The end for Dion Phaneuf as a Maple Leaf was not unlike the beginning.
It came without notice, rumour or supposition.
And it is — and was — all about the future and possibilities, all about what could be and what might be.
And it is now about ridding the Leafs of bad contracts and bad memories, players signed on and believed in by previous administrations.
Brian Burke acquired Phaneuf and, in essence, moved out many remnants of the remaining contracts left behind by John Ferguson Jr.
And the beat goes on.
Lou Lamoriello sent Phaneuf packing to Ottawa on Tuesday, and with that deal goes the onerous contract Dave Nonis signed the defenceman to just before the Winter Classic at The Big House.