1. Is it a precursor to a larger deal? This is the most likely scenario. Darren Dreger has been speculating for weeks that Toronto is trying to upgrade their top 6. With Steckel inserted into the lineup, the Leafs have an abundance of centers; and not in a good way. Steckel brings to the table what Boyce, Dupuis and Zigomanis all do.
A likely scenario would be for Toronto to make a trade between games two and three. This makes most sense, because the acquired player would have a full week to practice with the team and to get acquainted with new line mates.
2. If there is no precursor deal, then why do this? As I have said earlier in this blog, the idea of bringing in a 4th line center when we already have an abundance of them is puzzling. In the last preseason game, Mike Zigomanis won 19 of 22 draws. Zigomanis is know league wide as one of the best faceoff specialists. This will be one of the few trades Burke has failed on, if nothing happens in the next week.
My prediction, and this is based off absolutely nothing, is that Kyle Turris will be a Toronto Maple Leaf by Sunday. He is having problems in Phoenix, and Burkes trade trends seem to be very similar: pick up struggling young players when their value is lowest and give them a fresh start. This is exactly why Turris to Toronto makes a lot of sense. Although he hasn't lived up to his full potential yet, he still is 22, and has shown flashes of brilliance.
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