Momentous trades, blockbuster deals and unparalleled interest.

Things were going too well for Toronto FC this off-season.

As a result, it was and it wasn’t a surprise when supporters learned of Bright Dike’s season-ending Achilles injury last week.

It took TFC fans back to a time when a dark cloud always seemed to build over BMO Field.

As a result, Dike’s salary will continue to count against the club’s cap this season, but the Reds will receive an extra roster spot as a result of the Nigerian’s absence — one they could use to bring in another player up top if the right fit comes along.

“We’re always looking to improve our squad,” TFC general manager Tim Bezbatchenko told the Toronto Sun this week. “If that means bringing in players, as you’ve seen this year, we have a mission to make the playoffs and win Cups.

“If it requires us bringing in more people due to injuries, we’ll do it. When you have an injured player go down, that’s one less player on your depth chart. We would potentially be looking at that, and it could be sooner rather than later.”

For Dike, it’s a disturbing blow, as if someone yanked the ladder out from underneath just before he reached the top.

He was on the shortlist to compete for Nigeria at this summer’s World Cup and was in position to be a difference-maker off the bench for TFC head coach Ryan Nelsen, who’s hoping to start Jermain Defoe and Gilberto side-by-side when the Reds open in Seattle on March 15.

Defoe is expected to be healthy when he arrives following a stint with England’s national team next week. Gilberto, on the other hand, is in a race for fitness after sitting out this week’s final pre-season tilts with a lower-body injury.

Toronto FC wraps up pre-season against Brazil’s Fluminense Saturday afternoon in Orlando.

“We’re evaluating him day-to-day,” Bezbatchenko said of Gilberto. “He’s still gaining his fitness. He was down in Brazil (at the start of pre-season) while we were finalizing visa issues. We’re confident we can get him in place, too. It’s not anything we’re worried about. Barring a setback, he’s gaining his fitness and I think he should be (in Seattle). That’s not 100%, though.”

And with the aforementioned insurance policy already on the season-ending treatment table, there’s concern the Reds might not be at full strength when they head west to start the season.

DRAFT PICK SIGNED

Bezbatchenko confirmed to the Sun this week that Toronto FC has signed first-round draft pick Nick Hagglund for the upcoming season.

Selected 10th overall in this year’s MLS SuperDraft, the 6-foot-1 central defender has performed well beyond his years while playing as a fullback this pre-season in place of Bradley Orr and Mark Bloom.

At the moment, he looks a sure bet to at least make TFC’s bench when the club travels to Seattle to open the season.

“He’s so enthusiastic and optimistic, not shy about making mistakes,” Bezbatchenko said. “He has someone like a Steven Caldwell that when he makes mistakes he’s taught in a way that’s constructive. He’s playing out of position, but has shown he can play there. That’s an advantage for him to have a long career in MLS.”

The Reds have yet to ink their other two draft picks, midfielder Daniel Lovitz and forward Kene Eze, as they continue to evaluate them in pre-season.

SENDING PLAYERS SOUTH

Toronto FC’s front office entertained its minor league affiliate’s coaching staff this week.

The Reds intend to send a minimum of four players to the USL’s (U.S. third-tier) Wilmington Hammerheads this season to play meaningful minutes they otherwise wouldn’t receive at the MLS level.

“We want to be able to help them in the same way they help us,” Bezbatchenko said of TFC’s agreement with Wilmington. “They have pressure to win every week, too. We went down to Wilmington and we visited the facilities and visited the housing situation and all of their offices and made sure it was everything we thought it was. It passed all of the tests. Now, we’ve invited them to camp to see what we’re about and they can see our style of play.”

Wilmington’s staff has been involved with TFC’s pre-season setup in Orlando over the last week, evaluating players that could play a significant role for them this season.

Toronto FC players sent to Wilmington will be guaranteed playing time under the terms of the agreement.

“Their coach was included in all of our coaching sessions and all of our strategic planning sessions and all of the tactical training session planning,” Bezbatchenko said. “He’s part of our staff. The decisions on all the players: Is it a player that needs to get games or a younger player that needs to learn to be a professional? Conversations about players have been had and are ongoing. It will be regular.”

FINAL WORD

Hold your horses, TFC fans, the Reds still might not be ready to compete for top spot in the East — yet.

“I wouldn’t be so bold to say we’re elite,” Bezbatchenko said. “Teams take time to jel. What I would say is the locker room is elite. The feeling within the locker room and the confidence and the way people are stepping up to take leadership, we’re laying a foundation to be very good.”

“I don’t think you’re looking to be MLS Cup champions in pre-season. You can look at Sporting Kansas City, but they’re going to have to go through an entire season and earn it again. For us, we’re very comfortable with where we are in terms of laying a foundation to have a successful season.”