Red Wings Waive Brad May

The Detroit Red Wings announced today that they have placed left wing Brad May on waivers. In 40 games this season with the Red Wings, he has one assist and 66 penalty minutes. He was signed as a free agent by the team on October 7. The Red Wings have waived May in order to free up some salary cap space to make room for Andreas Lilja, who is very close to returning to the team after recovering from a concussion that has kept him out of the line-up all season. If May clears waivers, he will likely be sent to the team's AHL affiliate in Grand Rapids. The Red Wings are also rumored to be placing a player on long-term injury status to help clear salary cap space for Lilja, but who that player will be has yet to be determined. It was also rumored that the team was trying to trade Brett Lebda to open up a roster spot on defense for Lilja, but Lebda was not dealt before the 3 PM trade deadline for the Olympic roster freeze.

Maple Leafs Acquire May from Ducks

Brian Burke has made his first move as general manager of the Torono Maple Leafs. On Wednesday, the Maple Leafs acquired left wing Brad May from the Anaheim Ducks in exchange for a conditional 6th round draft pick in the 2010 Entry Draft. Since taking over as the Maple Leafs' general manager in December, Burke has said the the team has needed more toughness in the lineup. In 20 games so far this season, May has five assists and 28 penalty minutes. In 963 career games, May has 126 goals and 159 assists for 285 points and 2121 penalty minutes with the Buffalo Sabres, Vancouver Canucks, Phoenix Coyotes, Colorado Avalanche, and Anaheim Ducks. He won his first Stanley Cup with the Ducks in 2007. Burke's acquisition of May is a good one for the Maple Leafs, as he will provide lots of toughness and character to the team. May's veteran leadership will also be valuable to the relatively young Maple Leafs roster.