Sunday Shake Up

In case you haven't heard yet. The Leafs, Flames, and Ducks all pulled the trigger on some big trades today. Read the story on TSN.ca here.

The Leafs traded Jamal Mayers, Ian White, Niklas Hagman, and Matt Stajan to the Flames for Phaneuf, Sjostrom, and Brandon Wheat King Defenseman, Keith Auile.



In a completely separate trade, the Leafs sent Toskala and Blake packing while opening the door to J.S. Giguere. Since Anaheim recently signed Jonas Hiller to a 4 year contract extension on Saturday, Giggy became expendable.

Despite two big trades, Brian Burke the GM of the Leafs said he's not done yet, so expect another move or two from the Leafs before the trade deadline.

Calgary got a couple forwards that are going to add a little bit of scoring punch in Stajan and Hagman. Something they've been lacking all season. While the Flames also picked up a capable 5th or 6th defenseman in Ian White. Jamal Mayers is the prototypical Sutter player with his physical play.

Anaheim benefits by getting a goalie that can play #1 minutes, and mentor the young Hiller, while staying out of the hockey centered media spotlight that most likely caused him to falter in Toronto. Blake will be a good fit with the younger, and older players like Selanne, that have something left to give in terms of offensive output.

Toronto gets a couple players that can help teach the young Jonas Gustavson and Luke Schenn the ropes of the NHL, as well as stick around for a while to give the Leaf fans some hope while the team begins a long rebuild.

Player of the Day: Phil Kessel

In case you missed it , I will be highlighting a player from Team USA and Team Canada leading up to the Vancouver Olympics. Today's player, from Team USA, is Phil Kessel.

As product of USA Hockey's National Team Development Program (NTDP), Phil has been able to compete against players that were stronger, faster, older, and had more experience. He played for both the Under-17 and Under-18 teams between 2003 and 2005, while amassing franchise records for goals (104), most points (180), and the most goals in a season (52) whom he shares with Team USA teammate Patrick Kane. It should also be noted that he recorded 62 points in 47 games while playing for Team USA in the World Junior Championships and the Under 18 World Junior Championships.

From there he went on to play with the Minnesota Golden Gophers of the Western Collegiate Hockey League (WCHA). While with the Gophers, he was awarded the WCHA rookie of the year, made the WCHA's all rookie team, and helped his stacked Gopher's team win the MacNaughton Cup during the 2005-06 season.

From there he went on to play for the Boston Bruins during the 2006-07 season. He started the season off with the Bruins, but needed a stop in Providence for a rehab stint after undergoing surgery to remove testicular cancer. That same season, he was named to the NHL's all rookie team and won the Masterson Trophy for his dedication to the game of hockey.

At the end of the 2008-09 season it was determined that Phil needed shoulder surgery. But before he could play another game for the Bruins, and over a contract dispute, he was traded to the Toronto Maple Leafs for 2 first and 1 second round picks. He returned to a Leafs team that was unable to put the wins on the board, and instantly added a more offensive punch to their lineup.

As always, Phil's cards and those of many other players can be purchased through Pat's Cards at Sportsbuy.com and Checkoutmycards.com.





2009-10 Upper Deck #1