Leafs and Predators hook up for a minor trade.

We have a very minor trade to report, not exactly exciting deadline material. 

According to a a report from TSN National Hockey League insider Darren Dreger the Toronto Maple Leafs and the Nashville Predators have made a pre deadline deal that is not likely to make many waves at all. There is only a single player involved in this trade with no picks, prospects or compensation of any kind going back the other way at this time.

The only player in the deal is right winger Nick Baptiste, a former Buffalo Sabres third round draft pick (69th overall) in the 2013 National Hockey League Entry Draft. Baptiste was acquired by the Predators in a trade involving defenseman Jack Dougherty but in spite of being called up to the main roster at times Baptiste never appeared in a single NHL game for the Predators. He has spent the entire 2018 - 2019 regular season playing wit hthe Milwaukee Admirals of the American Hockey League, the AHL affiliate team of the Nashville Predators. Baptiste has featued in a total of 54 games for the Admirals this season and has recorded 10 goals and 10 assists for a total of 20 points on the season. He has 14 penalty minutes to his name this year and boats a plus minus rating of -21 at the AHL level.

Baptiste does however have some NHL experience under his belt although all of it came during his time with the Sabres. Baptiste has played in 47 NHL regular season games and has 7 goals and 3 assists for a total of 10 points to his name. Over those 47 games he accumulated 20 penalty minutes and was a plus minus of -3 over that stretch.

It's unclear at this time what the Nashville Predators will be getting back in this deal but I would imagine it will be something akin to "future considerations" or perhaps a very late round draft pick. Presumably the Leafs will be assigning Baptiste to the American Hockey League and with their affiliate team the Toronto Marlies although no official announcement has been made in that regard at this time.

Stay tuned for more details.

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