Thu, Feb 29, 2024 at 11:07pm

LEAFS LAND LYUBUSHKIN

In a three-team trade, the Toronto Maple Leafs acquired defenseman Ilya Lyubushkin from the Anaheim Ducks, and winger Kirill Slepets from the Carolina Hurricanes; Anaheim acquired a third-round draft pick in 2025 from the Maple Leafs; and Carolina acquired a sixth-round draft pick in 2024 from the Maple Leafs.

What does it give the Toronto Maple Leafs
Lyubushkin is a solid defender who shoots from the right side, so he is even more valuable to Toronto than most other teams. He used to play for the Maple Leafs, too, so he should make a smooth transition back into the lineup. The cost to acquire him was not too high, either.

What does it give the Anaheim Ducks
The Ducks were able to get a third-round draft pick in the '25 draft in exchange for Lyubushkin, who is scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent this summer. Anaheim might bring him back on July 1, since he was a great mentor for rookie Pavel Mintyukov this season.

What does it give the
The Hurricanes joined this transaction in order to retain 50 percent of Lyubushkin's salary. They sent Slepets (who should remain in the KHL for the foreseeable future) to Toronto and got back a sixth-round pick in this year's draft. Carolina is likely not done dealing.

Fantasy impact
There is no fantasy impact here, as Lyubushkin is mostly a defensive defender. Slepets is not a prospect, either. Mintyukov could be the biggest loser after this trade because he played really well alongside Lyubushkin this season.