The Toronto Maple Leafs have announced that they have acquired centre Riley Nash from the Columbus Blue Jackets in exchange for a conditional 7th round selection:
Nash was injured earlier in the week, so this could add a little bit of cap gymnastics for the Leafs in the coming days:
As for the conditions, the pick transfers to a 6th round selection if Nash plays in 25% of the teams playoff games this season:
This looks like a depth acquisition for the playoffs only. With Nash’s ability to go on LTIR it will enable the Leafs to continue to add at the deadline.
Nash can help the penalty kill and, as we’ve seen in recent days, he will help the teams depth. With William Nylander having to sit out due to the NHLs COVID protocols, the team has been forced to play Alex Barabanov in his place. That’s a steep drop-off in talent level and NHL experience, so these types of acquisitions are desperately needed.
There’s nothing to hate about this deal.