Hmmmmm.......have to see.......I'm not crazy about it...but good to see Leafs do something.......but they need a dam defencman!!
Canadian Press
3/5/2003
TORONTO (CP) - As first reported by TSN, the Toronto Maple Leafs acquired highly coveted power forward Owen Nolan from the San Jose Sharks on Wednesday night.
Headed to the Sharks are centre Alyn McCauley, prospect Brad Boyes and a first round pick.
``It's obviously a big deal,'' Bill Watters, assistant to Leafs general manager Pat Quinn, told The Canadian Press. ``I want to leave the rest to Pat Quinn to discuss.''
Nolan was one of the most sought after players as the March 11 NHL trade deadline approaches. Reports had suggested that the Philadelphia Flyers and Montreal Canadiens, along with the Leafs, were the main contender for the physical right-winger.
By dealing him, it looks like the Sharks have opted to blow up their roster following a disastrous season. They will likely miss the playoffs after entering the campaign with Stanley Cup aspirations.
For the Leafs, getting Nolan is they type of big deal that their rabid fans have been clamouring for.
Although he's having an off-year with 22 goals, 20 assists and 91 penalty minutes in 61 games, he's considered among the elite power forwards in the game.
Quinn also got to see Nolan firsthand during the Salt Lake City Olympics, when he coached the 31-year-old as Canada won gold.
