The Maple Leafs traded Ashton, as well as David Broll, to Tampa Bay in exchange for a conditional seventh round pick in 2016, Mark Masters of TSN reports. Toronto made the trade to create some roster flexibility. Before the trade, the Leafs were at the league maximum with 50 players under contract. Now, with the departure of Ashton and Broll, the Leafs have created some breathing space by freeing up two contract openings. Ashton registered zero points and was minus-3 through seven games with the Leafs this season.

Ashton was reassigned to AHL Toronto on Wednesday, James Mirtle of the Globe and Mail reports. It had been reported that Ashton would stick with the Maple Leafs after going unclaimed off waivers earlier in the day, but the team decided to change course after further deliberation. The 23-year-old Ashton proved to be a capable scorer during his previous stints in the minors, but he owns no goals and three assists over 54 career NHL games.

Ashton cleared waivers Wednesday, Jonas Siegel of TSN Radio 1050 reports. Rather than reporting to AHL Toronto, Ashton will stick with the parent club as an extra forward. He'll be available to play for the Maple Leafs when needed and can still be sent to the minors at any point, so having him clear waivers just creates a little more roster flexibility.

The Maple Leafs placed Ashton on waivers Tuesday, Renaud Lavoie of TVA Sports reports. It's not immediately clear who will replace Ashton on Toronto's roster, but his replacement should be known soon. Ashton will head to AHL Toronto if he is not claimed by another team.

Ashton was recalled from his conditioning stint at AHL Toronto on Monday, TSN.ca reports. After completing a 20-game suspension, Ashton headed to the Leafs' AHL affiliate to play in a couple games before rejoining the squad. He had appeared in only six games with Toronto before serving the suspension, leaving him as little more than an extra forward most nights.

Ashton has completed his 20-game suspension for violating the league's performance enhancing substances protocol and has been reinstated onto the Leafs' active roster, James Mirtle of The Globe and Mail reports. He will now head to AHL Toronto for a conditioning stint, according to David Alter of MapleLeafs.com. Since he hasn't been able to play since early November, Ashton will likely spend multiple games on the assignment before he's called back up to the parent club. Ashton had largely served as a healthy scratch for the Leafs prior to his suspension, making just six appearances on the season. He'll likely see limited duty again once he rejoins the Leafs.

Ashton has been suspended 20 games without pay for violating the NHL and NHLPA's Performance Enhancing Substances Program, Sportsnet reports. Ashton will forfeit a whopping $169,185 for the violation. A statement from the forward said that the positive test stemmed from his ingesting a banned substance through his inhaler following an asthma attack in late August. Ashton said he accepted the 20-game suspension, so it doesn't sound like he'll appeal the ruling. He'll be eligible to return to game action Dec. 20 against the Flyers.

Carter Ashton has accepted the Toronto Maple Leafs' qualifying offer.Ashton can earn up to $850,000 for the 2014-15 campaign, but his one-year deal is two-ways. He had three assists in 32 games with the Maple Leafs last season.

Carter Ashton has accepted the Toronto Maple Leafs' qualifying offer. Ashton can earn up to $850,000 for the 2014-15 campaign, but his one-year deal is two-ways. He had three assists in 32 games with the Maple Leafs last season.

Carter Ashton will sit out Saturday night's game against Ottawa due to a knee injury. He sustained in the injury in practice on Wednesday and will not be able to play against the Senators Saturday night. We doubt Ashton's absence will have a huge impact on your fantasy fortunes.