The first blockbuster trade of the season has taken place.
While working at the NHL Store yesterday I was shocked when I was told to make a Dion Phaneuf jersey. Since the store is in New York, Ranger jerseys sell the most and I find myself making Lundqvist, Callahan and Gaborik jerseys all the time. Every so often we get an order for a player on another team. The players ordered are usually players who are playing well at the time. A good example would be Henrik Sedin. Prior to this season H. Sedin jerseys weren’t very popular but thanks to his success this year, he’s one of the top selling non-rangers we have. It’s fair to say Phaneuf has had an off year so it’s strange to hear that someone wants his jersey now. I was then told that his name wouldn’t be going on a Flames jersey, but a Maple Leafs jersey instead. Now it made sense.
Over the course of the past few seasons, Dion Phaneuf has established himself as one of the leagues top d-men. Though he is having a bit of an off year this season, the trade to Toronto certainly benefits the Leafs more than the Flames. Included in the trade was Freddy Sjostrom who will be one of Toronto’s top PK men. Toronto has obviously been struggling over the past few years but this trade might start to turn things around. He may be able to teach sophomore defensemen Luke Schenn a few things and in a few years the two may turn into one of the elite pairings in the league.
The Leafs also acquired former Stanley Cup winning goaltender Jean-Sebastien Giguere from the Ducks. The move was bound to happen eventually since Anaheim has been stuck with two #1 goalies for the past few years (Jonas Hiller being the other). This is another great move for Toronto since it gives them a goalie they can truly rely on. Unfortunately for Sweden, Jonas Gustavsson’s playing time is going to decrease dramatically.
Check back tomorrow when I discuss rumors about the Rangers attempt to acquire Finnish all-star Olli Jokinen and what in the world is going on up in Calgary.
