Mar 16, 2014; Washington, DC, USA; Toronto Maple Leafs center Jay McClement (11) skates in warm-ups prior to the game against Washington Capitals at Verizon Center. Mandatory Credit: Paul Frederiksen-USA TODAY Sports
The Carolina Hurricanes added to their bottom-six depth with yet another former Toronto Maple Leafs. Jay McClement, former alternate captain with the Toronto Maple Leafs, signed a one-year deal on July 2.
Jay McClement was a common fixture on the Leafs’ penalty kill over the past few years. McClement is an excellent faceoff taker. He won 53.6% of his draws last season.
Jay McClement is younger than former fourth-line center Manny Malhotra. McClement is also better offensively and defensively. Malhotra was pretty one-dimensional, but McClement is a better all-around player.
The 31-year-old centerman will be a great piece for the Carolina Hurricanes’ fourth-line and penalty kill.
Grade: A-