Brian Burke has pulled off a trade with the Calgary Flames. Yes, a member of our defensive glut was involved, and no, it wasn't Tomas Kaberle.
Anton Stralman, Colin Stuart and the Leafs' 7th round selection in the 2012 NHL Entry Draft are off to Calgary for forward Wayne Primeau and the Flames' 2nd round pick in 2011.
At first it seems like we grossly overpaid for Primeau, a 33-year-old center who only scored three goals and 14 points in 67 games over his last two seasons in Calgary, but let's break it down. We're giving up a 7th rounder for a 2nd rounder, a defenseman who can't crack the Leafs lineup and a fringe NHL forward who was only in town for a cup of coffee.
It's not a blockbuster, but it's not as bad as you think. At least we finally have a player named Wayne in the lineup.
Update: Apologies to Wayne Carleton, Wayne Presley and Wayne Thomas, great Waynes in Maple Leafs history.
