Leafs trade Kapanen to Penguins for a 1st round pick and prospects

UPDATE: Penguins insider Rob Rossi with the full details of the trade.

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According to NHL insider Elliotte Friedman, the Toronto Maple Leafs have traded forward Kasperi Kapanen and prospect Jesper Lindgren to the Pittsburgh Penguins in exchange for a 1st round pick.

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More details and confirmation from each team to come as it's made available.

Kapanen, of course, was originally acquired by the Leafs from the Penguins in the Phil Kessel trade back in 2015. Kapanen was acquired along with forward Nick Spaling, defenseman Scott Harrington, a 1st round pick and a 3rd round pick for Kessel, forward Tyler Biggs, defenseman Tim Erixon and a 2nd round pick.

The 23 year old Lindgren looks to be little more than a contract throw in. He was originally drafted by the Leafs in the fourth round of the 2015 NHL Entry Draft and put up one goal and nine points in 31 games with the Leafs' AHL affiliate Toronto Marlies this past season.

Here's his scouting report courtesy of Elite Prospects:

Jesper Lindgren, an impressive blend of skill, speed, determination, and intelligence, is the one player you don't want to see carrying the puck if you are his adversary. The nimble puck-carrying defenseman plays above his age, and is confident enough in his abilites to make creative plays under pressure. He is poised with the puck and possesses a high level of hockey sense; he is always aware of what is unfolding in the play, and never seems to make irrational decisions or bend under adversity. What he lacks in size, he makes up for in spirit and cunning. However, he doesn't shy away from puck battles, and will use his body to barge his way in and swoop out with the puck. All-in-all, a talented offensive blueliner who plays an adaptive, new-age style of hockey. (Curtis Joe, EP 2015)

Both the Leafs and the Penguins had disappointing post-seasons with neither team advancing past the NHL's Qualifying Series. Penguins general manager Jim Rutherford has made it clear that big changes are coming, while Leafs GM Kyle Dubas has been coy about what his plans are for his team. For what it's worth the Leafs are up tight against the NHL's $81 million salary cap. Kapanen carried a cap hit of $3.2 million for the next two seasons. Not a hefty contract by any means, but certainly a big chunk of change if the Leafs can't guarantee a spot in their top six for Kapanen moving forward. Double so when you look at the onerous contracts they have for superstars Auston Matthews, Mitch Marner and captain John Tavares. Any way you look at it, the Leafs are in cap trouble and this move could help them clear as much as $3.2 million off their books heading forward.