beauchemin back to the ducks

The first domino of the NHL's trading season fell today, with the Toronto Maple Leafs shipping D-man Francois Beauchemin to the Anahiem Ducks for Joffrey Lupul, prospect Jake Gardiner and a 4th round pick.  This is a good deal for both teams.  Beauchemin was a big part of the Ducks' success when they won the cup in 2007, but didn't really raise his game playing in Toronto.  In return Toronto got a 3 time 20 goal scorer who is coming off two injury plagued seasons, but he will provide some much needed offense.  More importantly Toronto got some youth, and lets hope for Leafs fans this is the first step in the right direction for the team.  Beauchemin was certainly drawing attention from other teams, and with him being dealt we may see a few more trades sooner rather than later.  A D-man with playoff experience is one of the biggest assets a team can have this time of the year, and look for Chris Phillips to be traded before the deadline.  Washington, Boston, and San Jose would love to beef up their blue lines, and the deal today may  sweeten the offers for the Ottawa defenseman.