Alexey Marchenko Claimed on Waivers by Toronto Maple Leafs

With Brendan Smith returning from injury tonight and the Red Wings holding too many defensemen, Alexey Marchenko was placed on waivers yesterday to make roster space. Today, we found out that Marchenko has been claimed by the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Toronto currently sits 18th in the league, meaning 11 clubs passed on Marchenko in the waiver order at least.

To make room, Toronto made a waiver move themselves:

(also haha screw you, Ribeiro).

Corrado was a previous waiver claim that has fallen out of favor with coach Babcock. It’s not certain how much of a shot Marchenko will get in Toronto, but with their defense corps, he will likely find more opportunity than he did in Detroit’s logjam.

Toronto takes on Marchenko’s entire $1.45M salary in this move and will retain Marchenko’s rights as he becomes a restricted free agent next summer.