Maple Leafs add Riley Nash in trade with Columbus

The Toronto Maple Leafs have added some forward depth, just days ahead of Monday’s NHL trade deadline.

The Leafs have acquired centre Riley Nash in a trade with Columbus Blue Jackets, in exchange for a conditional seventh round draft pick in 2022. The seventh rounder will become a sixth round pick if Nash appears in 25% of the Leafs’ playoff games in 2021.

The 31-year-old veteran has scored seven points (2-5-7) in 37 games with the Blue Jackets this season. He scored a career-high 41 points in 2017-18, when he was a member of the Boston Bruins.

In 578 NHL regular games with Carolina, Columbus, and Boston, Nash has recorded 172 points (63-109-172), plus eight points (2-6-8) in 32 career Stanley Cup playoff games.

Nash will likely play a bottom-six forward role with the Leafs, and can contribute on the penalty kill if needed.