Leafs acquire Steckel from Devils

Hey Sidney, better keep your head up when you play the Toronto Maple Leafs.

The Leafs acquired centre David Steckle from the New Jersey Devils Tuesday afternoon. Toronto sent their fourth round draft pick in 2012 to New Jersey in return.

Steckel, you'll recall, hit Crosby in the head with his elbow in the outdoor game last Jan. 1 - a blow many believe caused Crosby to be concussed. Crosby, however, played in the Pittsburgh Penguins next game against the Tampa Bay Lightning, but hasn't played since following a hit into the end boards by defenceman Victor Hedman.

Steckel, who hails from Milwaukee, Wisc., and stands 6-foot-6 and weighs 215 pounds, obviously gives the Leafs additional size down the middle, but he's also strong on faceoffs. He led the NHL with a 62.3 winning percentage last season split between Washington and New Jersey. He was traded to the Devils along with Washington's second round draft pick in 2012 for veteran centre Jason Arnott.

When asked about the acquisition of the 29-year-old Steckel who had six goals and 12 points in 75 games last season, Leafs GM Brian Burke told sportsnet.ca, "He brings size, character and the ability to win faceoffs to our team."

In 309 NHL games, the 30th overall pick from the 2001 entry draft has 24 goals and 59 points to go with 115 penalty minutes.

Veteran hockey columnist Mike Brophy will cover the Toronto Maple Leafs for sportsnet.ca for the 2011/12 season.