Perreault, 35, joins Harry Cameron, Wendel Clark, Babe Dye and Ben Grant as players who have played for the Toronto on three separate occasions.

He may not have been general manager John Ferguson's first choice, but Perreault gives the Leafs a second-line center that they've sorely lacked all season.

In 49 games wit the Coyotes this season, Perreault has collected 19 goals and 14 assists for 33 points. He leads the NHL in faceoff win percentage (62.6%) and represented the Coyotes at the All-Star Game last month.

On a busy trade deadline day, the Maple Leafs were involved in a number of discussions. In addition to inquiring about Ladislav Nagy earlier in the month -- Nagy was traded from Phoenix to Dallas on February 12 -- the Leafs' management brass was manning the phones and inquiring about several players.

The Leafs offered a package deal to Florida for Gary Roberts, but Panthers GM Jacques Martin moved the Roberts to Pittsburgh, instead. The team turned to St. Louis and inquired about Guerin, who was the first big-name player dealt (to the San Jose Sharks) on Tuesday.

Ferguson and Co. also showed an interest in Smyth of the Edmonton Oilers, but the price tag was too high. The Oilers apparently asked for Alex Steen and Carlo Colaiacovo as part of a deal and that's when talks ended. Smyth was shipped to the New York Islanders, whom the Leafs are battling in the playoff race. The Leafs were also going after St. Louis Blues forward Jamal Mayers, but the asking price was top prospect Jiri Tlusty and a second-round pick. (Yikes) The Leafs, as any other team would have, said thanks, but not thanks.

According to one report, the Leafs also held discussions with the Colorado Avalanche about Milan Hejduk, but the asking price was deemed too high. (Can you blame the Avs?)