Lightning And Leafs Swap Prospects

Tampa Bay Lightning Acquire: Keith Aulie Toronto Maple Leafs Acquire: Carter Ashton

Review:

The Tampa Bay Lightning went into today's deadline with the goal of solidifying their defense and with this move they do a good job of that. Keith Aulie is a big 6'6 defenseman that has a good defensive skill-set. At only twenty-two years old his upside is really high. Thus far in his career he has been more of a defense-only guy, but I personally believe there might be some offensive talent that has not been realized yet. He could play NHL minutes now, and fit in well. He's a great fit with the Lightning, but the price they paid wasn't cheap. 

They sent Carter Ashton to the Toronto Maple Leafs. Ashton is a bit younger than Aulie at just twenty-years of age. He's a player that Leafs General Manager Brian Burke has liked for a long time because of his style of play. His skill-set is a mixture of size, hockey sense, skill, and speed, which is an extremely hard package to find in a player. This season is his first playing full-time in the American Hockey League and he's been very good for the Norfolk Admirals (Lightning AHL Affiliate) with 35 points in 56 games and a plus-8. He might not be NHL ready yet, but within a year I expect him to be an every day player with the Leafs. 

I've heard some people call this trade a steal for the Leafs, but I disagree with that assessment. Sure, they may come out on top a little bit, but both teams got a player that filled a long-term need while giving up one that either didn't fit in their plans or was expendable due to other players at their position.