Panthers Acquire Muller From Leafs

The Florida Panthers, looking to fill the void left by Brian Skrudland’s injury, acquired center Kirk Muller from the Toronto Maple Leafs on Tuesday just before the NHL trading deadline. It was one of 18 trades involving 35 players Tuesday.

In exchange, the Maple Leafs obtained 21-year-old right-winger Jason Podollan, who has one goal and one assist in 19 games with the Panthers.

Muller has 20 goals and 17 assists.

In another deal, the Maple Leafs sent defenseman Larry Murphy to the Detroit Red Wings forfuture considerations.

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The Phoenix Coyotes dealt defenseman Dave Manson, long considered their top enforcer, to the Montreal Canadiens as part of a three-team deal also involving the Hartford Whalers.

Earlier, the Canadiens had sent seldom-used goaltender Pat Jablonski to the Coyotes for minor-league defenseman Steve Cheredaryk. Later, the Coyotes traded Manson for Montreal defenseman Murray Baron and right wing Chris Murray.

Phoenix then traded Murray to Hartford for defenseman Gerald Diduck.

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The Edmonton Oilers sent defenseman Jeff Norton to Tampa Bay for defenseman Drew Bannister. The Oilers also sent forward Miroslav Satan to Buffalo for defenseman Craig Millar and left-winger Barrie Moore.

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The Vancouver Canucks claimed defenseman Steve Staios on waivers from the Boston Bruins. He has been playing with Providence of the American Hockey League.

The Canucks also traded forward Josef Beranek to Pittsburgh for future considerations. Beranek has been playing in Europe.