ICYMI: Leafs totally revamp their defence on July 1st

In case you missed it, Toronto Maple Leafs general manager Kyle Dubas more or less did a complete overhaul of his team’s defence corps yesterday. And, despite it being July 1st and the opening of the NHL’s free agent period, Dubas made all of his changes via trade.

Up first, the Leafs defensemen Cody Ceci and Ben Harpur along with forward Aaron Luchuk from the Ottawa Senators in exchange for defenseman Nikita Zaitsev and forwards Connor Brown and Michael Carcone. The Leafs also scored a 3rd round pick in the deal, as well.

Check it out:

.@SportChek Player Alert: The @MapleLeafs have acquired Cody Ceci, Ben Harpur, Aaron Luchuk and CBJ’s third-round draft pick (2020) from Ottawa in exchange for Nikita Zaitsev, Connor Brown and Michael Carcone.

Details >> https://t.co/8Ckoea7llX #LeafsForever pic.twitter.com/sYvknQr7Ye
— Toronto Maple Leafs (@MapleLeafs) July 1, 2019

While Ceci is unsigned, he and the Leafs reportedly have verbally agreed to a one-year, $4.5 million deal.

Yes, Ceci verbally agreed to a one year, $4.5 million contract with the Leafs. Arb case likely would have come in above that and that wouldn’t have worked for Toronto. Good opportunity for Ceci to raise his market value. https://t.co/wgtJP7T7rJ
— Darren Dreger (@DarrenDreger) July 1, 2019

It was clear that Zaitsev wasn’t working out and needed a change of scenery. Ditto for Ceci. This deal facilitates that need for both players and it gives the Leafs an additional $2 million in salary cap space. But… Dubas and the Leafs weren’t done there… not by a long shot.

After a few hours of free agent signings around the league, Dubas decided to shake things up properly sending fan favourite Nazem Kadri and AHL defenseman Calle Rosen to the Colorado Avalanche in exchange for right-shooting, top pairing defenseman Tyson Barrie and 24 year old center Alexander Kerfoot. The teams also swapped picks with the Leafs acquiring a 6th round pick in exchange for a 3rd round pick.

Check it out:

.@Sportchek Player Alert: The @MapleLeafs have acquired defenceman Tyson Barrie, forward Alex Kerfoot and a 2020 sixth-round pick (COL) in exchange for Nazem Kadri, Calle Rosen and a 2020 third-round pick (TOR).

Details >> https://t.co/nNIaK7oMEI #LeafsForever pic.twitter.com/LTirJUG2fg
— Toronto Maple Leafs (@MapleLeafs) July 1, 2019

In the words of the immortal Bob Cole, “Ooooooooh, baby!” That’s a big time deal.

After months of speculation the Leafs FINALLY get Barrie in their lineup, but it costs them Kadri. Thankfully, with both Auston Matthews and John Tavares ahead of Kadri on the depth chart, the centre ice position was a strength that the Leafs could deal from. While Barrie is slated to become an unrestricted free agent next offseason, there’s reason to believe that the Leafs can get him locked up long-term if he proves to be a fit.

So… what do you think, Leafs fans? Happy with the team’s bit of work on July 1st?