Blackhawks Trade Dave Bolland To Maple Leafs On Draft Day

The Chicago Blackhawks sent Dave Bolland to the Toronto Maple Leafs on Sunday in exchange for three draft picks. Bolland scored the goal that gave Chicago another Stanley Cup ring but he’s now heading to Toronto.

Rumors of a trade began surfacing last week and Chicago made the deal to bring in picks which will lead to more prospects. The move comes at a particularly odd time as Bolland was the savior in Game 6 of the Stanley Cup finals.

In 2013, Bolland finished with seven goals and seven assists in 35 games. His success in the playoffs made him a fan favorite but that is all behind us now after the trade.

In return for Bolland, the Blackhawks received the Maple Leafs 51st and 117th overall picks in Sunday’s draft along with a fourth-round pick in 2014.

Last week Bolland was approached about a potential trade by reporters during the team’s final media day.

“I’d love to be back here next year. But whatever happens, happens,” Dave Bolland said. “It’s the NHL and trades happen, I’d love to be back here, I love Chicago. But it’s a game and this is what happens.”

Like he said, it’s the NHL and trades happen. In this case, it only took three days to be completed and he’ll be suiting up for Toronto next season because of it.

The 27-year-old has one year left on his five-year deal. His numbers this past season dropped off, but a lot of that can be credited to his drop to the Blackhawks’ second line.

His playoff experience could do wonders in Toronto as they are still looking to get over the hump. Giving away three draft picks for the center is a whole different story, and it could be costly if he struggles in Canada.

Do you think Dave Bolland was the right choice for the Toronto Maple Leafs?

[Image via Creative Commons]