3 huge trades leave Maple Leaf fans wondering what might have been???

Leafs pull off 3 dramatic deals that send a clear rebuilding message to their fans.

Trade details

#1
To Toronto
Denis Gauthier
Jr Goalie Josh Harding
Islander 1st Rd 2009
Islander 2nd Rd 2009

To Islanders
Teppo Numminen
Jr Goalie Shane Bendera
Leafs 4th Rd 2009

#2
To Toronto
C Kamil Kreps JR
C Ryan Garlock JR
G Jason Churchill JR
RAN 1(2009)
RAN 2(2009)

To NY Rangers
C Mats Sundin
D Tyler Eckford JR
MAP 5(2009)

#3
To Toronto
RW Adam Deadmarsh
FLO 2nd(2009)
CAL 3rd(2010)

To Calgary
RW Eric Lindros

For Leaf fans, obvious disapointment and slight anger ruled their feelings this week, as they watched the exodus of team stars Eric Lindros ,Mats Sundin and Teppo Numminen shipped out for draft picks, junior stars and salary cap room. Mind you, bringing in guys like Adam Deadmarsh and Denis Gauthier sure isnt just filling a hole. Deadmarsh has had a fantastic season so far, and Gauthier is a cheap but steady defensive player.

Yes, you cant replace the sheer talent and vetran leadership these players bring to a club. However, after last years early first round playoff exit, and this years late season slide, rather than wait for another fruitless playoff result (if they even would have made it), they decided to get the most value for the key assets they had now. They also dont have to worry about Sundin or Teppo retiring, and free up key cap space for their budding JR stars like Staal, Ovechkin, Prucha, Fehr, Perry, Burns, and new goaltenders Churchill and Harding. This doesnt include the new influx of talent that 4 first round picks and 5 second round picks will bring in this years draft.

Deadmarsh's stay may be a short one, with the team still taking offers on him, but for now, nothing has transpired so perhaps Deader will be a Leaf come next season, which isnt a bad thing, since the younger kids will really benefit having such an all around, gritty player to play with.

Sure Leaf fans...this hurts, but like my mom always said..."no pain, no gain". So open wide, take some buckleys, swallow hard and know that even though it tastes awful, this will help cure what has been a weak, often lethargic club.