When Cliff Fletcher took over the GM duties for the Maple Leafs, he promised big changes. Trades, buyouts, and waiver moves would all follow. Well, it has started, and with two players waived already, the first buyout has happened.

There was no other player on the Leafs roster that would get such load ovations for having their video on the big screen than Darcy Tucker. He was by and large a fan favourite by all, and this move will be a tough pill to swallow for some. Most Leaf fans want these changes to be made though, which will make the transition easier.

Darcy played a rough, gritty style that has started to wear on his body over the years. He may deny it, but we watch the games. Gone were the days of him crashing and banging into Islanders, Devils and Senators during the playoff years. That’s the type of play that made him effective.

Two years ago, Tucker had the best year of his career, scoring a total of 28 goals, and a primary component of the power play. It is interesting to note however that he really only had one “bad” year, and that was last year. In could even be argued that the slip in offense was due to newcomer Jason Blake.

But, as mentioned, Tucker was part of the old core of players, and Fletcher promised these guys would be gone. Tucker won’t last long on the open market. There must be a dozen teams out there chomping at the bit to get a guy like Tucker to compliment their top two lines. He would even fit on an effective third line with a team like Detroit.

Good bye Darcy, and thank you for all your years of great service. You were, are, and always will be a fan favourite. Good luck to you over the years to come. We will all be watching and cheering for you wherever you play.