The Toronto Maple Leafs found themselves in an unfamiliar position – a fairly secure playoff spot at the NHL trade deadline, Dave Nonis’ first as the team’s general manager.
As April 3 came to a close the Leafs had made one deal, acquiring Ryan O’Byrne from Colorado. The move to acquire a veteran goalie never materialized, as Miikka Kiprusoff decided against leaving Calgary, and no one was able to pry Roberto Luongo from the Canucks. Now the race is on to qualify for the post-season for the first time since the spring of 2004.