The rumors have finally ended surrounding Kerby Rychel. The former first round pick was traded to the Toronto Maple Leafs in exchange for defenseman Scott Harrington and a conditional fifth round draft choice in the 2017 NHL Entry Draft.
After years of being buried by young and emerging wingers, Rychel is now in a position to become a top six or top line winger with the rebuilding Maple Leafs. Heck, he could be playing alongside Auston Matthews.
As for Harrington, he was a former second round pick of the Pittsburgh Penguins, and was part of the Phil Kessel trade that landed him in Toronto. After an injury riddled season, he is looking to rebounded. In Columbus, he could become a top four defenseman at best, and a tweener at worst. With him coming here, it is highly likely that Justin Falk or Fedor Tyutin is gone.
With the fifth rounder, the condition is if Harrington is placed on waivers and is claimed by another team, than Columbus gets a fifth round draft pick. If not, then Toronto keeps the draft pick.
The question is now, what can each player become with their new teams?
Who do you think won the trade?
What are your thoughts on the Toronto Maple Leafs' offensive group?
What are your thoughts on the Blue Jackets' defensive group?
More to come…