Toronto Maple Leafs: Rickard Wallin Out, Korbinian Holzer In

Over the past two days the Toronto Maple Leafs have undergone some very minor tinkering. No blockbusters to report yet, but interesting moves nonetheless for us hardcore Leafers.

Yesterday it was reported that Rickard Wallin has decided to sign a contract with Farjestad of the Swedish Elite League.

Wallin will return to his home country to play next season, unless he exercises a clause in the contract that he can still return to the NHL if he receives an acceptable offer by June 15th.

Most Leafs fans are glad to see Wallin go as he did little to impress. However, it wasn't all bad. Wallin focuses well on the defensive side of the game, he is rarely caught out of position, and rarely does foolish things with the puck.

But since he has absolutely no offensive upside or any physical presence, Wallin's departure is a sigh of relief for most of Leafs Nation.

Today the Maple Leafs announced the signing of German defenseman Korbinian Holzer.

Holzer has been a fairly well known prospect for most Leafs fans over the past year or so. Playing with Germany in both the Olympics (this year) and the World Junior Championships (2007), it's clear that he's been highly touted as a solid international player for his home nation.

Holzer has also been known over the past week as being the guy who was completely obliterated by fellow Leaf (for now) Nik Kulemin at the IIHF World Hockey Championships in a game between Russia and Germany.

Playing with the DEG Metro Stars of the Deutsche Eishockey Liga, Holzer compiled 22 points and 96 penalty minutes in 52 games. 

B/R Featured Columnist Jeff Wahl actually wrote an article about Holzer a few weeks ago and picked him to contend for a roster spot with the big club next season. Wahl's article can be found here.

It's been quiet in Leaf-Land over the past month or so, but the draft is just around the corner. A couple of small moves like this are a great primer for what we all hope to be an eventful draft day.