The Leafs have some more clarity on the state of their roster with an hour to go before the trade deadline as William Lagesson has been claimed off waivers by the Ducks.
#NHLDucks claim William Lagesson off waivers from #Leafs.
— Frank Seravalli (@frank_seravalli) March 8, 2024
This move, in combination with the paper transaction of Matthew Knies to the Marlies, opens up around $1.8 million for the Leafs to use if they wish to make any last-minute additions before the 3 p.m. deadline. While it is unclear at the time of writing how they will choose to utilize it, the flexibility for them to make a move is available to them nonetheless.
This move was initially done to make room for Joel Edmundson’s arrival and given that Lagesson was no longer an everyday player, the writing was on the wall for him to get sent down on waivers. Although it will hurt their depth now that he is no longer in the fold, this does open up a roster spot that the Leafs can use if needed.
Originally brought in on a one-year contract this offseason, Lagesson was meant to be additional insurance on the backend in case Toronto ran into injury trouble. That scenario ended up occurring which resulted in him getting into a bunch of NHL games where he had his moments of responsible play but did not do enough to earn a permanent spot in the lineup. That became more apparent once the Leafs got fully healthy when he was a healthy scratch for nearly two months.
He played in 30 NHL games with the Leafs prior to getting claimed by Ahaheim where he recorded four assists in that span. He also appeared in five AHL games with the Marlies while picking up an assist.
Originally taken 91st overall in the 2014 Draft by Edmonton, he has appeared in 90 career NHL games split between the Oilers, Canadiens, and Leafs. The Swedish defenceman has 11 assists so far and is still looking for his first NHL goal.
