Carter Ashton: A Look at the Newest Toronto Maple Leaf

While the Toronto Maple Leafs didn't make a big splash at the NHL trade deadline, they were able to address an organizational need by acquiring big-bodied forward Carter Ashton from the Tampa Bay Lightning in exchange for defensive prospect Keith Aulie.

A native of Winnipeg, Manitoba, Ashton was selected during the first round, 29th overall, in the 2009 NHL entry draft.

This season, as a member of the AHL Norfolk Admirals, Ashton has amassed 35 points—19 goals and 16 assists—and has a plus/minus rating of plus-eight. 

You may recognize his name from the 2011 IIHF World Junior Hockey tournament, which was played in Buffalo, New York. As a member of team Canada, Ashton scored a memorable goal in the gold medal game versus Russia.  

The book on Toronto's latest addition is quite simple. At 6'3" and 215 pounds, he is projected to become a top-six power forward in the NHL.

Although he may never be as highly touted, think of Philadelphia Flyers forward James Van Riemsdyk for a comparison.

Ashton, similarly to Van Riemsdyk, can skate extremely well considering his size, and he has the hands to finish.

When asked where the Leafs see Ashton filling their roster, GM consultant Rick Dudley told Paul Hendrick of LeafsTV that the management team in Toronto projects him to be a second or third-line forward.

In an email to TSN's Pierre LeBrun, GM Brian Burke of the Leafs spoke highly of Ashton's size, skill and good wheels. Burke went on to note in his post-deadline remarks to the media that, while Ashton does not play an overly-physical style, he does have a fair bit of grit and sandpaper to his game.

For the Leafs, the acquisition of Ashton fills an obvious organizational need, which is size at the forward positions.

He will play the remainder of the AHL season with the Toronto Marlies and will more than likely see playing time along Joe Colborne, who himself was big-bodied forward acquisition for the Leafs a year ago.

In Keith Aulie, Toronto gave up an excellent defensive prospect who will join a young group of quality NHL defencemen that includes the likes of former second-overall pick Victor Hedman.

While the winner of this trade will remain to be seen, both teams deserve much credit for being able to address specific roster needs without great sacrifice.

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