Rigamarole - A Foot In The Crease - Episode 5.19

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Thanks to the Olympic break in the middle of February, we are likely to have an extra period of trade activity in 2010 in addition to the trade deadline on March 3rd. An Olympic roster freeze between February 12th and February 28th prevents any trade activity during that time frame and leaves just two and a half days for movement once the roster freeze is lifted. Undoubtedly there will be a flurry of deals in that short time but do not be surprised to see some general managers make their moves in early February as well.

That being said, the Maple Leafs will be sellers but once again, do not seem to be dealing from a position of power. The trading chips for Brian Burke to play will be limited putting more emphasis on his ability to get more for less. The number one asset that could reap the most return – Tomas Kaberle – has a no-trade clause and seems intent on staying.

Any other player potentially on the block – Alexei Ponikarovsky, Lee Stempniak, Jason Blake, Nik Hagman, Wayne Primeau, Matt Stajan, or Vesa Toskala – let’s be honest, will not yield much in terms of difference making draft picks or prospects. At most there will be some second and third round picks and mid level prospects to be had from that group but nothing to dramatically shift the short term fortunes of the franchise.

Perhaps somewhat off the radar screen but don’t be surprised if Nik Kulemin attracts some offers that the Leafs ultimately bite on. Due for a raise as a restricted free agent at year’s end, if the Leafs don’t pay him what he wants, the possibility is very real that Kulemin jets to the KHL in Russia for next season. In that scenario, a young developing asset would be lost for nothing, not something the Leafs would want to see happen.

It would have to be a trade and sign type deal for the Leafs’ trading partner to have some certainty that they too wouldn’t lose Kulemin for nothing but if that’s the case, he might bring something decent in return. But hey, all that was just rigmarole.