The Toronto Maple Leafs have parted ways with captain Dion Phaneuf in a blockbuster nine player trade with the Ottawa Senators. Here's the breakdown of the trade: the Senators acquired Phaneuf, Matt Fratin, Casey Bailey, Ryan Rupert and Cody Donaghey in exchange for Jared Cowen, Colin Greening, Milan Michalek, Tobias Lindberg, and a 2nd round pick in the 2017 NHL Draft.

Trades of this magnitude are exceedingly rare in today's NHL. Based on their complexity, it's also difficult to forecast which team got the better end of the deal. In Toronto's case, the key to the trade was divesting itself of Phaneuf's long term contract (five years remaining at $7 million per) while also acquiring prospects in Lindberg and the 2nd round pick.

The Leafs also get a proven NHL defenceman in the form of Cowen, though he doesn't quite replace what Phaneuf brought to the table. In other words, it will take a very long time to determine who won this trade. More than anything, though, the Leafs now have even more salary cap room to rebuild the franchise under the guidance of GM Lou Lamoriello.

Interestingly, Phaneuf was in the midst of cobbling together quite a good season under Mike Babcock. That quality of play probably signed his ticket out of Toronto.

What do you think of the trade? Let us know in the comments.

Photo via the Toronto Maple Leafs.