Toronto Maple Leafs acquire Kyle Clifford from St. Louis Blues

Clifford, 30, is in the second year of a two-year contract that carries a $1 million charge against the cap. The Leafs, however, won't have to worry about that cap charge for the time being. Clifford cleared waivers earlier in the day, and he'll be reporting to their AHL affiliate, the Toronto Marlies, as a result.

Kyle Clifford, acquired by TOR, is a defensive fourth line forward with a poor penalty differential who's been playing pretty tiny minutes in St. Louis. #LeafsForever pic.twitter.com/p4807M6N0E

— JFresh (@JFreshHockey) November 16, 2021

The Leafs, of course, will have some familiarity with Clifford, as they acquired him alongside Jack Campbell from the Los Angeles Kings at the 2020 trade deadline. Clifford produced three points in 20 regular season contests for the Leafs, and then failed to find the scoresheet in their five games of playoff action.

A 12-year NHL veteran, Clifford is best known for his pugilist's posture, defensively reliable if unspectacular two-way profile, and his experience as a two-time Stanley Cup champion with the Kings organization.