Leafs pick up Gerber, Toskala out for season

The Toronto Maple Leafs claimed Swiss netminder Martin Gerber off re-entry waivers from the Ottawa Senators on Wednesday.

The move comes on the same day that Leafs starting goalie Vesa Toskala confirmed he is going to have hip and groin surgery, and will miss the rest of the season.

"We've been knowing what's going on for a while," Toskala said. "We made the decision together. We need to start healing as soon as possible because recovery might take quite a long time."

Toskala is 22-17-11 in 53 appearances this season with a 3.26 goals-against average. He said he expects the recovery period after the surgery to last up to four months.

Gerber, 34, recently became expendable in Ottawa when the Senators decided to rotate between Alex Auld and Brian Elliott in net.

The veteran netminder is earning $3.7 million this season, and will become an unrestricted free agent on July 1. The Leafs will pay half his salary for the remainder of the campaign.

Gerber has a 4-9-1 record in 14 appearances for Ottawa this season with a 2.86 goals-against average and .899 save percentage.

Toronto also added forward Erik Reitz off waivers from the New York Rangers.

Reitz has one goal and an assist in 42 games with the Rangers and the Minnesota Wild this season.