Toronto Maple Leafs Offseason Search for Defensemen
Despite a surprisingly successful season, the Toronto Maple Leafs offseason should be geared towards addressing their blue line. Their situation on the back-end suggests that the rebuild, while quickly progressing, is not yet complete.
Possible Toronto Maple Leafs Targets:
A few defensemen come to mind that could find themselves on the Leafs off-season radar.
Cody Franson
An ex-Leaf and childhood fan, Cody Franson is considered to be on the cheaper end of the free agent spectrum. His size and puck moving ability is valuable, and would add some extra depth to the back-end. When asked if Toronto would be an option, Franson made it clear that he would welcome the opportunity.
Acquiring a player like Cody Franson, who turns 30 this summer, would still leave Toronto with room to spend. Being as he is a very underrated player, it would be in the Leafs best interest to give Cody Franson serious consideration.
Brendan Smith
Brendan Smith was praised heavily by New York Rangers head coach, Alain Vigneault. Earlier this week, his agent confirmed that Smith would be seeking ‘market value’ to stay in New York. We all know the Leafs would prefer to add a right-handed defensemen, but Smith could fit right into Babcock’s mold. He is a solid defender, and will be sought after by teams across the league. The Maple Leafs sport deep pockets in terms of cap space relative to other organizations, but should only seek out Smith for a reasonable price.
Sami Vatanen
Vatanen’s name has been gaining traction within the hockey world as of late. The main reason why relates directly to the Anaheim Ducks and their defensemen overload heading into the expansion draft. The Ducks are currently unable to protect all of their blue liners, and could choose to trade away a quality defensemen that they may otherwise lose to Vegas.
Sami Vatanen is often looked to as damaged goods when projecting his role in a trade. He is out long-term after enduring a major shoulder injury. Vatanen is a point producing defenceman who would be a nice addition for the Leafs. Nonetheless, he’s even a right-handed shot. With James van Riemsdyk projected to be on the trading block, a deal with Anaheim isn’t out of the question.
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Testing the Market and Being Reasonable
There’s no doubt in my mind that the Toronto Maple Leafs will acquire a defensemen this off-season. Whether it be a moderately skilled addition or a costly big name stud, the Leafs will need to be smart and reasonable when dipping their toes in the NHL’s fickle market for defensemen.