Versteeg Headed To Flyers

To Philadelphia Flyers:

Kris Versteeg

To Toronto Maple Leafs:
1st Round Draft Pick in 2011 (Flyers)
3rd Round Draft Pick in 2011 (Flyers)












Trade Review:
The Flyers have been playing like legit Stanley Cup contenders as of late and  with this addition one would have to believe that its pretty reasonable to think that they will be favorites to take home the Cup. Versteeg is a very talented player and at the age of 24, he has just hit his prime. Not only does Philadelphia get a young top 6 forward but they get a guy that knows how to win. Last season Kris Versteeg was a key component for the Stanley Cup winning, Chicago Blackhawks. The Leafs acquired Kris in the off-season from the Blackhawks and they expected him to be a top line player, and unfortunately for them it wasn't the best fit as he spent a lot of his time in Ron Wilson's dog house. Brian Burke has been hesitant on moving NHL players for draft picks but in a solid move for the Leafs they were able to get a few high picks. The only way his club is going to develop a nice group of core players will be if Burke swallows his pride and drafts a few talented prospects that he can begin to develop. Although they are getting a 1st round pick that will almost definitely be in the bottom 5, its a 1st round pick never-the-less which is nice for a team that didn't have one last year and didn't have one, prior to this trade, for this season. I expect the Leafs to make a few more moves between now and the deadline that will bring some more picks to the organization. 




Winner Short-Term: Its gotta be the Flyers, who now have three full offensive lines that would be the top line on many average NHL teams. They have a plethora of top-6 NHL forwards that are going to play a big role on this team moving forward.


Winner Long-Term: Even, both team's have a deal that benefits them very much in the future. The Leafs get two draft picks that will play a big role in their re-build and the Flyers get a young top-6 forward that can be an important part of the club for the next decade (*not saying he will but play wise and age wise he would definitely be capable).