The Maple Leafs are not regretting their decision to turn over first pick to the Oilers. Leafs head coach Ron Wilson defends the choice by saying he is happy with the current roster, adding that the familiarity and presence of Phil Kessel would be more beneficial to the team than the addition of a new player.
Though the Leafs finished second to last in rankings in the 2009-2010 regular season, the team experienced a burst of new energy following the trade that sent Dion Phaneuf from Calgary to Toronto. The success of Phaneuf as a Leaf has prompted Wilson to name him team captain for the upcoming season.
Hockey legend and Hall-of-Famer Steve Yzerman has taken over Brian Lawton's position as general manager of the Tampa Bay Lightning. The team's owner, Jeff Vinik, fired Lawton on April 12, following an embarrassing season for the team, who finished 25th in the league in 2009-2010. Head coach Rick Tocchet was also fired and the Lightning have yet to name a replacement.
Flames fans back in Calgary were disappointed when Yzerman took the position with Tampa Bay, quelching the rumours that he was to replace Darryl Sutter as the Flames GM.
Both Darryl and Brent Sutter were criticized for their choices during the 2010 trades, which sent Dion Phaneuf, Ollie Jokinen, Dustin Boyd and a few others packing, while acquiring most of their new players from the 28th ranked team in the league, the Toronto Maple Leafs. There is still some indecision within the Calgary franchise as to whether the Sutters will stay or go for the following season.
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