Breaking News : Conference rival claims Red Wings defenceman.

Conference rival claims Red Wings defenceman

As Brendan Smith is returning from injury, the Detroit Red Wings were handling too much defenseman in their roster. Alexey Marchenko was placed on waivers yesterday to make Smith some room in the team.

At noon today, the Toronto Maple Leafs claim Marchenko on waivers. They also take on Marchenko’s entire $1.45M salary in this move

Alexey Marchenko was drafted on the 7th round (205 onverall) in 2011. At that time, The Hockey News scouting report was describing Marchenko as "an excellent frame (6-3, 210 pounds), plus plenty of puck-moving ability from the back end. Plays with poise with the puck on his stick and owns good hockey sense."