Literally as a I rolled out of bed, I turned on my computer and caught the first wave of Leino tweets. I just woke up and had a gut feeling. Like something was happening, and I should get my day started. Basically what I'm saying here is I have untapped psychic abilities.

As initially broken by CBC's Jeff Marek, Detroit has traded Ville Leino to Philadelphia for Ole-Kristian Tollefsen and a 5th round pick in 2011. Helene St. James reports that, as I assumed, Tollefsen will be waived and sent down to Grand Rapids. UPDATE: Bob McKenzie is reporting that they've already waived him.

I'm actually pretty surprised. I'm seeing some people say "that's it?" but be realistic here. Don't think about Leino's talent level, think about his value as an asset. Leino will be 27 at the start of next season and he has looked like an NHL player in roughly a half dozen NHL games this season. He's under contract for next year, and for whoever acquires him, if you're going to send him to the AHL, or keep him in the press box for a long period of time, he'll probably just go back to Finland. And that's not to say he's selfish, that's just what happens to players who are getting a little to old to not be NHL players.

The worst part is, he never really looked like he fit in with the Wings. He had Langitis (the disease spread by Robert Lang which involves no moving of your feet after you have the puck), he wasn't a two-way player, he was an awkward skater, and although he was great at protecting the puck on the boards, he often got really confused and so focused on protecting it that he wouldn't get rid of it.

It's one thing to get scratched a few times. It's totally another when you largely lose a lineup spot to Brad May. I liked Ville, but he was just not fitting in anywhere in this lineup.

So does that sound like a player that's going to demand a high draft pick or a decent return? Does it sounds like someone you want Detroit to give up a 2nd round pick for? Sure, other teams have probably seen that the guy has great hands. But at this point in his career he's just a short-term gamble. I was about 80% sure they'd end up waiving him out of here. This is more than I expected we'd get.

And what did we get. We got an Olympian. Well, an Olympian for Norway (sorry, Andy, I'd like to hear what you think of OKT though). We've got the next Anders Myrvold here. I actually really liked Ole-Kristian Tollefsen back in his Columbus days. Based on those days, I'd say he's a better option for a #6 than Mebdeech, but that's only because I prefer physical defensemen for the #6 spot.

But there are two problems with that idea:

First, Tollefsen has only played 10 games this year after 18 last year, and it hasn't been a recurring injury. A knee injury kept him out most of last year. This year, he had a concussion that sidelined him earlier this year (his second in three years), and an MCL sprain that sidelined him recently. So admittedly, although I remember him being a good defenseman, that was two years and a ton of injuries ago. He could be an entirely different player. But ask a Jackets fan -- they really liked his game. He didn't make too many mistakes.

Secondly, this was a move to free up cap space, and Tollefsen makes $600,000, so Detroit would really only free up $200,000 after swapping Leino for Tollefsen. He's barely cheaper than Lebda, which actually does make a different if Detroit is really close to the cap. Tollefsen will be a restricted free agent after this season, so at the very least, Detroit can free up a contract if he doesn't work out.

I do like him. It is an interesting idea for Detroit if, knock on wood, something happens to Lilja. But knowing this made it pretty apparent that he'll go to Grand Rapids. At the very least, it gives Detroit flexibility in moving maybe both shape-shifting entities that comprise Mebdeech, knowing that they won't need to rely on the unproven Jakub Kindl or the terrifying Doug Janik for depth in the playoffs. He does seem to be healthy now, so I do recommend everyone check out a Norway game or two to see how he looks against NHL talent. On another note, the Griffins now have two Olympic defensemen (Sergei Kolosov being the other), so long as OKT clears waivers.

Truth be told, I'm probably more excited for the 5th round pick. It's unlikely that OKT makes an impact, but it does give Detroit some flexibility. The 5th round has brough such picks as Kolosov and Danger Helm in the past few years, so I anxiously await 2011 when Detroit can make that pick. I know, I better start scouting.

For as much as I ragged on Ville this year, I'm pretty sad to see him go. I'm not disappointed with what they got for him, just that he didn't work out. I do hope he gets it together, even if it means he's doing it for the Flyers, because he is really skilled. He just didn't look like a Red Wing to me, but you can't deny his talent. Not a huge loss either, considering what we got him for (nothing). And hey, at least he isn't Fabian Brunnstrom.