In the NHL's first blockbuster as the pre-Olympic trade deadline approaches, the Toronto Maple Leafs landed defenseman Dion Phaneuf from the Calgary Flames on Sunday.

In a trade announced this morning at the Air Canada Centre, Toronto general manager Brian Burke announced that he had acquired Phaneuf, forward Fredrik Sjostrom and prospect Keith Aulie for forwards Niklas Hagman, Matt Stajan, Jamal Mayers and defenseman Ian White.

The ninth overall pick in the 2003 Entry Draft, Phaneuf has struggled this season for Calgary, and has rumored to be a trade chip throughout the season. It is believed that the trade is paving the way to clear cap space for a summer makeover in Calgary, where Phaneuf has spent his entire five-year career. In 378 career games, the defenseman has 75 goals and 228 points. This season, he has 10 goals and 22 points through 55 games.

Just as the dust was settling from trading for Phaneuf, Burke made yet another bold move, trading Vesa Toskala and Jason Blake to the Anaheim Ducks for goaltender Jean-Sebastien Giguere.  While Giguere had to waive his no-trade clause, the trade was made all the more alluring due to the fact the he would be reunited with his former goalie coach, Francios Allaire.

"I'm excited to be working with Frankie again," Giguere told reporters.  "We had a great relationship in Anaheim and I believe that relationship is going to keep going."

The trade of Giguere was somewhat expected, with Jonas Hiller signing a four-year, $18-million extension, but acquiring both he and Phaneuf is certainly an upgrade defensively.

While the excitement of these moves is somewhat tempered by the fact that the playoffs are likely out of reach for the Maple Leafs this season, it does give Toronto fans a sense of excitement for next season already, and the off season is still around the corner.

And that might be as important for Burke as any trade he could have made.

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