TORONTO CLAIMED MARCHENKO OFF WAIVERS

With Brendan Smith returning to the Red Wings’ lineup on Saturday, Alexey Marchenko was placed on Waivers on Friday and was claimed by the Toronto Maple Leafs this afternoon. 

Former Red Wings’ head coach Mike Babcock had Marchenko on his squad back in 2014-15, but the Russian blueliner appeared in just 13 games, collecting one goal and one assist. Babcock must have liked what he’s seen out of Marchenko though and probably talked the Maple Leafs’ front office into claiming him. Marchenko has just six assists in 30 games under Jeff Blashill this season. 

Getting Smith back in the lineup is great and all, but not at the expense of a 24-year-old right handed defenseman. For years the Red Wings have been in need of right handed defensemen and all of a sudden they’re in a position to give them away? I think not. 

As I mentioned yesterday, this could have been avoided by placing someone like Jonathan Ericsson or Niklas Kronwall on waivers. However, Ken Holland is going to Ken Holland and would never do that to a veteran. 

In a corresponding move, the Maple Leafs placed Frankie Corrado on waivers. He has been highly regarded in Toronto, despite only appearing in two games this season. The Red Wings could consider claiming him and waiving Jonathan Eri….oh never mind.