It’s Time to Trade Steen

I absolutely think Steen should be traded. It’s not change for the sake of change, I don’t quite see where he fits on this team. Although he could potentially develop his talent further, I think it’s safe to say that, the Steen we see now will likely not get much better than he already is. I like the guy, but I think other glaring holes in this roster need to be addressed (such as pottential top 4 wingers.)

Scoring should not be undervalued and I think the Leafs should try to move Steen for a guy recently drafted (age 19-23) that shows promise to be a pure sniper. I think a solid prospect could come our way for Steen and one of White or Colaiacovo.

I don’t think the Leafs should hang on to a guy based on sentimental reasons. Steen has proven that he doesn’t quite have an engraved spot in this leafs lineup. In my mind Grabovski, Stajan and Mitchell have outworked him and deserve to be ahead of him in the overall depth chart. I would trade Steen while he’s still young and seen as a valuable cap friendly commodity.

No no and no. If there’s one lesson the Leafs have to learn, it’s to hang on to your young players. Steen is a defensive forward with moderate offensive upside…that’s it. Most likely he will never be a top six forward in the NHL, but his skillset is more than enough to keep him on the Leafs. Not to mention that the return you would get for Steen is not nearly worth giving up on another young player.

You don’t trade young players when their value is low, because those are the trades that have a very high probability of coming back to bite you in the arse.

Sullivan, Boyes, Rask, Modin, Markov, Jason Smith, etc etc etc.

They stuck with Antropov, they will stick with Steen. Plus you just can’t count out the fact he comes from good stock.

You want to trade someone? Trade Kaberle, Van Ryn, or Mayers to name a few. These players will bring you greater return in any trade than Steen and the bonus is you will still have Steen!

Develop your young players and stockpile your draft picks (not just 1st rounders but ALL draft picks). The draft is pretty much a crapshoot most years, by having as many picks as possible you increase your chances of finding future NHL players and by allowing your young players to develop you give them the opportunity to become better NHL players.

Why wouldn’t you consider trading Van Ryn? I think the concensus this that we’re excited about this Leafs team. Realistically this team is not competing for the cup for at least the next 3 years, so trading Van Ryn, who I believe has 2 seasons remaining on his current deal at almost 3 Mill makes perfect sense. If they could get draft picks in return, why not pull the trigger? Maybe Van Ryn goes in a trade in return for a top 50 draft pick in the ’09 draft?

I thought steen of a guy who kid put 25 on the board, but the guy cant even put. I agree that hes becoming a better defensive forward with offensive upside, but I’d rather see him traded for potential top six wingers for someone like bobby ryan.

Why trade Steen when his value is allegedly at its lowest?

Tlusty needs to play 20 minutes a night in all situations. That isn’t going to happen in the NHL. He should have been with the Marlies last year.

I am so surprised at Mike Van Ryn this year, i like him… HOWEVER, the team is the most important thing right now and i agree that Steen and Van Ryn (because of #26′s poise and spark thus far) could be very valuable, BUT with the direction the leafs are “supposed” to be going, there is reealy no rush, make a deal at the deadline and possibly get more back for it… or… trade now to avoid injury!!!!

Steen, in my opinion, has been an absolute let down. A first round draft choice that hasn’t really proven anything to me. Potential Jere Lehtinen and a potential Patrick Stefan. The coins still in the air. Great article bud.