Leafs Acquire Steckel From Devils

Trade Details:

The Toronto Maple Leafs have traded their 4th-Round Draft Pick In 2012 To The New Jersey Devils For David Steckel

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Toronto Maple Leafs Acquire:

C- David Steckel CONTRACT: $1,100,000 Cap-Hit (Expires: 2013) Important Facts: - Big 6'5'' Center - In the past year has been a part of three different organizations - Has not hit 20 points in his six NHL seasons - During 2010-11 led entire NHL in face-off percentage with 62.3%

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New Jersey Devils Acquire:

4th-Round Draft Pick In 2012 Important Facts: -Toronto's own pick

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Analysis:

This is an interesting deal for quite a few reasons, but the most obvious one is the swap itself. David Steckel is a defensive forward who takes that role to an extreme (In David Steckel's 309 NHL games, he has only had 59 points). He kills penalties well too, but his real talent is his face-off taking ability. He is, in my opinion, the best player in the NHL when it comes to taking face-offs. Unfortunately, because of his lack of offense and physicality, and slow foot speed, he is nothing more than a 4th liner who can kill penalties and take those face-offs. Now don't get me wrong, a good 4th liner is a valuable asset to any team, but lets face it, they are not high value trade pieces which is why I think its a bit misguided to move a mid-round draft pick in one of the best drafts in years for one, regardless of how 'good' of a 4th liner he is. The deal in-itself seems to favor the Devils, but I feel like you have to question the motives of this trade from both sides. From the Devils perspective, they were lacking depth down the middle before this move so by getting rid of Steckel they are now in SERIOUS need of some center depth. I am assuming they were not shopping Steckel, but when the Leafs approached them with the offer of a 4th-round pick, they had to say yes. I would look for the Devils to claim Blair Betts on waivers, as he would fill that hole perfectly. From the Leafs side you have to think there is something brewing, mainly because they already had 5 NHL centers before this move. So by bringing in Steckel they have created quite the logjam down the middle. Does that mean they are moving one of those five? Does it mean Matthew Lombardi's come-back is not as guaranteed as they have led us to believe, or could Tim Connolly's injuries be haunting him again? Whatever it is, I think there is something up with the Maple Leafs that we should see unfold in the next few days.