The Trade Winner

It's been one game. As such, it's tough to already evaluate a trade (even though some people may already sense a bit of crazy in one of the GM's involved), but what fun is it if we don't try?

The Phaneuf deal and its winners and losers has been beaten to death, but after one game there have been some subtle changes on the Leafs team that are worth discussing. This brings me to my selection for the big winner of the trade: Luke Schenn.

Is it just me, or did he play Tuesday night like someone who recently had a boulder surgically removed from his shoulders? Nothing flashy, but he looked like the Luke of last year. If this positive play continues, it's hard not to believe that Phaneuf's arrival has played a big part in Schenn's mental aspect of his game. Yes, he's been playing better as of late even prior to the trade, but it still has to come as some relief for Schenn to know that he is not the ONLY young, hotshot defensemen anymore.

Komisarek and Beauchemin's arrival did little to stem the regression of Schenn, but Phaneuf's arrival may be different. Even with the changes made to the defense in offseason, many still pegged Schenn as the future of the team. The cornerstone of hope which could be relied on for years to come. The next man to lead this team following Sundin's departure. I'm not saying he isn't any of these things, but for a 20 year old to have someone only a few years his senior, who plays a similar aggressive style and comes from a similar hockey background, arrive on the team and have the similar long term potential as far as leading the team, it has to be a relief to know he won't be the only man blamed if the team doesn't perform the way it should.

It's all guesswork on my part, but after one game everyone seems to sense a different atmosphere surrounding the team. For someone who's struggles this year seem to primarily be mental, this can only be a good thing.