Twitter erupts after Maple Leafs trade Clarkson

David-Clarkson;-Toronto-Maple-Leafs;-Carolina-Hurricanes

Carolina Hurricanes' goalie Anton Khudobin makes a save on Toronto Maple Leafs' David Clarkson during second period NHL action in Toronto, Monday, Jan. 19, 2015. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Frank Gunn

Ryan McKenna February 26, 2015, 6:35 PM

Twitter erupted on Thursday night when the Toronto Maple Leafs traded forward David Clarkson to the Columbus Blue Jackets in exchange for Nathan Horton.

Toronto had signed Clarkson to a seven-year contract worth $36.75-million in 2013, although he struggled to find consistency with the Maple Leafs.

Fans were relieved to get rid of Clarkson and his contract, which only produced 26 points in 118 games.

https://twitter.com/LeafsandBolts/status/571098265887907840

Not saying this trade is popular in Canada right now but I just drove by this. pic.twitter.com/Vnn3M2S9YZ

— Down Goes Brown (@DownGoesBrown) February 27, 2015

@Sportsnet the Leafs just rid themselves of Clarkson's contract. I didn't think that was possible. #shocked

— Danielle Rushton (@Canadien_Girl11) February 26, 2015

https://twitter.com/Draisaitl29UT/status/571088330026123265

@Sportsnet I actually guffawed when I heard the news about Clarkson. Just too damn hilarious and shocking all at the same time

— Aaron (@Jimmyjiim) February 26, 2015

https://twitter.com/FranciscoErazo_/status/571085981929082881

@Sportsnet @ItsDeanBlundell it's safe to say that clarkson will become a good player now that he's not a leaf. As for Horton, good luck

— arthur stefani (@ArturoStefani) February 26, 2015

https://twitter.com/jimdavidCO/status/571090447378096128

There should be a ten minute standing ovation at the next home game for moving Clarkson.

— Chemmy (@felixpotvin) February 26, 2015

Leafs traded David Clarkson???? That's like winning the Stanley Cup for us Leaf fans. Lol

— Dave Stewart (@DveStewart) February 26, 2015

I hope Clarkson does well in #CBJ. I think he really tried and cared. He got off to a terrible start with the suspension and never recovered

— Dave Archbell (@mapleleafs22) February 26, 2015

https://twitter.com/justynoUT/status/571096308632547330

I, for one, will miss watching Clarkson on the #Leafs power play. For the comedy value of course :) #byebye

— Sherri (@TheFinerOne) February 26, 2015

https://twitter.com/tykelley_/status/571096548332867585

Good job #Shanahan on getting rid of #Clarkson I still can't believe he pulled it off.

— Colby (@Jorgy_83) February 27, 2015

Well, the last Horton the Leafs had worked out okay.

— Lance Hornby

https://twitter.com/bodman27/status/571096468775268352

Seriously I'm in shock right now. I really didn't think trading Clarkson was possible

— Darcy Armstrong (@DArm91) February 26, 2015

https://twitter.com/Whitemooseranch/status/571098628791496707

Just got home and need to catch up on all the news, but how in the world did the NHL approve the Clarkson/Horton trade?

— Colin (@greencleric) February 27, 2015

You best believe that I'm giving a standing O when they announce the Clarkson trade at tonight's game. pic.twitter.com/gcDmZvKL1i

— BK (@brendankennedy_) February 27, 2015