It’s Puckin Game Day | Ducks @ Maple Leafs

We waited for GM of the Leafs, Kyle Dubas, to trade for a backup for too long, but it finally got done!!

After dropping consecutive games by a score of 5-3 it was clear that something had to be done about the state of the Leafs goaltending. In Jack Campbell the team is getting a former 1st round pick (11th overall, 2010) that slowly moved his way up the ranks in Los Angeles before becoming a steady backup. He holds a career 2.58GAA and 0.916SV%, solid numbers for a #2 goaltender.

#Leafs have acquired Jack Campbell and Kyle Clifford from the Kings for Trevor Moore, a third round pick (from Columbus) in 2020 and a conditional third round pick in 2021

— Kristen Shilton (@kristen_shilton) February 6, 2020

It would be in bad taste to compare those numbers to Michael Hutchinsons 2.81GAA, and 0.905SV%, so don’t be that guy, “Hutch” always gave it his all when he played.

The fact that they acquired Kyle Clifford in this deal is simply gravy. The 6’2″, 215lb forward is known to pick up for his teammates, while also bringing a physical and responsible game to the ice. He’ll quickly cement himself as a fan favourite, of that I’m sure.

Kyle Clifford on chance to join the #Leafs: "It's no secret, I got a real love for this team. It's a childhood dream just to be able to put that jersey on. I'm excited about the opportunity. I've only been here probably two hours and the people have just been outstanding."

— Kristen Shilton (@kristen_shilton) February 6, 2020

In other news, it appears that Cody Ceci will be out for a while:

Cody Ceci (ankle) “out for a while,” according to Kyle Dubas

— Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) February 6, 2020

The @MapleLeafs have recalled defenceman Timothy Liljegren from the @TorontoMarlies (AHL).

Cody Ceci is out indefinitely with an ankle injury and will be placed on injured reserve. He will be re-evaluated in one month.#LeafsForever pic.twitter.com/62XNc8N6ux

— Toronto Maple Leafs (@MapleLeafs) February 7, 2020

This is bad news for Ceci, but it opens the door for “L’il Tim” to show management what he can do at the NHL level over a few games. The former 17th overall pick has been steadily improving in the AHL, and the hope is that he can help steady the blueline in the long run.

He’ll be paired with Rasmus Sandin tonight, the two have been frequent partners in the minors, so it should be fun to see how they connect with the big club.

Jack Campbell starts, L’il Tim is drawing in, and Kyle Clifford (a Leaf fan), is suiting up for the first time for his childhood team.

That all makes this one worth watching.

Jack Campbell expects first start for #Leafs tonight is “going to be a blast…just want to go out there and have some fun and obviously, nervous excitement in all the best ways, but the biggest thing is just getting that win for the city and this team.”

— Kristen Shilton (@kristen_shilton) February 7, 2020

Kyle Clifford on making #Leafs debut: “I've always wanted to put the #Leafs sweater on and win in a #Leafs sweater. That’s the main goal. I'm really excited to be here.”

— Kristen Shilton (@kristen_shilton) February 7, 2020