On July 1 a year ago, the wrecking ball swung hard into the walls of the Maple Leafs dressing room and hockey department.
The Phil Kessel trade was annnounced, then Lou Lamoriello’s surprise arrival a few weeks later as general manager, just before coach Mike Babcock took office. The aftershocks rarely abated and the season ended with the Leafs in 30th place, minus captain Dion Phaneuf, James Reimer, Roman Polak, Nick Spaling, Shawn Matthias and Daniel Winnik. All were traded, with Joffrey Lupul and Stephane Robidas on the outs.
Hard-pressed to top the Kessel blockbuster on this Canada Day, the Leafs did at least get Steven Stamkos to the Air Canada Centre earlier this week before he politely said no to their free-agent millions.