The Toronto Maple Leafs have traded left-handed defenseman Andreas Borgman to the St. Louis Blues for right-handed defenseman Jordan Schmaltz.
The 25-year old Schmaltz was drafted 25th overall in the first-round of the 2012 draft by the Blues.
The 24-year-old Borgman was not drafted.
Thoughts from the media
Cap Friendly: “With regards to the trade, it’s worth noting that while both players have a cap hit of $700,000 at the NHL level, Andreas Borgman was waiver exempt for 1 more season or 22 NHL games. Whereas Jordan Schmaltz is no longer exempt and would require waivers if sent down.”
Lou Korac: “Yes, gives Blues $700K. Schmaltz second year of his contract was a one-way and no chance he was beating out someone here. He would have gone on waivers. Borgman has a two-way contract.”
Jonas Siegel: “Leafs suddenly a lot deeper at RD: Barrie, Ceci, Schmaltz, Holl, Liljegren…”
Andy Strickland: “Two players in similar places, looking for situations that can land them jobs in #NHL. Schmaltz a former 1st round pick of the #stlblues. Was not with team during Stanley Cup run”
Lou Korac: “This is a good move for both Schmaltz and the #stlblues. He needed a fresh start somewhere else. It was not working out here and others in system (Reinke) passed Schmaltz on the depth chart.”
- Kristen Shilton: “Similarly, Andreas Borgman stands to benefit from a new environment and a new chance at cracking an NHL lineup in St. Louis. Been injury prone in Toronto, doesn’t play with a lot of speed and a bit rough edges a bit, but there’s raw talent and physicality there”
- Lou Korac: “Borgman will be a depth piece for the #stlblues but more importantly, has a two-way contract for $700K/$200K ..”
J.D. Burke: “Thing is, Schmaltz has been really, really bad at the NHL level. I get the handedness component, but I think the talent disparity is noteworthy.”
J.D. Burke: “I’d be pretty happy with this move, if I were a Blues’ fan. I think Borgman has it in him to play NHL minutes for them next season. As for the Leafs; I’m having a tough time understanding this one. Clearly, they see something in Jordan Schmaltz that I don’t.”
Steve Dangle: “Borgman’s got a superhero body and could probably switch to professional wrestling if he wanted. Can hit and skate. Plenty of raw tools to like. Guy just can’t avoid injuries. Bummed he didn’t work out here, he was a good bet coming out of Sweden. Take care of him, St. Louis.”
Here is Jordan Schmaltz, who is on a one-way contract, in last year's Player Usage Chart with the #STLBlues
It's not pretty, albeit small sample size.https://t.co/wmmZ18JRrC pic.twitter.com/h9nNXDe0uX
— Dobber (@DobberHockey) July 25, 2019
Andreas Borgman
Jordan Schmaltz