All reports indicate that Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Bryan McCabe has waived his no-trade-clause to go to the Florida Panthers. The "rebuilding" Toronto Maple Leafs have been eager to offload McCabe's contract, that still has 3 years left on it, since his less-than-stellar season with the Leafs last year. McCabe missed 28 games last season and posted only 23 points, after posting point totals of 57, 68, and 53 in the seasons prior. He also made some pretty bad mistakes out there, but he's been more of a whipping boy for the Leafs as he's far and away not the sole reason why the Leafs have been mediocre.
The reported player set to go back in the trade is defenseman Mike Van Ryn, whom the Panthers acquired from the Blues in March of 2003 for a pick and Valeri Bure. Ryno hasn't been the same player the last two seasons due to serious injuries to his wrists and only played 2o games last season. It's hard for me to see him go as I'm an old friend of his wife's, but also because I think he's a solid defenseman who still has plenty of hockey left in him. He's said to be at 100%(which was said in the article I posted about him) and I'm sure is very eager to play. You have to give to get, I know, but I'd rather see Murphy or Skrastins moved out instead.
Apparently, the deal is being held back due to a bonus owed to McCabe which the Panthers have asked Toronto to pay and they're willing to do. For some reason, it can't be paid until September 1st. I'm not sure why that is, perhaps one of you can enlighten the rest of us? Thanks in advance...
This will give the Panthers a very solid defensive core in Jay Bouwmeester (who could be on the move this season), Bryan Allen, Keith Ballard, Bryan McCabe, Karlis Skrastins, Nick Boynton, Noah Welch, and Corey Murphy.
Looking forward to McCabe on the Panthers, but I'll be sad to see Ryno in Leafs blue, my most hated team.
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