LEAFS ADD D-MAN POLAK FROM ST. LOUIS
The Toronto Maple Leafs acquired defenseman Roman Polak from the St. Louis Blues for defenseman Carl Gunnarsson and a fourth-round draft pick in 2014.
What does it give the Toronto Maple Leafs
The Maple Leafs are trying to overhaul their blueline this off-season, and this is a good start. Polak is a right defensive defenseman who stays at home and can provide some grit and toughness from the back end. It's a definite need for Toronto. They shipped out a more passive defensive defender in Gunnarsson, plus a fourth-round pick to fill this hole.
What does it give the St. Louis Blues
In Gunnarsson, the Blues acquire a more mobile defender than Polak (with with less ruggedness). He's also a left defenseman who may end up playing alongside {P Jordan Leopol} (who could move to the right side) on the Blues' third pairing. In Toronto, Gunnarsson usually played on the first pairing, so this should be a better role for him moving forward.
Fantasy impact
There is nothing to see here from a fantasy standpoint, as neither Polak nor Gunnarsson have much to offer in this area. If this helps anyone here, it may be Toronto blueliner {P Morgan Rielly} (who could be paired with Polak in 2014-15).
