MONTREAL — The blockbuster, nine-player deal between Toronto and Ottawa on Tuesday could have far-reaching effects beyond the two teams involved.
The Maple Leafs sent captain Dion Phaneuf and three prospects to Ottawa in return for D Jared Cowen, RW Milan Michalek, RW Colin Greening, prospect Tobias Lindberg and a 2017 second round pick.
The transaction cleared plenty of salary cap space for the Maple Leafs — space that could be applied toward acquiring Lightning captain Steve Stamkos.
Toronto rid itself of the remaining five years on Phaneuf’s contract, which carries a $7 million annual cap hit.