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Toronto Maple Leafs: Using The Expansion Draft To Find A Defenseman

By Eduardo Razo

Nov 25, 2016; Saint Paul, MN, USA; Minnesota Wild defenseman Jonas Brodin (25) celebrates his goal with defenseman Matt Dumba (24) during the first period against the Pittsburgh Penguins at Xcel Energy Center. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 25, 2016; Saint Paul, MN, USA; Minnesota Wild defenseman Jonas Brodin (25) celebrates his goal with defenseman Matt Dumba (24) during the first period against the Pittsburgh Penguins at Xcel Energy Center. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports /
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An upgrade on defense is a must for the Toronto Maple Leafs over the off-season.

With expansion looming, the Toronto Maple Leafs could use that to their advantage. The Minnesota Wild, for example, are a prime target for them since they might expose a top-four defenseman.

Last month, Gone Puck Wild went into detail to explain Minnesota’s expansion draft situation. After reading their piece and using Cap Friendly’s Expansion Draft Tool, they find themselves in a hairy predicament. Unless one of Jason Pominville or Zach Parise waives their No-Movement Clause, they will expose Matthew Dumba or Jonas Brodin.

Why is that? Well, Minnesota has to protect three forwards and one defenseman due to their NMC. After that, it leaves four spots among the forward group and two more on defense. Focusing on the blue line, they will protect Ryan Suter because of his NMC. Jared Spurgeon enjoyed a 38-point season and played on the top pairing with Suter. Also, at 27 he’s entering his prime so that he will see him get protected.

This situation then results in one spot left open for Brodin or Dumba. One will get protected while the other will get picked up by the Vegas Golden Knights if left expose. If Minnesota doesn’t want to lose one of them for nothing, expect a move before the expansion draft. Toronto needs to pry away one of their defensemen, either Brodin or Dumba will fit in with the young nucleus.

Now, the question is, which one should Toronto pursue and how much will it cost?

Acquiring Brodin

The smooth skating defenseman can log heavy minutes, logging over 1,000 minutes in 68 games play this season. If there’s something Toronto lacked last season, is a defenseman that can log the minutes and be out in any situation. Morgan Rielly proved that he could handle the workload down the stretch. Also, during their playoff series with the Washington Capitals, Jake Gardiner saw his ice-time increase.

Brodin plays a positionally sound for a stay at home defenseman; which compliments Rielly’s and Gardiner’s game. Having a partner that can stay behind while they jump in on the rush will allow them to create offense without sacrificing their defense. Furthermore, he has played on his off-hand, enabling him to play on either pairing easily.

Here’s how Brodin’s career has progressed, his Corsi-For Percentage shows the ups and downs young defenseman have. Nonetheless, this season, the Swede put together a consistent season and continues to show promise. This graph highlights his defensive presence compared to other Toronto blueliners. His offensive game has shown some life, but his defense should have management jumping at the opportunity to acquire him.

At 23, Brodin will come at a cost for Toronto. Yes, Minnesota is in an expansion pickle, but they won’t simply hand over a top-four defenseman. After dealing assets to the Arizona Coyotes, expect prospects or picks headed to Minnesota. A combination of Kasperi Kapanen, Brendan Leipsic, and a draft selection should entice them.

Acquiring Dumba

Mike Babcock loves his right-handed defenseman, so Dumba is an option for Toronto. The 22-year-old isn’t well-rounded defensively like Brodin. Nonetheless, he’s still young enough to improve that side of his game. Furthermore, Babcock has helped defenseman like Gardiner improve his defensive play so that he could do wonders for Dumba.

For now, here’s a look at how his defensive game has developed since entering the NHL a few years ago. Although there’s room for improvement when it comes to his defense, his calling card is his offense. More specifically, his hard shot from the backend. His Corsi-For per 60 has remained consistent in his time with Minnesota. Along with offensive play, Dumba brings a physical element to his game. He’s looking to make a big hit, to be the hero and make a play.

As for the cost, expect a similar package for what Brodin might fetch. However, perhaps Toronto can withhold Kapanen in a deal for Dumba. A trade that would include wingers Leipsic and Jeremy Bracco could be a starting point to get a deal moving.

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Final Take

The Anaheim Ducks are usually the team linked to Toronto when it comes to defenseman. They have a plethora of defenseman, but only a few spots that protect them, so they are a likely target. Nonetheless, they aren’t the sole carcass Toronto can pick from as Minnesota also finds itself with losing defensemen due to expansion.

As it stands, the Toronto Maple Leafs could use the arrival of the Vegas Knights to their advantage to fix their defense. A top-pairing defenseman is high on the list of needs, but they will have to settle for a top-four defenseman if they can pry one away from Minnesota or Anaheim.

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