Fletcher keeps puck rolling - Trades for Lee Stempniak

The timing was odd, given that Brian Burke will soon check in to begin his own reconstruction of the Maple Leafs.

But Cliff Fletcher, showing he is no mere caretaker, said a trade opportunity presented to the team was too good to let slip away. How often, figured the Silver Fox, does one have the chance to acquire a top-six forward in exchange for two players who have essentially become spare parts.

So Fletcher, in what might be his last move as an NHL general manager, yesterday traded for St. Louis winger Lee Stempniak, sending defenceman Carlo Colaiacovo and forward Alex Steen to the Blues.

Fletcher said he didn't have to take the proposed trade to the Leafs' board of directors for approval but, given the unusual circumstances around the team, he bounced the idea off the team president before pulling the trigger.

"I did bring to Richard Peddie's attention what was available to us," Fletcher said. "Whether the timing was good or bad, it was available now and we had to make a move one way or the other. I was told to go ahead and do my job."

Peddie, in explaining why a major lineup renovation was approved before the new contractor is hired, stated simply: "Cliff Fletcher is our GM until he isn't."

Fletcher said the decision to pick up Stempniak, a 25-year-old from Buffalo who will get serious consideration for the U.S. Olympic team, was unanimous in the hockey department from the scouts through the front office and the coaches.

"He's a very crafty player," Fletcher said. "We felt we were acquiring a top-six forward, someone who could play on our power play besides contributing substantially offensively."

Stempniak said he had "no idea" that the trade was coming.

"I was a bit shocked when they told me in St. Louis, but that quickly faded," he said last night. "To be a Maple Leaf is extremely exciting. It's an Original Six team that's headed in the right direction. I'm just really excited to be a part of it. It's exciting to be in a city where everyone lives and breathes hockey."

Stempniak flew into Toronto last night and could be in the lineup tonight when the Leafs host Atlanta. All three players in the trade must pass physicals before any of them can take to the ice with their new clubs. The concern, of course, is Colaiacovo, who has been battered by injuries throughout his brief career.

While Stempniak could eventually slip into a top-six role with Toronto, it is expected he'll start on the left side of a line with Dominic Moore and Jason Blake so as not to upset the chemistry the top two lines have going. Stempniak, who has 13 points in 14 games this season, will also see power-play time.

Steen and Colaiacovo were both first-round draft picks by the Leafs (Stempniak was selected 148th overall in 2003) and both were long touted as the team's future. But Fletcher doesn't feel he is giving up players who may yet blossom.

"I don't think it's a risk at all," Fletcher said. "Notwithstanding where a player was drafted, it's where he's playing right now and you have two players who have been with the Leafs for a number of years, so the decision was based on how we feel they were contributing to us at this time and projecting how, in our minds, they would move forward."

Colaiacovo, 25, criticized by coach Ron Wilson last week for being at less than top shape, was stunned.

"I was really caught by surprise. My first reaction was that I was in shock," he said. "The first thing that went through my head was how great I've had it here in Toronto (but) I'm really looking forward to the opportunity. Obviously, it's a team that wants me to play for them and a team that's looking for a guy with my skills."

Steen, 24, has only two goals and two assists in 20 games and sounded hopeful about a new beginning.

"Chapter Two has started. I'm excited to get down there and get to meet the guys and hopefully have a better second, third and fourth quarter of the season," he said.