After the shock and amazement that the Toronto Maple Leafs were able to ship Phil Kessel to the Pittsburgh Penguins, the team went to work immediately. They found four underdog replacements handle to Kessel’s loss.

The afternoon started with the signing of defenseman Matt Hunwick. Hunwick comes to the team from the New York Rangers. He’s not a scoring sensation as he only collected 11 points over 55 regular season games last season. Adding Hunwick, along with a plethora of defense on the Leafs roster, one would have to think that some of the existing defensemen would have to be shipped out with only six defense spots available. Hunwick’s contract is for two years.

Next to sign with Toronto was forward P.A. Parenteau. After five other stops in the NHL he has found his way to Toronto. He is known more for his pugilistic abilities, as he had 239 penalty minutes on his resume with only 22 points last season over 56 games with the Montreal Canadiens. Parenteau is no Kessel.

The afternoon concluded with forward Mark Arcobello’s signing. He’s 26 years old and collected 31 points in 77 games with four different teams last season. He has 49 points over 119 career NHL games. Another former Maple Leaf in Daniel Winnik was also brought back later that evening.

None of these signings are earth shattering or blockbuster additions. Kessel was dealt on day one of NHL free agency, and the culture change preached by president and alternate governor Brendan Shanahan, Kyle Dubas and Mark Hunter has commenced.

Hunwick, Parenteau and Arcobello all have something to prove for next season. Parenteau will want to prove to the Canadiens that he’s a valuable commodity and will probably get top minutes in Toronto. Arcobello could be used as a stopgap forward on the team, while their prospects grow and develop with the Leafs and even the Toronto Marlies in the Ontario Hockey League. Hunwick is not Bobby Orr. He won’t be called upon to put pucks in the net. However, he could be used as a valuable addition to nurture the young defensemen coming through the organization.

Assuming these guys have successful seasons this fall, they could be used as trade chips at the deadline and shipped out for more draft picks to improve the development of the organization.

The Leafs have a history of wrong decisions with team personnel. However, this summer the team is making smart decisions in early July. The team’s going to be a train-wreck next season, but fans just need to accept it.