The Toronto Maple Leafs have acquired forward Nick Paul from the Tampa Bay Lightning in exchange for goaltender Dennis Hildeby, a fourth-round pick in 2027 and a third-round pick in 2028, it was announced Wednesday afternoon.
The move to bring in Paul was one of many moves made by the Maple Leafs during Free Agent Frenzy, headlined by the signing of goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky on a three-year deal.
The addition of Bobrosvky meant Hildeby would likely have to be placed on waivers if he had remained on the Maple Leafs roster through training camp. He had a 5-7-4 record with the NHL club last season, posting a .914 save percentage and a 2.80 goals-against average.
Anthony Stolarz will pair in net with Bobrovsky next season, with the Maple Leafs having previously traded Joseph Woll to the Philadelphia Flyers.
Paul had seven goals and eight assists for 15 points in 51 games last season for the Bolts. It was his fifth season in Tampa after beginning his career with the Ottawa Senators.
The 31-year-old winger remains signed through the 2028-29 season at a cap hit of $3.15 million.
The Mississauga, Ont., native was drafted in the fourth round in 2013 and made his NHL debut during the 2015-16 season. He played parts of seven seasons in Ottawa before being traded to the Lightning in March of 2022.
Toronto also reached free-agent deals with Colton Sissons, Teddy Blueger and Jack Roslovic on Wednesday.
