Leafs Trade David Clarkson for Nathan Horton

Look at your calendar all you want, but it’s not April 1st. David Clarkson has been traded to the Columbus Blue Jackets for Nathan Horton.

So, here’s how this breaks down. The Toronto Maple Leafs give up David Clarkson, who is on year two of a seven year, 36 million dollar, signing-bonus laden contract that delivers a 5.25 million dollar cap hit per year. He’s put up 15 points in 58 games this year, and 26 points in 118 games with the Maple Leafs. Clarkson’s contract has a no-movement clause and the bonus structure makes it difficult to buy out.

Horton is on year two of a seven year contract that pays him $350,000 more over the course of the deal. In the 2013/14 season, Horton put up 19 points in 36 games with the Columbus Blue Jackets. Since then, Horton has suffered through degenerative back issues, that have put his career in jeopardy moving forward.

Neither team will retain any salary in the transaction.