Ducks Trade Peter Holland to Maple Leafs

The Toronto Maple Leafs have acquired Peter Holland from the Anaheim Ducks for Marlie's defenseman Jesse Blacker and picks (a conditional third rounder that can become a second rounder based on games Pete plays, as well as a seventh rounder, according to Dan Rosen of NHL.com). My favorite part is that the Ducks also send Brad Staubitz to Toronto in this deal. Go salary and/or contract dump, go!

Pension Plan Puppets wrote up this about  Blacker before this season started, ranking him at number 10 on their 25 Under 25 series. Acquiring him is likely just bolstering the ranks in Norfolk and giving guys like Sami Vatanen someone to play with while there. While injuries and exceptional play could give us a glimpse of Blacker one day, it is probably further off - but defensemen mature into their game at a different rate than forwards, so let's not write him off yet. Depth at the blue is good depth to have.

As for Holland, he will likely play for the Maple Leafs immediately. Word is, they have to send a body back to the Marlies to get him into tonight's lineup, but given their abysmal depth at center due to injuries and suspensions (Bozak, Bolland, Kadri), they need him NOW.

As for Anaheim, Rickard Rakell has passed Pete in the depth chart and will likely be sent back to the Ads when Saku Koivu returns. What this does is give Holland a crack at the NHL beyond this organization's current forward depth, as it was clear he wasn't going to be the first called up after Rakell's recent performances.

Plus, no more Staubitz.