Trade Alert: Leafs acquire Clarkson in trade with Vegas

This just in... take a deep breath because it's a doozy...

The Toronto Maple Leafs are reportedly in the process of acquiring forward (and former Leafs player) David Clarkson from the Vegas Golden Knights.

Um... what!?!

Check it out:

The @GoldenKnights are trying to get rid of David Clarkson contract and I’m told the @MapleLeafs could be the team that can trade for him.
— Renaud Lavoie (@renlavoietva) July 23, 2019

This is going to happen involve TOR getting a fourth-round pick and sending Garret Sparks to LV https://t.co/jW31SrHTDR
— Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) July 23, 2019

So, the Leafs acquire Clarkson and his $5.25 million contract and a 4th round pick in exchange for backup goalie Garret Spark.

UPDATE: Annnnnd it's official!

.@SportChek Player Alert: @MapleLeafs acquire a fourth-round pick in the 2020 NHL Draft and forward David Clarkson from Vegas in exchange for goaltender Garret Sparks.

Details >> https://t.co/u88YYDti7Y pic.twitter.com/hNEFtkqsIZ
— Toronto Maple Leafs (@MapleLeafs) July 23, 2019

Clarkson has just one year left on his deal and will undoubtedly play out the rest of his contract on long-term injury reserve. In effect this was a way for the Leafs to offload Sparks in exchange for a 4th round pick. But... why take on Clarkson? Couldn't Sparks fetch a pick without needing to do Vegas a favor? Odd deal all around.

Clarkson, who signed a monster seven year, $36+ million deal with the Leafs back in the 2013 NHL offseason was a colossal flop during his time with the Leafs and was dumped to the Columbus Blue Jackets less thank two seasons into his deal.

Trade Alert: Leafs acquire Clarkson in trade with Vegas

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