Twitter erupted on Thursday night when the Toronto Maple Leafs traded forward David Clarkson to the Columbus Blue Jackets in exchange for Nathan Horton.
Toronto had signed Clarkson to a seven-year contract worth $36.75-million in 2013, although he struggled to find consistency with the Maple Leafs.
Fans were relieved to get rid of Clarkson and his contract, which only produced 26 points in 118 games.
I burnt my dinner after the Clarkson trade was announced. I stood there staring at my phone until my dog barked at the fire on the stove…
— Ryan (@LeafsandBolts) February 27, 2015
Not saying this trade is popular in Canada right now but I just drove by this. pic.twitter.com/Vnn3M2S9YZ
— Down Goes Brown (@DownGoesBrown) February 27, 2015
@Sportsnet the Leafs just rid themselves of Clarkson's contract. I didn't think that was possible. #shocked
— Danielle Rushton (@Canadien_Girl11) February 26, 2015
@Sportsnet I think this is just a dream
— . (@Draisaitl29UT) February 26, 2015
@Sportsnet I actually guffawed when I heard the news about Clarkson. Just too damn hilarious and shocking all at the same time
— Aaron (@Jimmyjiim) February 26, 2015
@gabemontoyaa @mapleleafs Is this a joke ?
— Francisco (@FranciscoErazo_) February 26, 2015
@Sportsnet @ItsDeanBlundell it's safe to say that clarkson will become a good player now that he's not a leaf. As for Horton, good luck
— arthur stefani (@ArturoStefani) February 26, 2015
@Aportzline it's not a bad gamble really, I think they're in better shape now than they were with Horton's future (or lack thereof)
— Jim David (@jimdavidCO) February 26, 2015
There should be a ten minute standing ovation at the next home game for moving Clarkson.
— Chemmy (@felixpotvin) February 26, 2015
Leafs traded David Clarkson???? That's like winning the Stanley Cup for us Leaf fans. Lol
— Dave Stewart (@DveStewart) February 26, 2015
I hope Clarkson does well in #CBJ. I think he really tried and cared. He got off to a terrible start with the suspension and never recovered
— Dave (@mapleleafs22) February 26, 2015
leaf fans last year: OMG OMG WE SIGNED CLARKSON YES!!! leaf fans this year: OMG OMG WE GOT RID OF CLARKSON YES!!!
— Justino (@justynoUT) February 26, 2015
I, for one, will miss watching Clarkson on the #Leafs power play. For the comedy value of course :) #byebye
— Sherri (@TheFinerOne) February 26, 2015
Clarkson deserves the fate of living in Ohio
— Tyler Kelley (@tykelley_) February 26, 2015
Good job #Shanahan on getting rid of #Clarkson I still can't believe he pulled it off.
— Colby Jorgensen (@Jorgy_83) February 27, 2015
Well, the last Horton the Leafs had worked out okay.
— Lance Hornby (@sunhornby) February 27, 2015
2014-2015 Toronto Maple Leafs Goals Fire Carlyle….check Trade Clarkson….check Draft Connor McDavid…Pending @mlse @Hope_Smoke #Leafs
— Chris B (@bodman27) February 26, 2015
Seriously I'm in shock right now. I really didn't think trading Clarkson was possible
— Darcy Armstrong (@DArm91) February 26, 2015
#Nonis just made a deal that may just saved his job! #Clarkson for #Horton
— Brendan Witt (@Whitemooseranch) February 27, 2015
Just got home and need to catch up on all the news, but how in the world did the NHL approve the Clarkson/Horton trade?
— Colin (@greencleric) February 27, 2015
You best believe that I'm giving a standing O when they announce the Clarkson trade at tonight's game. pic.twitter.com/gcDmZvKL1i
— Brendan Kennedy (@brendankennedy_) February 27, 2015
Dave Nonis might have just saved his job there. #clarkson
— Silk G (@silkgee66) February 27, 2015
The Leafs traded Clarkson? He was a terrible fit in T.O. Trade Kessel and Phaenuf next and you may have something to build off of
— Dave Bedford (@_DaveBedford) February 27, 2015
@hollyhorton Clarkson be running down the QEW like a freed Llama pic.twitter.com/k9pciu2QX5
— Retired Janitor (@strassomatic) February 27, 2015
Nonis got lucky with Clarkson dealing him to Columbus. Now what about the other horrible deals he made? #TMLtalk #FireNonisAlready
— Murray McGrath (@FrequentFly3r) February 27, 2015
DAVID CLARKSON!!! #Leafs #TMLtalk pic.twitter.com/s57milmkW4
— France (@Francey73) February 27, 2015
