Tip of the Tower
Fansided

Toronto Maple Leafs Trade Daniel Winnik to the Washington Capitals

By David Morassutti

Jan 9, 2015; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs center Daniel Winnik (26) celebrates his goal in the first period against the Columbus Blue Jackets at Air Canada Centre. Mandatory Credit: Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 9, 2015; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs center Daniel Winnik (26) celebrates his goal in the first period against the Columbus Blue Jackets at Air Canada Centre. Mandatory Credit: Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit

The Toronto Maple Leafs completed their fourth trade this week by sending forward Daniel Winnik to the Washington Capitals

It looks like the Toronto Maple Leafs could not wait for trade deadline day as they announced a trade Sunday night with the Washington Capitals. After the undesirable return for James Reimer from the San Jose Sharks, GM Lou Lamoriello made up for it by trading Daniel Winnik in an interesting deal for many reasons.

In 56 games this season Winnik has four goals, 10 assists, and 14 points, while averaging 1:41 per game on the penalty kill. He goes to Washington in hopes of adding some grit and versatility, which Capitals GM Brian MacLellan talked about after the trade broke.

Related Story: Leafs Trade James Reimer to San Jose Sharks

This is the second straight season that the Leafs have traded Winnik at the trade deadline. Last year they moved him to the Pittsburgh Penguins and eventually brought him back this past summer. With the Capitals seen as favourites to go to the Stanley Cup Finals, the Leafs did Winnik a huge favour by trading him. The return was well worth it, though.

Toronto Maple Leafs
Dec 28, 2015; Buffalo, NY, USA; Washington Capitals center Brooks Laich (21) during the game against the Buffalo Sabres at First Niagara Center. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports /

Brooks Laich played 741 games with the Capitals scoring 133 goals, adding 191 assists for 324 points in that time. The past couple of seasons have been tough for Laich as he has dealt with some injury issues.

This season he has been unable to provide the offence that he has in the past. He set a career high in goals with 25 in 2009-10 and is usually good to get between 15-20 goals, but the Capitals were looking to unload his contract. He still has two season left after this season with an AAV of $4.5 million, if he can get things going offensively he might present the Leafs with some options going into next season. With the Leafs having a lot of cap space available it was easy for them to take on the 32 year old’s contract while securing a higher return as a result.

More from Tip of the Tower

Since the Capitals did not have to retain any salary, the Leafs were able to acquire a second round pick and a prospect in the deal. The Leafs now have two picks in every round except for the fifth and seventh rounds of the 2016 draft. They also picked up prospect Connor Carrick in the deal, which gives the Leafs a valuable piece moving forward. Carrick could see some time with the Leafs for the rest of the season and have a chance to play a prominent role on the Toronto Marlies power play in the AHL playoffs.

The Leafs may not be done with deals at the trade deadline with players like P.A. Parenteau, Brady Boyes, Michael Grabner and Mark Arcobello on the block. There is also the possibility of players like Leo Komarov, Nazem Kadri and Tyler Bozak being shopped. But the priority will be expiring contracts, which has been the focus of Lamoriello’s trades this week.

Next: Leafs Looking to Move Jared Cowen Before Deadline

Be sure to check our trade deadline thread on Monday for updates all day long.

Home/Toronto Maple Leafs