How do you know the Kings would be one of those teams? You have no idea that's true. Only thing we do know is that the leafs were 100% one of those teams.
- GOLEAFS71

Because Horton on LTIR makes a heck of a lot more sense than paying Richards a one way salary to play in the AHL. Economics.

Because Horton on LTIR makes a heck of a lot more sense than paying Richards a one way salary to play in the AHL. Economics.
- habfanforever

There's a hell of a lot better chance Richards plays in the NHL again before Horton does. But there's a guy who is playing in the NHL already and doesn't have questions about his character in Clarkson. There is likely a reason they didn't go for Richards.

Clarkson was one of a few leafs who gave a honest effort every night. He didn't mail it in. The trouble was he got paid the money of a 30 goal scorer and didn't come close to being one. Had he been paid 2.5 mil a year the fans would have liked him.

He won't be a top 6 guy but will be a good 3rd liner who pots some goals but will hit guys, and go in the dirty areas and drop the gloves if need be. He will make your team better.
- sparky

That's pretty much correct.

I would say though he'll provide some extra room for a skilled player to maneuver on his line. He can play a physical game and with the right linemates might score ten to fifteen goals a year... I think he'll find it a better fit than Toronto.

Everyone's right that nonis was an idiot in giving Clarkson that deal. Columbus bailed him out, not him finding a taker. Mac T should be taken to task for offering Clarkson more money and the same term. The whole sordid affair was a debacle.

Here's hoping the jackets are able to get good value out of Clarkson.

There's a hell of a lot better chance Richards plays in the NHL again before Horton does. But there's a guy who is playing in the NHL already and doesn't have questions about his character in Clarkson. There is likely a reason they didn't go for Richards.
- GOLEAFS71

True but Richards could easily become the next Cheechoo. LA could have really used the cap space but they would not have considered this deal as they hope Richards returns and gets value for LA while not having to pay $5.3M per year in dead cash (which they cannot really afford to do).

The Kings are one of those teams, just saying Kekalainen missed the boat on this one.
- habfanforever

But were the kings interested in paying Horton to stay at home , that we don't know.

Assuming a player goes down with injury , having Richards as a call up in the playoffs is gold .

There's a hell of a lot better chance Richards plays in the NHL again before Horton does. But there's a guy who is playing in the NHL already and doesn't have questions about his character in Clarkson. There is likely a reason they didn't go for Richards.
- GOLEAFS71

If it is a question of swapping heavy contracts, the Jackets could have easily done better than Clarkson.

But were the kings interested in paying Horton to stay at home , that we don't know.

Assuming a player goes down with injury , having Richards as a call up in the playoffs is gold .
- Alexzanki

Well said. Richards will be back in the NHL. It's just a matter of when. Most likely playoffs as you said cause the cap doesn't matter. But after the playoffs I would expect there would be a taker for him.

If it is a question of swapping heavy contracts, the Jackets could have easily done better than Clarkson.
- habfanforever

It's not just a matter of swapping heavy contracts. It's finding a team who will pay Horton to sit out. Not many teams have that type of cash to be able to cover up a 25 million dollar mistake. Toronto does. Columbus saw a fit and dealt for Clarkson.

It's not just a matter of swapping heavy contracts. It's finding a team who will pay Horton to sit out. Not many teams have that type of cash to be able to cover up a 25 million dollar mistake. Toronto does. Columbus saw a fit and dealt for Clarkson.
- GOLEAFS71

We can keep going round anbd round, let's just agree to disagree then sir. Good day

We can keep going round anbd round, let's just agree to disagree then sir. Good day
- habfanforever

Have a good one!

We can keep going round anbd round, let's just agree to disagree then sir. Good day
- habfanforever

your making the assumption that he didnt call LA I'm betting he did and tried to make that trade I bet he called several teams trying to gauge the interest in this type of deal I highly doubt Toronto was the only team he called.