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Trade: Leafs acquire Bolland from Chicago

Dave Bolland

Chicago Blackhawks’ Dave Bolland (36) celebrates with teammates after scoring a goal during the first period of an NHL hockey game against the Calgary Flames in Chicago, Sunday, Dec. 5, 2010. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)

AP

Less than a week after scoring the Stanley Cup-winning goal, Dave Bolland is on the move.

The Chicago center is on his way to Toronto after a draft-day trade -- the Leafs gave the ‘Hawks their 51st and 117th overall selections from this year’s draft, and a fourth-rounder at the 2014 NHL Entry Draft.

Bolland, 27, had 7G-7A in 35 games last year, missing time late in the season and through the early parts of the playoffs with groin and foot injuries.

The Toronto native is heading into the final season of his five-year, $16.875 million deal, one that carries an average annual cap hit of $3.375 million.

The move makes a lot of sense from both sides.

Chicago had reportedly been shopping Bolland throughout the week. His deal will expire next summer and, given Chicago’s financial future -- the ‘Hawks are tight to the cap -- getting him back in the Windy City would’ve been difficult.

For Toronto, the move addresses a general lack of talent/depth at center. It also acts as a potential safeguard in the event the Leafs can’t reach a new deal with UFA forward Tyler Bozak, who was the club’s No. 1 this year.

“I can tell you that Randy [Carlyle] is very happy that we brought in David Bolland,” Leafs GM Dave Nonis said.