The Tampa Bay Lightning acquired forwards Carter Ashton and David Broll from the Toronto Maple Leafs in exchange for a conditional seventh round pick at the 2016 NHL Draft.
Condition of the draft pick: If Ashton plays in 15 games with #TBLightning next season the #Leafs will receive a 2016 7th round pick
— Lightning Insider (@Erik_Erlendsson) February 7, 2015
If Ashton does not appear in 15 games with #tblightning next season then #Leafs receive no compensation for this deal
— Lightning Insider (@Erik_Erlendsson) February 7, 2015
The deal frees up two contract spots for the Leafs, who were at the maximum of 50.
Ashton appeared in seven games for the Leafs this season registering a minus-3 rating. The 23-year-old was also suspended 20 games earlier this season after testing positive for a banned substance.
Originally a first-round pick (29th overall) of the Tampa Bay Lightning in 2009, Ashton was dealt to the Leafs in February 2012 for defenseman Keith Aulie.
In 12 American Hockey League games this season, Ashton has four goals and eight points with the Toronto Marlies.
Broll has split this season between the Marlies and the ECHL’s Orlando Solar Bears. The 22-year-old appeared in five NHL games with the Leafs last season registering an assist.
Both players will likely report to the Syracuse Crunch of the AHL.