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The Leafs have decided to take a flyer on 24-year-old defenceman Tim Erixon, claiming him off waivers from the Chicago Blackhawks.

Erixon’s a former 2009 first round pick of the Calgary Flames who hasn’t found a stable spot in the League yet. He is an RFA at season’s end.

Tim Erixon Scouting Report

A strong, aggressive rearguard .. all-around type .. moves well in all directions, propelled by a long, powerful stride.. handles pressure well ... initiates physical contact and knows how to apply his large, sturdy frame .. proactive rushing the puck, relying on his skating and reach advantage .. not a natural possession type - can get let down by his first touch .. does make smart pinches and is quite assertive supporting the rush .. tends to over extend himself however - on both sides of the puck .. must learn to be patient defending 1 on 1 .. positioning can still be scattered - in part due to a propensity to swirl in arcs - and get angled the wrong way .. does possess strong recovery, including a good active stick and solid shot-block technique .. closes gaps quickly, underscored by a rangy upper body .. must continue to improve strength and physical efficiency.
 - Gus Katsaros, McKeen's Hockey

Chicago had previously traded forward Jeremy Morin for Erixon earlier this season after Morin, productive for several seasons in the AHL, couldn’t find the opportunity he wanted on a deep Blackhawks team. Erixon played only eight games for the Blackhawks since that mid-December trade, getting spot duty as their seventh defenceman and averaging only 9:59 in time on ice over those games.

In addition to Morin (who, with this waiver claim, now effectively went for nothing), Chicago’s moved four defencemen 25 and under in the last month — the Leafs have grabbed two, with the TJ Brennan for Spencer Abbott trade and this latest pickup of Erixon off waivers, while Klaus Dahlbeck was traded in the Vermette deal. They also flipped defenceman Adam Clendening, 36th overall pick in 2011, for long-term project and 2014 5th round pick Gustav Forsling as Clendening was approaching waiver eligibility.

The Leafs are almost definitely going to be offloading another defenceman or two themselves by the deadline based on these two moves. Korbinian Holzer has been showcased as of late, last night getting a chance on a top pairing with Dion Phaneuf in 19:33 of icetime. Holzer is likely a 2:30 p.m. proposition  at tomorrow’s deadline for potential suitors should other depth options fall through. He hasn’t looked half bad this season, but at 27 and replacement level, the Leafs will grab a pick if they can.

Roman Polak’s been identified as the type of veteran the Leafs wouldn’t mind keeping around in what is likely to be another lean season next year, but, without a second round pick in 2015, the Leafs should jump at the chance to grab one if that type of value is out there for Polak. If they’re unable to get the pick or what they feel is equivalent value (prospect or what have you), the Leafs may hold on as he can always be moved next deadline.

Erixon, meanwhile, is a why-not addition with no commitment beyond season’s end. He’s on the right side of 25 still and has only appeared in 78 NHL games, so essentially one full season. There’s some tools here with his size, skating and puck moving ability, although obviously some big holes too given he’s a former first rounder who has bounced around a lot in his young career.

(The Leafs’ Twitter account is using advanced stats now since the NHL.com launch! SAT% = Shot Attempt Percentage/Corsi For%).

As Blue Jays GM Alex Anthopoulos likes to say, “it’s a free look,” and the Leafs should be able to offer some opportunity and minutes to Erixon in the final 20 games.

Steve Staios on Tim Erixon claim: