Toronto Maple Leafs: Connor Brown Should Be Traded

I think the Toronto Maple Leafs shouldn’t pass up on trading Connor Brown if the opportunity arises.

Everyone agrees that the Toronto Maple Leafs need immediate relief on the blueline, right?

Well, I think if the window opens for Josh Manson of the Anaheim Ducks and the asking price is Brown, the Leafs need to pull the trigger.

Just hear me out and remember that I did say if.

That’s the keyword here.

I love Brown has much anyone, I really do and I think I proved that in my article on him the other day.

But, I’ve been convinced that if he’s the focal piece needed to go the other way for Manson, then it should happen.

I’ll explain.

Again, the Leafs need a top pairing right handed defenseman capable of playing a physical shutdown game who can log big minutes.

Easy, we know that and already have an idea of who we’d like in return.

At least, I know who I want and you know who I want.

Manson.

In order to acquire him, a potentially elite defender, the Leafs will have to give something up of near (packaging) or equal caliber.

Brown.

The first thing to question is if it makes sense for the Leafs and it does.

They have an abundance of players capable of filling Brown’s role and that means a guy like Kasperi Kapanen will be given a chance to step up.

Okay, not Kapanen?

What about Josh Leivo, Brendan Leipsic or Jeremy Bracco?

The point is, there’s a lot of players capable of fitting the need.

Sure, Brown will potentially be an elite talent, but so will Manson and you can’t just get that without giving up something good up in return.

Although I think sacrificing some scoring prowess and speed up front for a defenseman of Manson’s status is worth it.

The Leafs backend will instantly be improved and make for a better team all around, not to mention the fact that the Nonis/Brown connection helps.

Their penalty kill might fall a little, but I believe that skill can be taught.

Think about it for a while, you’ll uncover more reasons for than against.

The next thing you’ll think of is the Expansion Draft and I know that because I immediately went to the thought.

However, there are so many different scenarios that I know couldn’t all be written out, so please don’t shoot me for leaving them out.

Both players aren’t exempt, meaning whatever team they play for, they’ll need to be protected.

If the Ducks acquire Brown from the Leafs and Manson goes the other way, then they could buy out Kevin Bieksa depending on when the trade occurs.

Boom, they can still protect four forwards and four defensemen.

Regardless if the trade happens, chances are that one of Rickard Rakell, Jakob Silfverberg or Manson would be picked up.

If they did do it, add Brown and subtract Manson.

It’s a good problem to have.

The Leafs would still protect seven forwards and three defensemen.

Then, the only foreseeable problem there would be that Connor Carrick would most likely be exposed.

Again, there’s a lot of different scenarios and implications, that’s just one.

In the end, it’s just a thought, but if it’s a one for one, go for it.