David Clarkson Heading to Columbus

(Nathan Denette/The Canadian Press)

With just four more days until the NHL Trade Deadline, we have seen many trades being completed. One team in particular that will be making a lot of moves during the trade deadline is the Toronto Maple Leafs, who today, traded David Clarkson to the Columbus Blue Jackets for Nathan Horton.

This season for the Maple Leafs, Clarkson has 10 goals, five assists, and a +/- of minus 11. Clarkson is a pretty good top six forward that can probably fit in as a third liner. He has the ability to score over 10 goals in a season with ease. He is also a pretty good penalty killer. Put him on your second or third line and you will have a pretty efficient player in Clarkson.

This trade does not make sense for the Maple Leafs. It is obvious that they are rebuilding but they could have gotten a better deal. Nathan Horton who never played a game this season and will most likely retire sooner rather than later is just a wasted addition. They could have gotten a good third or fourth round pick for Clarkson if they waited for the right deal.

This is a good trade for the Blue Jackets, who get rid of the salary cap left by Horton and they get a pretty good forward in Clarkson. Regardless of this trade, it seems the chances of making the playoffs are slim to none.

“He showed flashes, there were some moments where we had the David that we hoped to have, but overall I think it was probably disappointing for both sides,” Toronto general manager Dave​ Nonis said. “We get a player back where if he ever came back he’s an elite player, and in the event he can’t we’ve created some cap space.”