TSN: Maple Leafs deal Kubina to Thrashers - 7-1-09

TSN is reporting that the Maple Leafs have dealt defenseman Pavel Kubina and the signing rights to restricted free agent forward Tim Stapleton to the Thrashers for defenseman Garnet Exelby and forward Colin Stuart.

Kubina has one year left on a contract that pays him $5 million. He had 40 points (14 goals, 26 assists) in 82 games last season. He has mostly been a disappointment since signing with the Maple Leafs in three years ago.

Exelby, a physical defender, had seven assists in 59 games last season. Stuart had eight points (five goals, three assists) 33 games.

EN Says: The move is brilliant for Toronto in that it unloads a bloated contract for an underachieving player. In return, they get a solid, gritty defenseman and an NHL caliber fourth-liner.

Not sure why the Thrashers would pick up Kubina. He's a chronic underachiever. Perhaps they see value in his Stanley Cup ring he won with Tampa Bay in 2004 and the fact that he'll be playing for a new contract next season. Either way, Toronto gets the win on this deal.

(Photo: Philip MacCallum/Getty Images)