Leafs Shuffle Antropov And Moore While Gerber Set To Replace Injured Toskala

When Leafs G.M. Brian Burke sauntered into town like a fabled gunslinger from the West – Anaheim to be precise – he promised to turn the brittle Leafs into the type of truculent, pugnacious team he’s famous for crafting.  

That goal may take years to accomplish, but on Wednesday Burke finally dealt the two players that have been at the epicentre of recent rumours.

Leaf veteran Nik Antropov has been traded to the New York Rangers in exchange for a 2nd  round pick and conditional draft pick.  Not long after, he sent Moore to the Sabres for another 2nd round draft choice. 

Moore and Antropov were both healthy scratches during Tuesday’s O.T. loss to the Devils, as it became clear Burke didn’t want to risk a last-minute injury that would spoil his trade plans. 

The Leafs picked up two new goalies on Wednesday, claiming Ottawa’s Martin Gerber off waivers, as well as Olaf Kolzig, who came from Tampa along with Jamie Heward, Andy Rogers and a 4th round pick in exchange for Richard Petiot. 

The new netminders will be sorely needed after it was announced that Vesa Toskala will undergo hip and groin surgeries that will knock him out for the rest of the season.

“I’ve been talking with the team and we’re in the same place so we made a decision together that this is best for me,” Toskala told reporters.

In the end, they weren’t exactly the blockbusters Leaf fans were hoping for, but it’s a definite start in the rebuilding process that Burke promised to initiate with his arrival in the Big Smoke.  

Burke explained why more players weren’t dealt.

“I am not doing cartwheels…but I am pleased with what was done,” he said.  “When your team hasn’t had success, it’s not like there’s a huge line at the checkout counter asking for your players, and we haven’t had enough success here,” he admits.

You can check out all the day’s action at our sister station  Sportsnet’s Hockey Central.

Photo credit:  Kevin C. Cox /Getty Images