Toronto Maple Leafs Acquire Eric Fehr from Pittsburgh Penguins

The Toronto Maple Leafs squeezed in one more deal before the NHL Trade Deadline and officially freed Frank Corrado in the process.

It took until the 3 p.m. deadline, but the Toronto Maple Leafs made another deal before the NHL Trade Deadline, acquiring Eric Fehr, Steve Oleksy and a fourth-round pick from the Pittsburgh Penguins for Frank Corrado, according to TSN’s Bob McKenzie and Pierre LeBrun.

The big news from this trade is the departure of Corrado, who, as some would say, is finally freed from Mike Babcock’s banishment. First, though, let’s get into what the Leafs acquired from the Penguins.

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Fehr is a decent depth piece and has proven to be a good acquisition in the past. However, the 31-year-old veteran has been below average the past two seasons and his lackluster play has led to a decline in his point total, shot differential and overall ice time.

The Leafs could have picked Fehr up off waivers, but with the team right up against the contract limit it would have required them to make a corresponding move. This deal doesn’t help the Leafs with their log-jam of contacts, in fact, it actually puts them at the maximum 50-contract limit, but acquiring a fourth-round pick for a veteran player who only has a $2 million cap hit next season is a solid move.

As for Oleksy, he’s a depth piece, too, and can jump into the Leafs lineup if needed. In all likelihood, though, we will rarely see the 31-year-old veteran suit up for the Leafs. Contract wise, he only carries a cap hit of $575,000 and he will become a restricted free agent this offseason.

The prominent name from this trade, at least in Leafs’ land, is Corrado. The highly scrutinized defenceman, who is best known for feuding with Babcock and the hashtag #FreeCorrado, was finally granted his wish out of Toronto.

Toronto Maple Leafs

Corrado’s time in Toronto was tumultuous at best. He only played in 39 games for the Leafs last season and then saw his playing time completely disappear this season, playing in only two games. He was eventually placed on waivers, cleared them, and then sent down to the Toronto Marlies, where he racked up nine points in 11 games.

Considering how everything went in Toronto, I’m sure Corrado is relieved to have a fresh start in Pittsburgh. There’s no guarantee he will crack the Penguins deep lineup, but he should get a shot to make the roster next season.

Overall, this is a deal that helps the Leafs out in the immediate and long-term future. Fehr is a veteran who can contribute at the NHL level and is on an expiring deal next seson, and the Leafs at least got something for their investment in Corrado, which is a huge bonus.

This isn’t a deal that will move the needle for the Leafs, but it is one that can help them out. Plus, let’s face it, this was a slow NHL Trade Deadline day, so we’re just happy to see a deal get done!

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What do you think about the Toronto Maple Leafs trading Frank Corrado? Are you happy to see him go? Or do you wish the team would have given him a chance? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.