Ever since coach Mike Babcock and general manager Lou Lamoriello were hired this past summer by president Brendan Shanahan, the mantra for the Leafs has been ‘short-term pain for long-term gain.’
The philosophy was further cemented by Lamoriello on Tuesday, pulling the trigger on a nine-player swap with the arch rival Senators. Much-maligned defenceman Dion Phaneuf is now a Leafs’ former captain. Minor leaguers Cody Donaghey, Matt Frattin, Casey Bailey and Ryan Rupert are also headed to the nation’s capital.
The Leafs receive in the deal forward Milan Michalek and defenceman Jared Cowen, as well as AHL-er Colin Greening and prospect Tobias Lindberg.