Instant Analysis: Lee Stempniak Sent To The Desert
Just a season removed from trading Alexander Steen and Carlo Colaiacovo to the St. Louis Blues for Lee Stempniak, the Leafs have sent the impending UFA to Phoenix.
The Trade
To Phoenix: RW Lee Stempniak
To Toronto: D Matt Jones, 4th Round Pick (2010), 7th Round Pick (2010)
From Phoenix’s Standpoint
In Lee Stempniak, the Coyotes receive a once-promising sniper who has steadily declined since his breakout 27-goal season in ‘06-’07 with the St. Louis Blues. With just 30 points in 62 games this season, Stempniak has fallen well short of expectations. His strong work ethic and forechecking ability have led to reduced scrutiny of his offensive numbers, but he remains a solid depth player and an offensive disappointment. An obscure stat that may give hope to Coyotes fans is Stempniak’s 5 points in 5 games against Pacific Division opponents. He won’t be relied on to score as much as he was in Toronto and will probably be slotted on the 3rd or 4th line in Phoenix. At 27, Stempniak can still redeem himself, and a spot on the playoff-bound Coyotes may be the motivation that leads to improved play.
From Toronto’s Standpoint
This trade was merely a dump of an impending UFA for some low draft picks. The 4th and 7th round picks are not a great return, as several players of lesser caliber (Sutton, Moore) garnered 2nd rounders, but acquiring any pick for an expiring contract can be viewed as a plus. Defenceman Matt Jones was most likely tossed in to the deal for salary reasons and will not have much bearing on the Leafs’ future. The 26-year-old, former 3rd-rounder, hasn’t played in the NHL since 2007-2008 and has been a minus-27 in his short 106 game career thus far. The eventual assets Toronto acquire with these picks may never step foot on NHL ice or one of them may be the next Pavel Datsyuk. It will be a long while before the Leafs know what they get.
Final Thoughts
The Coyotes have made a number of moves at this year’s deadline as a statement about their playoff aspirations. Along with Stempniak, the Coyotes made a splash by acquiring Wojtek Wolski, Alexandre Picard, Petteri Nokelainen, and re-acquiring defenceman Derek Morris. The Leafs are heading the opposite direction, with virtually no top-6 forwards in the fold beyond Phil Kessel. The departure of Lee Stempniak will free up more time for wingers Viktor Stalberg and newly acquired Luca Caputi.
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