The Toronto Maple Leafs have placed Milan Michalek on waivers as of noon Monday and claimed Ben Smith from the Colorado Avalanche.
It looks as though Seth Griffith is going to have to bide his time a little longer, much like Corrado last season after being plucked off of the waiver wire. Ben Smith is being inserted into the 4th line in place of Connor Brown who has been promoted to the line of Nazem Kadri and Leo Komarov.
The addition of Smith takes the Leafs 49 Standard Player Contracts, one below the limit. If Michalek goes down to the Marlies, the Leafs will save $950,000 of Michalek’s $4,000,000 cap hit while adding Ben Smith’s $675,000 — a difference of $275,000 in cap space gained, or $255,000 prorated for the rest of the season. The 28-year-old Smith is a UFA at season’s end.
Babcock says Ben Smith fills "niche" for Leafs; PKer who can take face-offs
Hyman, Komarov on top PK tandem, neither comfortable in circle
— Mark Masters (@markhmasters) October 24, 2016
Babcock says Ben Smith adds to penalty killing depth for the Leafs
— Pierre LeBrun (@Real_ESPNLeBrun) October 24, 2016