Blue Jackets acquire Clarkson from Maple Leafs

Columbus, OH (SportsNetwork.com) – The Columbus Blue Jackets acquired forward David Clarkson from the Toronto Maple Leafs on Thursday in exchange for injured forward Nathan Horton.

Clarkson was in the second year of a seven-year contract he signed with the Maple Leafs on July 5, 2013. He had 10 goals and five assists in 58 games this season.

“David Clarkson has been a 30-goal scorer in the NHL who will bring added character and leadership to our group and we believe he will be a valuable contributor to our team,” said Blue Jackets general manager Jarmo Kekalainen.

The 30-year-old Clarkson has totaled 112 goals and 84 assists with 955 penalty minutes in 544 career games for the New Jersey Devils and Maple Leafs.

“While we are excited to welcome David to the Blue Jackets, it is also difficult that Nathan’s time here has ended prematurely due to his injury situation,” Kekalainen added. “He is a tremendous person and we wish him and his family all the best in the future.”

The Blue Jackets signed Horton to a seven-year deal in July 2013, but offseason shoulder surgery delayed his debut with the club until January. The 29-year-old hasn’t played this season because of a back injury that could end his career.

Horton has registered 203 goals and 218 assists in 627 career games with the Florida Panthers, Boston Bruins and Blue Jackets. The No. 3 overall pick in the 2003 draft was a member of the Bruins’ 2011 Stanley Cup-winning team.

Categorized in: NHL