Confirmed with Link: Leafs acquire Clifford from the Blues in exchange for future considerations

[Gabriel426]

Good move.
I guess the Leafs is prepare to dress, Ritchie, Simmonds, Clifford and Gabriel in the playoffs.

 

[Fogelhund]

he already cleared waivers, what makes you think he wouldn't again.

Now he doesn’t need to..

 

[The Iceman]

Flash back 2012-13
McLaren and Orr

2021
Simmonds and Clifford

 

[NastyKnies]

Now he doesn’t need to..

I know, I'm just saying no one wanted him regardless lol

 

[Menzinger]

Will be a Marlie, and available if they need a tough guy callup for the 4th line.

He seemed like he was likely a good voice in the room so will hopefully make a good impact with the younger prospects

 

[zeke]

After he cleared waivers. Makes a ton of sense.

He can stay on the Marlies as depth.

 

[hamzarocks]

That is definitely the reason.

Also don't teams have to pay actual cash if they claim someone from waivers?

I know it's probably like 40 or 50k but why spend that when you can get Clifford for no cash outgoing via future consideration

 

[The Iceman]

Will be a Marlie, and available if they need a tough guy callup for the 4th line.

He seemed like he was likely a good voice in the room so will hopefully make a good impact with the younger prospects

Clifford was an effective player in the playoffs for us.

 

[Gabriel426]

Will Clifford be the LW for AM and MM?

 

[Cecithepylon]

Clifford the big red offensive black hole

 

[Menzinger]

Clifford was an effective player in the playoffs for us.

He was. Though has apparently seemed to have taken a bit of a step back this season (haven't caught many blues games myself though).

I won't expect him in the lineup just yet. But will be useful to have him around depending on what happens with injuries

 

[Budz]

If he gets his act together will be a playoff add - no cap.

 

[KingsHockey24]

Not sure why people are saying he's awful; as someone who's watched just about every game he's played in he still brings it.

St. Louis just has some of the best forward depth in the entire NHL. It's gonna be sick to finally see him reunite with Simmonds after all these years.

 

[jiggy35]

Don’t mind it as long as it’s purely for locker room presence in the playoffs and gets in a game if he’s needed.

 

[Leafsfan74]

I was disappointed that he wasn't resigned last season, not for lack of effort by Dubas if reports are true.

Listen, I've stated I'm not into the fighting brand of hockey, but there are times when it serves a purpose, often to protect your players when the refs won't. Recall Simmonds taking exception last year to players hitting his goalie and he struck back. God Bless him for that. Most teams who lose their starting goalie are in deep trouble. Look at how a freak accident to Tavares probably cost the Leafs a series. I don't like how soft the Leafs look in after-the-whistle scrum in general.

More importantly, he's a big, willing, bruising body who can be a wingman for Simmonds if need be, something I believe could have made a crash line had he resigned last season. Yes, he will be buried in the minors, but Kyle knows the player, he likes him (so do I after seeing him play a smart, solid game in his role, i.e no stupid penalties or unnecessary roughness) so he would have no hesitation in calling him up and every player would welcome it.

You need balance in your lineup. Different looks and attitude/presence (I love that word since Dubas used it). When a guy has won multiple Cups and has kept himself in the league by being an effective physical presence, all players regardless of their salary or talent will listen when he speaks.

 

[Crosscrease14]

Is Dubas lurking? Someone here posted this would be a smart move if Clifford clears. Gives them another grit option if Simmonds gets hurts and some jam for the Marlies in the meantime. Don't see any downside really.

 

[Leafsfan74]

Both the season and playoffs are a long grind. They've messed around acquiring big bodies in the AHL that are probably not capable of playing in the NHL. Clifford was selected to fill a niche we could have a problem replacing if we lose Simmonds.

Never a bad thing to have someone with a clearly defined role. I've blocked out the memories of the Habs series but I'm sure there were moments of the Leafs getting man-handled and nobody responding.

I'd actually put them on a line together at some point and see how they work. Leaf fans shouldn't be shy about a line of slower, veteran players who bring some forecheck and physicality to the game. It's why you roll four lines.

 

[lovemyleafs]

certified bum

 

[PromisedLand]

LOL

 

[Buds17]

Not too surprising considering the history with Clifford and the previous precedent of acquiring a player in this manner (Galchenyuk). Good depth that can be called upon when needed.

 

[ToDavid]

he already cleared waivers, what makes you think he wouldn't again.

But had the Leafs claimed him, he wouldn't have already cleared waivers

 

[frog]

Just what we need solidifies the 3rd line and PK can fill in top 6 if need extra sandpaper.

 

[NastyKnies]

But had the Leafs claimed him, he wouldn't have already cleared waivers

lmao you got me there.

 

[Nylander88]

Will Clifford be the LW for AM and MM?

He can likely do it as well as Ritchie in his trial run haha
Guess we'll see if that changes at all tonight

 

[All Mod Cons]

Considering we practically picked him up on waivers, does that mean that the Blues are miles better than us and their fans can laugh at us.

Kinda how some guys acted with Brooks?