Jiri Tlusty has been traded to the Hurricanes in exchange for 2009 1st round draft pick, Philippe Paradis.

The Hurricanes get: A young player with the upside to be a 20-30 goal scorer off the wing. Tlusty is sound defensively as well and is a strong skater. For whatever reason he has fallen out of graces with Leafs management. Obviously Paul Maurice (current Carolina and former Toronto coach) recommended this move. Tlusty is also close to being NHL ready now. Look for him to break through next season with Boychuk, Bowman, and Sutter all as full-time players. The 'Canes are going to get very young very fast. Tlusty may even get a chance this season to earn a spot, especially if Carolina's veterans continue to slump.

The Leafs get: A big and skilled center playing his third season in the QMJHL. Paradis currently has 19 points in 26 games - definitely nothing to write home about in a very offensive league. Paradis is more physical than Tlusty and uses his big frame very well to create offense, but he is at least two or three seasons away from making an impact. Obviously the Leafs soured on Tlusty, because this seems like a step backwards to me. Leafs also lose a contracted player (Paradis hasn't signed yet), so that opens up a spot for another free agent prospect signing if they so choose. I believe the Leafs are close (within two or three) to the 50 contract maximum, so this opens up a bit of breathing space.

Fantasy Players Impacted: Nothing in Toronto - just clears the way for Tyler Bozak and Viktor Stalberg to be the next call-ups. In Carolina, this might push back Bowman and Boychuk for this season, as Tlusty is more NHL ready than they are. It also should get some of the veteran wingers in Carolina (Walker, LaRose, Cole, etc) on their toes. I can't see any team wanting Cole right now, but he may lose his spot on one of the top lines.

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Falcon said:

Waivers in 2010-11 I think Tlusty would have had to clear waivers next season and Burke would have lost him for nothing as someone would have put in a claim. So he shipped him for the type of player he is looking for - big, fast, strong - which Tlusty obviosuly was not. Small chance Tlusty will pan out to something major - atleast Paradis can become a strong 3rd liner that pots 12 goals and is boisterous.

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December 04, 2009
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Larry said:

hurricanes blow With this season a wash,I would expect a veteran fire sale in Carolina, they have quite a few veterans that will be in demand by the deadline aslong as they dont have to much term on the contracts. Brind'Amour should be in demand (cant believe how quickly he got 'old')Whitney,Walker,Cullen,Kotsopoulos,Corvo may all be on the move. Carolina has too many players whose best years are behind them.

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December 04, 2009
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Jeff Angus said:

	... That shouldn't play in to it - you never give RFA's that much power. And there is no chance the Leafs would let a promising prospect simply "walk." Not even if it was Kevin Lowe's son.
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December 03, 2009
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Puckhog said:

	... Tlusty was due for a renewal of his contract this summer. The Leafs got something for what was going to be a player that they would let walk.
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December 03, 2009
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Repent Tokyo said:

	... It also sets up the canes to move a veteran forward.
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December 03, 2009
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Katharsis said:

	... Steal for Carolina. "Step backwards" for Toronto might even be an understatement. Good on Rutherford (and Maurice) for getting that kind of return for a checker.
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December 03, 2009
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