HERE’S THE DEAL
MAPLE LEAFS GET: C Tomas Plekanec and RW Kyle Baun CANADIENS GET: LW Kerby Rychel, D Rinat Valiev and a second round pick in 2018. (Montreal assumes 50% of Plekanec’s remaining salary this year).
THE GOOD: The Leafs get an experienced shutdown centre to take important zone draws. At better than 52%, Plekanec is having one of his best seasons in the dots, even if his offensive numbers are down (whose aren’t on the Canadiens?). Dominic Moore had one of his best nights against the Bruins on Saturday, but Plekanec can help spell off him and Tyler Bozak, not to mention get a chance at regular duty this week with Auston Matthews hurt, as well as be injury insurance. Plekanec’s leadership and playoff experience will also come in handy. And having a Baun back in blue and white looks good. THE BAD: The Leafs already have invested in 30-somethings with Ron Hainsey, Patrick Marleau and Curtis McElhinney as their fast-tracking of the Shanaplan continues. Giving up a high draft pick is painful, though the Leafs still own San Jose’s second rounder. Toronto must hope that Hab lifer Plekanec wraps his head around this startling change of scenery and plays two or three rounds to make this move truly pay off. Otherwise, he just might return to Montreal in July. A BETTER FUTURE?: Rychel and Valiev were good Marlies, unproven at the NHL level, but their path could be easier in Montreal.