Toronto Maple Leafs: Targeting Marc-Edouard Vlasic

The Toronto Maple Leafs are in desperate need of some defensive relief moving forward.

After a phenomenal 2016-17 season, the Toronto Maple Leafs are now preparing for the 2017-18 season. One would have to imagine that on their shopping list is another top-pairing defenseman.

I mean, there’s only so many ways to improve the roster and acquiring an elite defender has to be the main objective.

The pickings are slim because trading for one of these guys will cost a lot in most cases. Not very often do we see big named defenders available in free agency and if we do, they’ll cost a lot.

Hint, hint, nudge, nudge, Kevin Shattenkirk.

That leaves drafting and developing, but that takes a long time and the Leafs need immediate help. They’re well ahead of schedule as far as the rebuild goes and having an elite defenseman would instantly improve the quality of the team.

So, let’s revisit the idea of trading or signing for a top defender.

Well, who’s available or potentially available?

Well, how about Marc-Edouard Vlasic?

Vlasic’s Profile

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Vlasic was drafted 35th overall in the 2005 NHL Entry Draft by the San Jose Sharks. He’s played his entire career with the team, notching 53 goals and 245 points in 812 career games played in the regular season.

Overall in Vlasic’s career, he’s a +129 in the regular season if you care about that, which you should.

Through 114 playoff games, he’s scored three goals and has 29 points in total.

Hero Chart is a great resource to dissect a player’s overall performance beyond just points.

Vlasic is averaged as a top two defenseman, meaning he’s capable of being Toronto’s number one guy.

In all situations, he can play top two minutes, generate top two goals per hour, assists per hour and points per hour. He has the statistics to back up great shots conceded per hour/average and great shot impact per hour numbers.

Long story short, he’s a top pairing defenseman, an underrated and elite one at that.

I know he shoots left, but that shouldn’t be of major concern due to his outstanding resume.

Vlasic’s Cap Hit and Future

Here’s where things tend to get interesting.

Currently, Vlasic is signed through the 2017-18 season with an annual cap hit of $4.25 million, a pretty favorable contract for a player of his status.

At 31 years of age and nearing the end of his prime, he’ll be looking for a new contract.

He will likely earn a raise with his next contract, somewhere in the neighborhood of $5 million annually for five to six years.

The Leafs can afford that.

Possible Trade

Now, the Sharks have built a pretty self-sustaining defensive corps and I couldn’t imagine them wanting to part ways with one of their better defenders.

The Leafs could provide a good deal that has the potential to swing them onboard.

With an aging offensive group leading the charge, the Sharks will need to stockpile youthful talent up front, which the Leafs have plenty of.

I’m sure the Leafs could package a player, prospect or a draft pick to acquire Vlasic, without giving away an arm and a foot in the process.

Desired interested by everyone involved will drive this, though.

Someone like James van Riemsdyk could be of interest to the Sharks along with, oh, I don’t know.

Brenden Leipsic?

Maybe a package deal of that nature to acquire Vlasic before he hits unrestricted free agency next summer makes sense for the Leafs.

It’s an enticing thought, one they should maybe poke around a bit.

Vlasic has mentioned that he wants to stay in San Jose, but that’s not entirely up to him. The intention would be to sign him long-term, so no trade will happen if that’s not a possibility.

Both the Leafs and Vlasic would know that going in.

Vlasic spoke with Curtis Pashelka of The Mercury News back in March about wanting to stay put as reported by Gavin Lee.

"I like the team, I like the arena. We’re competitive every year, and at the end of my contract next year, I’ll have been here 12 years. I guess I do like it here if I’ve been here 12 years. Yeah, if [staying in San Jose] works out, that’d be great. It’s a priority."

Could be a stretch, but a trade might be a viable option.

Possible Signing/Contract

Now, let’s say he goes to UFA because the Sharks don’t resign him. He would be a hot commodity nearing the trade deadline. The Leafs could really be a tempting team if he has any interest.

Like I’ve said, he’ll be getting a raise and a mid to long-term deal to likely finish out his career. Anywhere from $4.5 million to $5 million in cap hit per year for five to six years wouldn’t be a terrible deal by any means.

I’m not sure, maybe kick the tires around on this one a bit, but it really doesn’t sound too bad for the Leafs.

This is all speculation as of right now, but it could gain traction as rumors start to heat up.

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