Toronto Maple Leafs to Trade McCabe for Van Ryn?

After reports that Toronto Maple Leafs defenceman Bryan McCabe would be willing to waive his no movement clause, the latest news concerning the Maple Leafs blue liner is that a trade is in the works that would involve him heading to the Florida Panthers. Reportedly, the Maple Leafs would send McCabe to Florida, in exchange for Panthers defenceman Mike Van Ryn. This deal has not been confirmed, but some analysts believe Maple Leafs GM Cliff Fletcher has already agreed to this deal in principle with Florida's GM Jacques Martin. If this is the case, the trade would likely take place after September 1st, when the Toronto Maple Leafs will pay McCabe a $2 million signing bonus.

It is unknown if any other players would be involved in this deal. If this trade does take place, the Maple Leafs will be shedding almost $2 million in cap space. Dare I say such a move could pave the way for the return of Mats Sundin to the Maple Leafs? Dumping that much cap space will give the Leafs plenty of room to accommodate their former captain, if he chooses to re-sign in Toronto.

Toronto Maple Leafs A Good Fit For Van Ryn?

As far as Van Ryn coming to the Maple Leafs though, that move could be a hit or miss. Van Ryn has been considered a rising stay at home defenceman in the past, but lately he has had injury issues, including surgery on his wrist last year that resulted in him only playing 20 games all season. If he can stay healthy, the Toronto Maple Leafs will be getting a talented, defensive minded player with the ability to fill a top 4 role in their lineup. He is also capable of dishing out some hits, which will be a great addition to a Maple Leafs defense that should already be physically tougher than last year. However, if Van Ryn's wrist problems resurface, than he may not be able to return to his old form. If he sits on the injured reserve all year, he will do the Maple Leafs no good. At 29 years old though, he is younger than McCabe and still has time to get his game back on track.

This is all just speculation at this point though, and the Toronto Maple Leafs News Ticket will post an update on this situation as it becomes available. Personally, I think it would be a good "finishing touch" in Cliff Fletcher's complete overhaul of the Maple Leafs roster. If McCabe is dealt, Fletcher will have succeeded in giving Toronto Maple Leafs fans the new look they have been hoping for.