Land of the Leaf

We usually just refer to him as “the guy we traded for Van Ryn”, but Bryan McCabe is showing us otherwise.  Flyin’ Bryan scored a powerplay goal with a minute and a half to go in the second period versus Ottawa last evening.

The goal eventually became the game-winner in the 5-2 thumping, it also became the goal that officially ended the Ottawa Senators’ long-shot playoff hopes.  They now sit with the Leafs staring into the sad face of mediocrity.

McCabe also had an assist, but finished with a McCabe-like minus-2 and two giveaways as well.  The points were McCabe’s first since March 17, but at least they helped sink the Sens.  Way to go…

Fans and some members of the media saw their wishes become true back in September when Cliff Fletcher dealt Bryan McCabe to the Florida Panthers.  After a terrible ‘07-08 season full of missed body checks, bad give aways and a decline in his offense and durability, McCabe had become the whipping boy for pundits and overly hopeful Toronto hockey fans.

The guy who came the other way in the McCabe deal was Mike Van Ryn, and while he’s been steady at best (when he’s played), the deal ultimately flopped for Toronto as Van Ryn tore his MCL on Saturday night and will miss the remainder of the season.  Meanwhile, McCabe is enjoying a resurgence of sorts with the upstart Florida Panthers where he is on pace for 16 goals.

Either way, McCabe and his inflated salary had to go, and Van Ryn had shown some offensive upside in the past and much more defensive responsibility than bashful Bryan.  Van Ryn was the best they could get for the much-maligned blueliner.  Like the rest of his Toronto teammates, and fans alike, it’s all about “next year” for Van Ryn.