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Amidst all the conjecture, discussion and
down-right whining that the Toronto Maple Leafs are unable to attract free
agents, the Leafs management have gone out and made some changes that have, in
our eyes, made the team better. We break down the Yushkevich for Svehla deal
and the addition of
Tom Fitzgerald.
The Trade: Toronto acquires
Dmitri Yushkevich (D) from Florida for
Robert Svehla (D)
When first announced that the Leafs had acquired the retired Florida Panther
Robert Svehla, most hockey pundits assumed it was for less of a
commodity than the aforementioned
Dmitri Yushkevich. After new Panther GM,
Rick Dudley informed Svehla that he would not be honoring a commitment
that was given to him from past management to support his club team back in
the Czech Republic, Svehla announced his retirement. His move to the Leafs
gives the Leafs a defencemen that can move the puck, can log a ton of
minutes and has the ability to play the point on the power play. His
defensive zone coverage is a bit suspect, but he has scored at least 43
points in four different seasons since 1995-1996. Reports had the Leafs
unsuccessfully trying to pry Svehla away last year at the trade deadline.
His arrival should mean more offense from the defence as the Leafs forwards
gain extra opportunities to score with the smart Svehla making good passes
and pinching to keep the puck in the offensive zone.
Fantasy Impact: His
move to a more offensively focused, veteran laden team should help Svehla’s
numbers. At 33 years old, he still has some left in the tank. The Leafs are
banking on Svehla’s offensive abilities to reach their expectation. A return
to a 9 goals, 40 points season is not out of the question. His +/- won’t be
great though (a -5).
The Florida Panthers get a nice player in return. Yushkevich’s filing for
arbitration was enough to scare off the Leafs and put him in this deal. We
also wonder how much the blood clot in his leg last season may also have
influenced their decision to move him. That said, the Panthers get a solid
return for a player that was not going to play for them again. Yushkevich
has some offensive ability, but his forte is in his own zone. A once
devastating hitter, Yushkevich has grown into a top-flight top four
defenceman. He is only 30 years old, 3 years younger than Svehla, and will
be relied upon by Coach
Mike Keenan to tutor the young Panthers defence as they enter the new
season.
Fantasy Impact: Playing on the young Panthers won’t make Yushkevich
draftable, unless you are in a very deep draft. He is the best defenceman on
their roster and will see lots of ice-time and some PP time. However, the
Panthers are in full rebuild mode, and Yushkevich’s stats will reflect that.
5 goals and 19 points with a -7 is our prediction.
The Signings
Tom Fitzgerald (rw/lw) signs with Toronto: When the Leafs opted not to
re-sign right winger
Garry Valk, the decision opened a spot to nab a player that is strangely
like Valk – albeit with more offensive upside. Fitzgerald brings the Maple
Leafs a player with the ability to play either on the third or fourth line,
an effective PK player and a strong “character guy”. He is a strong worker
along the boards and still has some ability to pot the odd goal. Fantasy
Impact: If there were a way to measure character and grit in Fantasy Pools,
Fitzgerald would be a consistent top 5 pick every year. He is a born leader,
who leads not only by example but also via his words.
Fantasy Impact: His addition to the
Leafs is an upgrade from Valk, but if you are relying on Fitzgerald for
fantasy numbers, then you are in trouble. He’ll get 8 goals and flirt with
20 points, but that’s it.
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