Despite the aforementioned painful series against the Boston Bruins, there was some hope in Leaf land, the idea of gritty goal-scorer David Clarkson coming home to Toronto was seen as a huge get at the time.
New general manger Dave Nonis would have a busy draft day, trying to ensure the Maple Leafs would be a slam-dunk playoff contender.
A week before the draft, Nonis would trade third-line forward Matt Frattin, backup-goaltender Ben Scrivens, a conditional 2014/15 2nd round pick (2015, traded to CBJ for Gaborik, traded back to TOR in trade down-Travis Dermott), and cash considerations to the Kings for upcoming net minder Jonathan Bernier.