Eurolanche

Paul Stastny Rumor Time

Of course once again it’s no other team but the Toronto Maple Leafs interested in Stastny. This team has been after him since the day 1 rumors started. I mean I get that since the Leafs have been unable in anyway shape or form to get a number 1 center for years. With the Avs wealth of centers of course the Leafs would come a knocking.

The prominent rumor  is Stastny for Dion Phaneuf straight up. I personally don’t like the straight up aspect of it. I would stomach the trade if something else was thrown in from each side. Maybe swap some picks the Avs 32^nd  overall for the Leafs 21^st overall.  Or maybe swap some other guys in as well I would like to see a younger defenseman with more growth room come over. I mean the Avs could send Shane O’Brien back over too so he can hang out with his buddy Joffrey Lupul. Or you know just swap Lupul for Jones(Not happening but I wish).

Personally if the Avs are going to swap Stastny with the Leafs I would prefer one of their wingers instead. I am not a Phaneuf fan. I can see why the trade is ideal for both teams. It’s almost equal swap of salary with Stastny making 100,000 more than Phaneuf. It fits the needs of both teams position wise. It would just be a good old simple hockey trade.

Why I don’t like the trade as straight up is as follows. Phaneuf is a UFA same as Stastny at the end of this year. You don’t traditionally swap rental players. You swap UFA guys for future help. I would just prefer someone younger or someone who is going to be around for a bit. I support the Avs need to start winning right now program. But I just don’t believe this would do it. I mean if it happens and I am wrong good!

I think no matter what happens with Stastny the Avs need to wait till draft day after they make their first pick. Once you got that locked up you move from there. Sure it might be too late then to get the deal done with the Leafs oh well it happens.  There is Still 27 other teams out there to deal with for some possible return. I say 27 because I am pretty sure the Avs will still have an eff you Flames policy for a while.

Worst comes to worst you keep Stastny till the trade deadline when rental prices go up. If you draft a center and he is auto amazing and needs the ice time you switch him to the wing. I mean I know it not his natural position and it sacrifices some of his game. But really he can’t be a worst winger then David Jones last year. Plus with all the faceoff kick outs the referees do these days a two center line seems to be smart. No matter what as long as Stastny is part of the Avs team you will hear the rumors. So till he is actually traded somewhere. To me they will always just be rumors.