Toronto and San Jose Complete Blockbuster Trade
Published on July 27, 2004 under National Lacrosse League (NLL) News Release
The San Jose Stealth have traded forwards Josh Sanderson, Rusty Kruger and defenseman Phil Sanderson to the Toronto Rock for forward Steve Toll, defenseman Darryl Gibson, and Toronto's first two selections in the 2004 Entry Draft (3rd overall pick and 12th overall pick). Toronto will also send a player to be named later to San Jose to complete the trade. The eight-player deal (six players and two draft picks) is the biggest trade of the off-season so far.
Toronto acquires forward Josh Sanderson, considered by many to be one of the best play makers in the game. Sanderson led the league with 61 assists last season (28 goals, 61 assists for 89 points) while playing for the San Jose Stealth. The Stealth went 11-5 and advanced to the Champion's Cup Playoffs in their inaugural season in San Jose. Sanderson also established the league's single season assist record with 68 during the 2001-2002 season. The Rock also acquire forward Rusty Kruger (15 games played, 10 goals, 10 assists for 20 points in 2004) and defenseman Phil Sanderson (15 games played, 66 loose balls in 2004) from San Jose in the trade.
San Jose acquires forward Steve Toll, a veteran forward who has won four championships as a member of the Toronto Rock. Toll started his NLL career with the franchise in 1998, and led the Rock in faceoff winning percentage last season, winning 54.5% of draws taken. In 74 career regular season games, Toll scored 133 goals, 96 assists for 229 points. The Stealth also acquire defenseman Daryl Gibson (16 games played, 62 loose balls in 2004), a player to be named later and the Rock's first two selections in the 2004 Entry Draft.
National Lacrosse League Stories from July 27, 2004
- New stadium to boost Mammoth, youth lax in Colorado - Colorado Mammoth
- Toronto and San Jose Serve Up Blockbuster Trade - Toronto Rock
- Toronto and San Jose Complete Blockbuster Trade - NLL
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
