SPORTSNET.CA
As first reported by Sportsnet Thursday night, the Toronto Maple Leafs have acquired the rights to gritty St. Louis Blues forward Jamal Mayers in exchange for a third-round pick (70th overall) at Friday’s draft.
Mayers featured in 80 games for the Blues last season, registering 12 goals and 15 assists with 91 penalty minutes.
A 10-year NHL veteran, Mayers has played his entire career with the Blues. The Toronto native was drafted by St. Louis in the fourth round (89th overall) of the 1993 NHL Entry Draft. In 595 career NHL games, he has recorded 71 goals and 87 assists for 158 points, along with 756 penalty minutes.
The 6’2″, 220-pound right winger has also suited up for Canada at the last two IIHF World Hockey Championships, winning a gold in 2007 and a silver in 2008.
"I want to thank Jamal for everything he has done for the Blues and the city of St. Louis," said Blues president John Davidson in a statement. "We wish Jamal and his family nothing but the best in his hometown of Toronto."
The Leafs continue to be at the centre of trade speculation ahead of Friday’s draft. On Thursday, defenceman Bryan McCabe released a statement through his agent in response to all the rumours. McCabe maintains that he is not interested in waiving his no-movement clause and wants to remain with the Leafs. Fellow defenceman Pavel Kubina is another name that is making the rounds. As of Friday, Kubina’s no-trade clause is lifted, giving the Leafs until mid-August to deal him before the clause kicks back in.
