So I'm sure by now you've heard that the Leafs have traded for Kris Versteeg from the Chicago Blackhawks.

I know everyone seems to be pumped about the trade, however I'm a little cautious to start. Don't get me wrong, Kris Versteeg is a fantastic player and great to have on any team. He is a true top 6 forward that we needed. Where I'm a little concerned is in what we gave up.

I was looking forward to seeing Viktor Stalberg grow as a Leaf and become one of our core guys. He has incredible speed and once he gets used to the NHL level, I think he can be a prominent scorer. Of course the counter argument is that Versteeg is the same age and already there. And that I understand, but the Stalberg fan in me is a bit disappointed.

Everytime the Leafs trade away a prospect or young guy I'm always torn because with the Leafs history, that player will probably turn out to be a go to guy on the new team. Brad Boyes and Tuuka Rask are the obvious examples.

Also in the trade was a VERY promising up and comer in Chris Di Domenico. Coming back in the QMJHL from a broken leg to score 20 points in 11 games is a great sign. And I actually feel like he is the biggest lost to the Leafs talent bank.

But of course, like anyone will say, it's about proving what you're capable of. Kris Versteeg has proven he is a great player to have. He does everything from PK to PP. In his 3 years he has 2 20+ goal seasons. 20+ goal scorers are exactly in abundance for the Toronto Maple Leafs right now. Viktor Stalberg and Chris Di Domenico have very good chances of becoming 20+ goal scorers, but in the eyes of Burke, you might as well take the sure thing.

After thinking the trade through it does become more clear that the trade was probably very good on both sides. The Leafs get a proven 24 year old to re-build quickly without going to good (but old) veterans like they did in the early 2000's. The Blackhawks get a couple good up coming players to keep their bank full for a while.

In the shuffle the Leafs have also given up Phillipe Paradis who is a consistent, but not as highly touted prospect. And they are getting Bill Sweatt who has a good chance at increasing the Leafs talent pool in the AHL after a good college career. These 2 players however aren't exactly the stars of the deal, but are worth keeping an eye on.

The Toronto Maple Leaf's fan in me is sad to see Viktor Stalberg and Chris Di Domenico leaving the franchise (I'm really gonna miss Stalberg's speed...can't say that enough). But the Toronto Maple Leafs realist knows that getting a proven 24 year old in Versteeg beats an unproven 24 year old in Stalberg. In the end I think whether this is a good deal or not is going to come down to Chris Di Domenico. Stalberg has shown some scoring flare in the pre-season with the Leafs and is expected to be a 20+ goal scorer, but is Di Domenico gets to that level as well then I think the Leafs lose out on this deal. If Di Domenico can't continue his Junior success in the Big Leagues than the Leafs win the deal. And hey, there is the off chance that Stalberg falls flat as well (although I highly doubt it).

As for the Free Agency since today is July 1st, I won't be doing a blog about everything that goes down with the Leafs right when it happens. I'll do a recap blog about all the major moves (if any) afterward. No point flooding the site with a bunch of short pointless blogs when I can wait and do a better in depth one at the end.

Written by :

Shane B.