Quick note:  In my mind, Jamal Mayers has been a complete jackass since the 2004 playoffs (the same series when his linemate and current ex-con Mike Danton was arrested for plotting to kill...somebody).  Why you ask??  Because to follow up with the usual headshaving bonding exercise, Mayers shaved his eyebrows in STRIPES.  Who the hell is going to be intimidated by a dude with tiger striped eyebrows?  Anyways, another grinder for Darry's fourth line.  Maybe he'll crack the lineup here.


Overall, a depth building trade for Calgary.  It should help keep them in the playoff picture but I dont think they have enough star power up front to make a difference in the playoffs.  


Toronto::::::


Nice move from Brian Burke, you knew he'd pull something before the Olympic break because he's been screaming loud and clear that he was going to do just that.


No surprise that he picked up Jiggy, that should help solidify their goaltending sitch.  Kind of surprising that he ditched a fair amount of the middle of his lineup but he could be shaping up to acquire some mid-lineup salaries from other teams as the deadline approaches.
NHLNumbers says that Hagman had a hit of 3 mil, Stajan was 1.750, white was 850, Mayers was 1.333.  With Phaneuf and Sjostrom and Aulie coming to Toronto, the Leafs add 7.25 in salary while subtracting 6.850.  So, overall they are nearly a salary wash and the Leafs retain around 1.5 mill in cap space.


Anaheim:::::
No surprise seeing them turn the reigns over to Hiller and acquiring a real backup goalie.  Jason Blake should help their depth but to be honest, he kind of sucks now.  Anaheim took back more salary than they gave up which would handcuff them greatly moving forward.  I think Blake and Tosk are both UFA's after this season and this would open up the Ducks for some big moves in the UFA season. 


For much better, more professional analysis, I turn you over to the people I read:


Bob Mackenzie


The Hockey News' Ryan Kennedy


Burnside at ESPN