The Hockey News: Headlines: Toronto Maple Leafs acquire rugged forward May from Anaheim Ducks

Toronto Maple Leafs acquire rugged forward May from Anaheim Ducks

2009-01-07 14:30:00

TORONTO - Brian Burke has pulled off his first deal as the Toronto Maple Leafs president and general manager.

Burke added some toughness to his roster Wednesday, acquiring rugged veteran forward Brad May from the Anaheim Ducks for a conditional 2010 sixth-round draft pick.

"Brad will provide character, toughness, and he is a proven winner," Burke said in a statement. "We look forward to the veteran leadership that he will give our team."

May, 37, was a member of Anaheim's 2007 Stanley Cup-winning squad, which featured Burke as the team's GM. May played in 20 games this season with the Ducks, registering five assists with 28 penalty minutes.

May has appeared in 963 career NHL games with Buffalo, Vancouver, Phoenix, Colorado and Anaheim. He has amassed 2,121 penalty minutes as well as 285 points (126 goals, 159 assists).

COMMENTS (17)

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nik Posted
(2009-04-30 07:37:01)

Man people need to see this for what it is, a cheap pick-up who is a ufa that will make them harder to play but not more talented. To make room they sent Kulemin, a talent raw kid to the minors, who can score when he has a chance, but Burke knows that is not what they need. he has taken away from the team's talent level with this move, exactly what he wants. Remember he says you're either ascending or descending. thats what tis is about, the tank is on. Burke knows what he's doing. get kulemin some experience in the AHL, where he can score a lot and build confidence, plus they get a little tougher. Plus this was a conditional 6th rounder, in 2010. Conditional folks, with his old pal in anaheim, we dont know what those conditions are, this could wind up being a giveaway for all we know.

M.Sanchez Posted
(2009-04-30 07:37:00)

The Way I see it Good Trade for Toronto Bad Trade for May... May should bring a little more Energy to Toronto. He is a very High Energy type player the kind you want on your team. Good luck May....

Rob Posted
(2009-04-30 07:37:00)

I'm a Duck fan who thinks the Leafs just made a good pickup. Brad May is one of those guys who's always first to stand up for other players (and not just with his fists). I always liked him in the lineup and think he'll be a good veteran presence for Toronto. Anaheim could afford to part with him partially because Parros has actually turned into a decent player (for a big guy), the Ducks wanted to get a little younger, and they have cap issues once Teemu comes back (with Bobby Ryan up). Anyway, isn't a conditional sixth rounder the equivalent of receiving a bag of pucks?

Joe D Posted
(2009-04-30 07:36:58)

are Burke and May related?.... just like his reign in Vancouver, Burke will have no Stanleys to show for his efforts in Toronto once his contract expires or he gets canned.... most overrated GM in NHL history but one helluva salesman.... there's a sucker born every minute and the Leafs just proved it once again....

Eric B Posted
(2009-04-30 07:36:56)

I'm not a Leafs fan, but I guarantee that Burke will be huge for the Leafs on draft day. They won't be good next year either, but people should watch out for this team in 2010. Once they can get the supporting cast on defense sorted out, they already have a #1 in Kaberle. Toskala might not be a franchise goalie but he can be #1 until Pogge's ready to take the reins. Up front, there's a lot more questions but Burke is a guy who can get trades done and Wilson is a guy who can get the very best out of what little he has. If Maurice were still coaching, you could just as well make Tavares a Leaf right now, but thanks to Wilson they're looking at a 6-10 spot in the draft.

Brink Posted
(2009-04-30 07:36:56)

This simply means more PIMs for George Parros!!

jake Posted
(2009-04-30 07:36:56)

nathan i agree completly. toronto has no toughness in their line up (other than andre deveaux)

Nathan Hewitson Posted
(2009-04-30 07:36:55)

"dan rogers - 2009-01-07 14:48:49 ET WOW!!! i better get to toronto quick...i want to be there for the stanley cup parade!!" Dan... you're retarded. May wasn't brought in to score or do anything but create energy on the ice. He's Chad Kilger's replacement, basically. As for those of you that criticize trading away picks... its a 6th round conditional, so May was basically free. Wait, you will see Burke acquire some good picks and prospects in the near future.

Matt Roberts Posted
(2009-04-30 07:36:55)

The leaf bashers are even dumber than the leaf fans

Oilers76 Posted
(2009-04-30 07:36:54)

This is a good move if the feeling is they need a charactor presence to further the current youth on the roster in terms of maturity and professionalism. Im no GM but I'd give up a 6th conditionally to improve my current assets. Conditionally is probably just a salary dump...not much $$$ but I bet it's never collected on