The writing may be on the wall for the Toronto Maple Leafs’ defensive core, as the team announced the claiming of defenseman Tim Erixon this afternoon.
TOR claims Tim Erixon from CHI and CGY claims David Schlemko from DAL. Zepp, Volpatti and McMillan clear waivers.
— Bob McKenzie (@TSNBobMcKenzie) March 1, 2015
In eight games this season with the Chicago Blackhawks, Erixon has been held pointless, recording four penalty minutes and a plus-1 rating. Career-wise, Erixon has appeared in 78 games, spread over five years with the New York Rangers, Columbus Blue Jackets and Chicago Blackhawks. He has one goal, 12 assists and 32 penalty minutes in total.
Tim Erixon is a depth defenseman additon, but this could spell the end to one of the Leafs’ defensemen. Two names that have come up in trade rumors across social media are captain Dion Phaneuf and Korbinian Holzer. With reports coming out that Phaneuf was almost traded to the Detroit Red Wings in exchange for Jakub Kindl, a trade that was nixed once Stephen Weiss was added to the discussion, it is no doubt that the Leafs are trying to unload Phaneuf and his contract, which pays him an annual cap hit of $7 million for the next six seasons.
The Maple Leafs have been hot leading up to the trade deadline. After dealing defenseman Cody Franson and winger Mike Santorelli to Nashville for Olli Jokinen, a prospect and a pick, the Leafs then sent Daniel Winnik packing for another pick. They weren’t done there. They then traded David Clarkson‘s contract to the Columbus Blue Jackets in exchange for Nathan Horton. The move freed up Clarkson’s $5.25 million cap hit, as Horton is currently on the IR and is expected to stay there for the remainder of his contract due to his ailing back injury. The money saved is crucial in the re-signing of centre Nazem Kadri and goaltender Jonathan Bernier, who could both command up to $5 million this offseason.
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