Leafs deal Polak, Spaling to Sharks, continue to stockpile picks
One day after acquiring a 12th selection in the 2016 NHL Draft, the Toronto Maple Leafs remained busy by dealing Roman Polak and Nick Spaling to the San Jose Sharks in exchange for second-round picks in 2017 and 2018 along with Raffi Torres.
Yes, Raffi Torres is now working for the organization that employs the man who used to suspend him on a regular basis.
All three players involved in the deal are set to become unrestricted free agents after this season. (Torres has been loaned back to the Sharks’ AHL affiliate, according to the Leafs.)
On Sunday, the Leafs dealt Shawn Matthias — also an upcoming UFA — to the Colorado Avalanche for Colin Smith and a 2016 fourth-rounder as part of the Great Sell-Off of the 2016 NHL Trade Deadline. This is just another move that’s part of their plan to free up cap space and acquire draft picks to either use to build their prospect cupboard or include as part of deals for impact players down the line.
The Leafs currently will have 27 total selections in the next three drafts.
Next up out of town by next Monday’s trade deadline? Likely P.A. Parenteau, Mark Arcobello, Brad Boyes. Maybe even Michael Grabner or James Reimer if GM Lou Lamoriello can find some takers.
For the Sharks, the additions of Spaling and Polak will bolster San Jose’s depth as they currently hold down the third seed in the Pacific Division.
“Roman and Nick are both quality, character players that will complement and enhance our current roster,” Sharks GM Doug Wilson said via a statement. “Our existing group of players has battled hard and they have earned the right to have every chance to succeed this season.”
Probably not the players Sharks head coach Peter DeBoer had in mind in September when thinking of key additions late in the year to lock in a playoff spot, but they’re extra bodies nonetheless.
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Sean Leahy is the associate editor for Puck Daddy on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at [email protected] or follow him on Twitter! Follow @Sean_Leahy
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