NHL Trade Deadline

Having made all his big moves already Toronto Maple Leafs G.M. Brian Burke was almost inactive on the NHL Trade Deadline day. One trade was made however. John Mitchell was traded to the New York Rangers for a 2012 7th Round Draft Pick.
Mitchell has played his entire career with the Leafs organization having spent most of it in the minor leagues. Drafted in the 5th round of the 2003 draft, Mitchell became a career minor leaguer. He did have some bright moments with the Leafs during a few call ups, but ultimately failed to realize any real potential. Possibly a trade to a new team will be good for the still young player. As for the Leafs, receiving a 7th round pick sounds about right. It would have been nice to see some gain for Mitchell but at this point I think Burke is lucky to get what he can. This is a backroom trade with very little media play and even less affect on the organization. In 159 games with the Leafs Mitchell had 20 goals and 35 assists.
The real story for the Leafs on the deadline day was the trades that didn't get done. Rumors that Clarke MacArthur who is currently in the midst of contract negotiations was likely to be dealt. Other names including Mark Komisarek were also floating around. Although Komisarek's massive contract and lack lustre performance as a Leaf likely drove his price down. MacArthur however is having a career high year with the Leafs. He has 19 goals and 29 assists so far this year with the Leafs.
Another interesting story involves the Florida Panthers Stephen Weiss. Weiss was rumoured to be one of the more valuable assets up for grabs during the run up to trade deadline day. Weiss however has a No Trade Clause and is being quoted as saying he would only lift it for a spot in Toronto. For whatever reason, most likely salary size, Weiss never ended up being traded.

Some of the more notable trades on the deadline day were:

Dustin Penner to Los Angeles for a prospect plus a 1st rd and a 2nd pick

Jason Arnott acquired by Washington for David Steckel and a 2nd rd pick