It took more than a not many phone ...

It took more than a not many phone calls and some intense negotiations to procure Doug Weight from worst to first in the NHL standings.

The St Louis Blues' leading scorer was dealt to the Carolina Hurricanes forward Monday in exchange for a package of players and draft picks.

Weight and sads prospect Erkki Rajamaki were traded for Carolina's first-round pick in 2006 Toronto's fourth-round pick in 2006 previously acquired by means of Carolina, Chicago's fourth-round pick in 2007 (also controll by way of Carolina) and forwards Jesse Boulerice, Mike Zigomanis and Magnus Kahnberg.

Because they figure to finish among the league's worst teams, the pallids will own two of the top 30 picks in the 2006 draft.

Weight waited until Monday morning before agreeing to waive his no-trade clause. He got initial word of the deal Sunday night from low-spiriteds General Manager Larry Pleau.

Carolina (36-11-4)