David Clarkson Traded for Nathan Horton: Latest Details, Comments and Reaction

The Toronto Maple Leafs and Columbus Blue Jackets swapped right wingers in a Thursday trade.

David Clarkson will head from Toronto to Columbus, as Nathan Horton takes his place on the Maple Leafs' roster.

An official release on the Blue Jackets' website confirmed news of the deal. It featured comments from Columbus general manager Jarmo Kekalainen about the significance of acquiring Clarkson:

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David Clarkson has been a 30-goal scorer in the NHL who will bring added character and leadership to our group and we believe he will be a valuable contributor to our team. While we are excited to welcome David to the Blue Jackets, it is also difficult that Nathan's time here has ended prematurely due to his injury situation. He is a tremendous person and we wish him and his family all the best in the future.

"

TSN's Bob McKenzie analyzed the implications of the exchange:

NBC4's Matt Barnes provided more specifics on the expensive price tag Horton cost the Blue Jackets while nursing a career-threatening back injury:

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Horton had a cap hit of $5.3 million per year and is signed thru 2020. So Clarkson costs less and shorter term...and again, can play

— Matt Barnes (@Matt_NBC4) February 26, 2015"

It is unfortunate that Columbus fans didn't get to see more of what Horton could do. He's been out of the lineup for the most part since joining the team in 2013.

However, Kekalainen moved forward with a savvy decision to land a power forward in Clarkson, who can certainly contribute.

Clarkson's best season came with the New Jersey Devils in 2011-12, when he scored 30 goals and added 16 assists in 80 games. His offensive prowess should provide a spark up front for the Blue Jackets, who enter Thursday's action ranked 23rd in goals per game.

Toronto may never get anything out of Horton given his precarious health situation, but he could be quite the comeback story if he takes the ice and thrives again.