Wilkes-Barre Watch: Corrado energized by trade

WILKES-BARRE, Pa. — Frank Corrado appeared plenty energized at the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins' practice facility Saturday morning despite the 72 hectic hours that preceded his arrival.

The 23-year-old defenseman was traded from the NHL's Maple Leafs to Pittsburgh for Steve Oleksy, Eric Fehr and a draft pick Wednesday. That, it turned out, was the easy part. Simply getting to Wilkes-Barre became an issue when his visa had not been approved through early Friday. Finally, at about 4:45 p.m. that same day, he received clearance.

“Just got in my car and drove from there,” Corrado said.

He’s hoping the transition on the ice is more simple.

The Toronto native had fallen out of favor with Maple Leafs coach Mike Babcock this season and was a frequent scratch before finally being demoted to the AHL’s Marlies. Meanwhile, Toronto fans and bloggers had created a “Free Frank Corrado” social media campaign in support of the young defenseman.

Mission coincidentally accomplished: He is now free from Toronto and hopes this clean slate with the Penguins can kickstart his career.