The Toronto Maple Leafs finally traded defenseman Dion Phaneuf yesterday after two years of speculation that the veteran rearguard would be moved. Phaneuf was traded to the cash strapped Ottawa Senators in a nine player deal. On paper, Toronto got more talent in return but that wasn’t their goal. The goal was to clear cap space and they did that.

By trading Phaneuf, the Leafs could now make a run at Ontario native Steven Stamkos either via trade or as a free agent this off-season. Toronto will make more deals in the next weeks in an effort to sign Stamkos and put other pieces around him assuming he signs.

You don’t need to be a hockey expert to know that there is a good chance Stamkos will land in hockey’s biggest market. Despite what he’s saying, Stamkos isn’t staying in Tampa. He wants to win a cup and although his chances of doing that are probably better in Tampa this season, he wouldn’t mind doing it in his native province someday.

Sure, there are issues with the Canadian currency right now but that’s never prevented the Leafs from getting their man. If Stamkos is willing to leave Tampa, the Leafs will find a way to sign him.

Toronto might be struggling right now but in a year from now, they’ll be playoff contenders and in two years from now, they’ll be cup contenders. You don’t hire Mike Babcock and Lou Lamierello to slowly rebuild a team. The rebuild will enter phase two this summer once the Leafs sign Stamkos.