Toronto and Columbus swap Clarkson, Horton

The Blue Jackets announced they have traded injured right-winger Nathan Horton to Toronto in exchange for right-winger David Clarkson.

The 30-year old Clarkson has been in the league for nine seasons and has played for New Jersey and Toronto. He has totaled 97 goals and 73 assists as a professional. Since accumulating a career-high 46 points with New Jersey during the 2011-12 season, Clarkson has totaled 40 points since, including 15 points (10 G, 5 A) in 60 games this season.

According to Hockey-Reference, Clarkson is set to make $4.75 million this season and carries a $5.25 million cap hit.

Blue Jackets GM Jarmo Kekalainen said he looks forward to the addition of Clarkson’s leadership and character into the locker room, according to the team’s release. Regarding Horton, Kekalainen wished his injury could have been healed, but he wished Horton and his family the best moving forward.

Horton, who has not played this season because of a degenerative back injury, will be placed on long-term injury reserve, according to the Columbus Dispatch’s Aaron Portzline. Horton played in only 36 games for Columbus, accumulating 19 points (5 G, 14 A).