The Toronto Maple Leafs and Atlanta Thrashers swung a multi-player trade during the first day of free agency with the Thrashers acquiring defenseman Pavel Kubina and center Tim Stapleton from the Maple Leafs in exchange for defenseman Garnet Exelby and left wing Colin Stuart. Stapleton is a restricted free agent this summer, but the other three won’t be free agents until next summer. The Maple Leafs had been looking to trade Kubina and his $5 million salary last season in order to save money for free agency this summer, but the defenseman was unwilling to waive his no-trade clause. However, he has a limited no-trade clause in his contract in which he can be traded during July and August without his permission. In all 82 games last season with the Maple Leafs, Kubina scored 14 goals and 26 assists for 40 points, tying a career best in that category, and 94 penalty minutes. Stapleton appeared in only four games last season with the Maple Leafs, scoring one goal. Exelby appeared in 59 games last season with the Thrashers, scoring seven assists and 120 penalty minutes. Stuart played in 33 games last season with Atlanta, scoring five goals and three assists for eight points.
This is mainly a salary dumping trade for the Maple Leafs, as they probably could have gotten a better return for Kubina. However, they used the salary they freed up to sign Mike Komisarek, which I cover in my next post. Kubina brings lots of offensive skill, depth, and toughness to the Thrashers’ blueline and could play on their top pairing next season. Stapleton has the potential to be at least a third line forward in the NHL, and could likely do that in the coming years with the Thrashers. Toronto GM Brian Burke loves having physical and gritty players on his team, so Exelby will be a good fit for him. Stuart will give the Maple Leafs offensive depth on their fourth line if he makes the team next season.
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