What's that old saying about trades, that sometimes the best ones turn out to be the ones you don't make?  

On at least one count the Maple Leafs probably would agree.  

It seems that back in June, the Leafs were among several teams talking with the Colorado Avalanche about obtaining defenceman Sandis Ozolinsh, who on paper and probably on ice would have addressed Toronto's need for offensive help from the blue line.  

As it turned out, Ozolinsh was dealt on draft weekend, along with a second-round draft pick, to Carolina, with the Hurricanes sending the Avs defenceman Nolan Pratt, a first-round and two second-round draft picks.  

The Leafs apparently backed away for several reasons. First, they weren't keen on parting with winger Darcy Tucker, whom the Avs wanted along with draft picks. Second, the Leafs weren't completely sold on Ozolinsh.  

Well, turns out they were right -- at least so far.  

True, Ozolinsh has produced offensively, but at a steep price. Ozolinsh, who signed a five-year, $25-million deal with the Hurricanes, has produced three goals and a dozen assists in 21 games, the fifth-best total among NHL defencemen. That's the good news.  

He also is a team-worst minus-12. And of the 267 defencemen who have suited up in the league this season, that minus-12 is the second-worst total, two behind Boston's Hal Gill, who is making $3.3 million less than Ozolinsh this season and $4.2 million less next season. 

The Hurricanes may, in fact, be happy with their acquisition. What we 
do know is that when Ozolinsh is on the ice, stuff happens at both ends.