GIGUERE TO T.O. FOR BLAKE, TOSKALA
The Toronto Maple Leafs acquired goaltender Jean-Sebastien Giguere from the Anaheim Ducks for winger Jason Blake and goaltender Vesa Toskala.
What does it give the Toronto Maple Leafs
The Leafs have rookie Jonas Gustavsson as their goaltender of the future, but a vet with Giguere's credentials provides a perfect mentor (and insurance policy) for 'The Monster'. Giguere obviously waived his no-trade clause for this deal, but that's no shocker after the Ducks recently signed Jonas Hiller to a four-year extension. So Giguere gets a fresh shart, and is reunited not only with Leafs GM Brian Burke (who was his boss in Anaheim) but with longtime goalie coach Francois Allaire. Don't be surprised if Giguere starts early and often for the Leafs. He has one more year after this one left on his contract, and while it's hefty, Blake (who heads the other way) has two years left on his substantial deal.
What does it give the Anaheim Ducks
Blake wasn't playing up to his potential in Toronto and, at 36, is obviously not part of the Leafs' rebuilding plan. He should bring a nice boost to Anaheim's secondary scoring in their playoff push, and replaces some of the cap space lost by Giguere. Meanwhile, Toskala provides a more clear-cut backup (and less competition than Giguere brought) behind Hiller, and his salary comes off the books when he enters unrestricted free agency in the summer.
Fantasy impact
