Maple Leafs trade for Kyle Clifford in odd move

The Toronto Maple Leafs have just acquired forward Kyle Clifford. In return, they are simply asked to offer future considerations to the St. Louis Blues.

This is quite an odd move in Toronto seeing that Clifford had just cleared waivers hours ago. He was placed on waivers by the Blues on Monday, but was not claimed ahead of the deadline.

And now, he is a Maple Leaf, though he will be assigned to minors, where his cap hit to be buried. 

The veteran has taken part in just two games with St. Louis this season, registering just one assist. In 728 career NHL games between Los Angeles, Toronto and St. Louis, Clifford has recorded 140 career points (65 goals, 75 assists) while adding 16 points (four goals, 12 assists) in 64 playoff games. He is a two-time Stanley Cup champion, winning with the Kings in both 2012 and 2014.

Clifford was previously acquired by the Leafs in a trade with the Kings on February 5, 2020. He participated in 16 regular season games with the Toronto, recording three points (one goal, two assists) and added one assist in four playoff games.