Press Box: Maple Leafs acquire Steckel in trade
The Toronto Maple Leafs traded center David Steckel to the Anaheim Ducks on Friday in exchange for right winger Ryan Lasch and a seventh-round pick in the 2014 NHL draft.
The Leafs also announced that forward Joffrey Lupul, out since Jan. 24 with a broken forearm, has received clearance to return and could be on the ice Saturday night for a game aainst Winnipeg.
The 6-foot-6, 215-pound Steckel is expected to add size and depth to the the Ducks' blue line.
The 31-year-old veteran has spent the past two seasons with the Maple Leafs. This year, he has one assist in 13 games playing mostly on the fourth line. He also has played for the Washington Capitals and New Jersey Devils.
---Center David Desharnais signed a four-year, $14 million contract extension with the Montreal Canadiens, the team announced.
Desharnais, who was in the final year of a two-year contract with a $950,000 annual salary, has eight goals and 16 points in 27 games this season.
MMA
---Nick Diaz has accused UFC welterweight champion Georges St-Pierre of taking steroids as he prepares for his title challenge on Saturday night.
St-Pierre (23-2) will be going for his eighth straight title defense against Diaz at UFC 158 in Montreal.
Speaking with Sportsnet Radio on Thursday, Diaz said, "I believe he is on plenty of steroids, and I don't think they test around here, either. I doubt I'll be tested"
