Maple Leafs Somehow Rid Themselves Of David Clarkson's Contract

The Maple Leafs earned a small victory today. Ha, no, not on the ice. Toronto found a team willing to take on the albatross that is David Clarkson's contract. Congratulations, Blue Jackets!

For those unfamiliar with Clarkson's contract, let's get you up to speed: It's bad. ( Grantland's Sean McIndoe can add more color.) His cap hit for the next five years is $5,250,000 per year, and he's not nearly good enough to justify it. Why did the Blue Jackets take him on? Who knows.

In return, Toronto receives Nathan Horton, who might not ever step on the ice again due to a degenerative back injury. The Leafs will still pay him, but he's currently on long-term injured reserve. For the Leafs, Horton's situation is easier to work with than Clarkson's.

Photo: AP