Burke does it again: Leafs trade Tlusty for 2009 first rounder

When the Leafs traded mostly underachieving forward Jiri Tlusty to Carolina today, they were able to shed a little salary (he was making $62,500 in the AHL with a $855,000 cap hit in the NHL), but they were also able to build for the future by acquiring 18-year-old power forward Philippe Paradis, who was selected 27th overall in the 2009 draft by the Hurricanes.

Tlusty, who has scored 10 goals and 10 assists in 74 NHL games, will become an restricted free agent after this season, and amid rumors that he threatened to go to the KHL if he remained in the AHL this season, it was almost certain that he would not be wearing the blue and white in Toronto next season.

Paradis, meanwhile, has registered 19 points (8 goals, 11 assists) and 43 penalty minutes in 26 games with the Shawnigan Cataractes of the QMJHL this season. He has not signed an entry-level NHL deal yet.

At first glance, it appears the Leafs won this trade. However, time and time again underachieving forwards have been able to thrive in Carolina, and Tlusty should expect to see some significant playing time, possibly on the top two lines.

If both teams remain at the bottom of the Eastern Conference in the coming months, expect more moves to solidify the Leafs’ future and for the Canes to find more scoring.