So long, Dion

Blockbuster deal for the Flames — Dion Phaneuf, Fredrik Sjostrom and prospect Keith Aulie traded to Toronto for Matt Stajan, Niklas Hagman, Ian White and Jamal Mayers.

There’s a mere difference of approximately $400,000 (in Calgary’s favour) with the salaries of the players involved. Mayers and Stajan are UFAs this summer and White is an RFA, so it may eventually be far more significant that Calgary saves more than $4 million in cap space for 2010-11.

Many will be surprised that Darryl Sutter parted with a fellow who seemed like a son (or at least like a nephew) to him.

In addition to saying the trade framework changed many times before completion, Leafs GM Brian Burke added: "Darryl is a smart man and a tough negotiator."

Burke also claims Sutter was the "innovator" who salvaged the deal when it appeared negotiations were at an impasse.