Carter Ashton (RW) – First AHL season – 19-16-35 with 58 PIM
and +8 in 56 games
Keith Aulie (D) – 0-1-1 with 30 PIM and a -8 in 23 games
with Marlies
-0-2-2 with 16 PIM and a -2 in 17 games with Leafs
-0-2-2 with 16 PIM and a -2 in 17 games with Leafs
There are quite a few Toronto fans freaking out right now
because this was the only Leafs trade of significance this trade deadline. “What’s
a Carter Ashton?” seems to be the most popular question. Well for starters he
was drafted in the first round in 2009 and represented Canada in the 2011 World
Juniors. No, it’s not a trade that will have a huge impact on the Leafs playoff
hopes this season but in my opinion it was a good move. The Leafs have great
defensive depth and Keith Aulie was seen as a spare part especially with the
emergence of Jake Gardiner. Aulie has been
outshone by Gardiner and had trouble cracking the line-up. Also, Aulie’s rookie
contract is over this year whereas Carter Ashton’s has just started. Ashton
will likely finish up his rookie year with the Marlies and could see a lot of
time on the top line. A physical forward with decent point production, the
Leafs should look forward to seeing him improve. The Lightning on the other
hand will likely see Keith Aulie quickly competing for a roster spot but he’ll
be up against fellow newcomers Brian Lee and Mike Commodore. His stats aren’t great
but he’s a big guy that will likely grow into a solid shutdown defenseman. With
Tampa Bay still in the playoff race, the young defender could prove to be some
help in getting them there provided he develops some chemistry with the team.
Tampa Bay gets a B for the trade (developing stay-at-home defenseman)
and Toronto gets a B+ (tough winger with decent point production)
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