Clarkson (back) was traded to the Maple Leafs on Tuesday in exchange for Garret Sparks. The Leafs also acquired a 2020 fourth-round pick in the deal.

EDGE Analysis

Toronto was able to make a savvy-cap move, taking on Clarkson's $5.25 million cap hit for the next two seasons, with the ability to place him on the long-term injured reserve list. The move allows the Leafs to build a roster with a projected cap hit up to $92.5 million, while dealing with Clarkson and Nathan Horton's contracts on LTIR. This move is in light of Mitch Marner still unsigned, and gives the team more flexibility as the two sides work towards a solution.

Clarkson was traded to the Vegas Golden Knights on Wednesday , TSN's Bob McKenzie reports.

EDGE Analysis

What has been speculated for many days is now official. As a reward for taking on Clarkson's $5.25 million cap hit for the next three seasons, Vegas is receiving Columbus' 1st round pick in Friday's Entry Draft and a 2nd round pick in 2019. As for Clarkson, a back injury may very well have ended his NHL career. He last played on March 11, 2016.

The Blue Jackets have a deal in place with the Golden Knights to ensure that a very specific list of Columbus players are exempt from the expansion draft, but this agreement may also be contingent on the Vegas club acquiring Clarkson (back) and his $5.25 million annual cap hit, The Columbus Dispatch reports.

EDGE Analysis

Blue Jackets GM Jarmo Kekalainen reportedly is willing to trade Vegas the 24th overall pick in this year's draft and a prospect not named Pierre-Luc Dubois or Sonny Milano in order to retain one of Josh Anderson, Jack Johnson, David Savard or goalie Joonas Korpisalo. The Columbus Dispatch reported this past February that Clarkson's career may be over due to his having three degenerative discs in his spine, so trimming the fat on his contract would be ideal for the breakout club of 2016-17.

Clarkson's back will likely never allow him to play hockey again, The Columbus Dispatch reports.

EDGE Analysis

It's been over 11 months since he saw any game action, and a few weeks ago his back was so stiff he couldn't even get out of bed in the morning. Clarkson is dealing with three degenerative discs in his spine, and the only surgical remedy -- having his spine fused -- would completely end any possibility of a comeback. His contract runs through the 2019-20 season but is mostly covered by insurance, so expect the 32-year-old to essentially remain a permanent resident on the Blue Jackets' long-term injury list, barring a miraculous recovery.

Clarkson (back) isn't in the lineup for Wednesday's matchup with the Ducks.

EDGE Analysis

Clarkson was taken off the long-term injured reserve last week but will now fail to crack the lineup for a third consecutive game since then. There's still no timetable for his return, but those interest in his availability can expect an update on his status once he's ready to return to the Blue Jackets' lineup.

Clarkson (back) has been taken off long-term injured reserve, per the NHL's official media site.

EDGE Analysis

Clarkson's removal from LTIR suggests that he's moving closer to game action. However, the Blue Jackets do not play again until Friday, so it will be worth monitoring his status ahead of that home contest versus the visiting Canadiens.

Clarkson (back) was placed on long-term injured reserve Tuesday, Aaron Portzline of The Columbus Dispatch reports.

EDGE Analysis

Clarkson's designation for LTIR should come as no surprise after he failed his physical coming into training camp. The winger will miss at least the next 10 games, but it could certainly be longer given his injury-prone nature. With that in mind, fantasy owners would be taking a big risk giving the 32-year-old a roster spot.

Clarkson failed his training camp physical Wednesday due to a back injury, Aaron Portzline of the Columbus Dispatch reports.

EDGE Analysis

Clarkson will miss at least the start of training camp if not longer. The 32-year-old missed the bulk of the 2015-16 season due to various maladies and it seems this year will be no different. If he is unable to return, the Blue Jackets will be able to get cap relief as his seven-year contract is insured. Fantasy owners may want to avoid the winger given the uncertainty of his future.

Clarkson is healthy after playing only 23 games last season due to a variety of injuries, The Columbus Dispatch reports.

EDGE Analysis

"Healthy" is a relative term in Clarkson's case given his long, checkered injury history but he'll head into training camp fit and fighting for a spot on the fourth line. The Jackets have a number of younger wingers fighting for roster spots, but Clarkson's unwieldy contract -- which is made up primarily of signing bonuses, making it expensive to buy out -- could ensure he remains in Columbus as long as he can make some sort of contribution.

Clarkson (lower body) won't suit up for Tuesday's game against the Flyers.

EDGE Analysis

Clarkson has now missed five consecutive games with a lower-body injury, and remains without a definitive timetable for his return to game action. Fantasy owners don't need to keep tabs on Clarkson's status, as the 31-year-old winger has only tallied four points in 23 games this season, and shouldn't be owned in the deepest of fantasy leagues. The Blue Jackets should provide an update on Clarkson's status once he's fit to play.