Just hours after being traded from the Arizona Coyotes to the Toronto Maple Leafs, the San Jose Sharks have claimed forward Ryan Dzingel off waivers from the Leafs, who were trying to get the veteran through waivers and have him available for depth on the roster. To open a roster spot, the Sharks have waived Lane Pederson.
With Dzingel being claimed, Sunday’s trade for the Maple Leafs essentially becomes Ilya Lyubushkin for Nick Ritchie and a 2nd or 3rd. Most Maple Leafs fans would tell you they’d be happy with that result.
The Leafs are happy, but also not so happy with the fact Dzingel got picked up. GM Kyle Dubas said, “He’s an NHL player and selfishly we hope he [clears] and hope he provides depth. If not, that will just be another contract slot and some cash for us.” That the Maple Leafs open a slot and shed $1.1 million in cap space is certainly not a terrible thing. It gives Toronto more room to tinker with their roster.
The Maple Leafs have tried to send a couple of players through waivers now with the hopes they would clear and be options for the franchise in the event of injuries or call-ups when needed. The list is growing when you consider Adam Brooks, Michael Amadio and now Dzingel have all been claimed.
As for what the Maple Leafs will do next, Dubas said. “Every day is a new day. If we have the chance to improve the team, we will be looking to do so.”
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