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Toronto Maple Leafs: Traction Gaining on Sami Vatanen

By Andrew Boehmer |
May 16, 2017; Nashville, TN, USA; Anaheim Ducks defenseman Sami Vatanen (45) against the Nashville Predators in game three of the Western Conference Final of the 2017 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Bridgestone Arena. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports
May 16, 2017; Nashville, TN, USA; Anaheim Ducks defenseman Sami Vatanen (45) against the Nashville Predators in game three of the Western Conference Final of the 2017 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Bridgestone Arena. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports

The Toronto Maple Leafs and Sami Vatanen.

For some, it seems odd to picture Vatanen in a Toronto Maple Leafs uniform and I understand their reasoning.

He’s an offensive defenseman, not one that’s more so on the shutdown side of things.

A little more inclined to rush the puck then be the big body in front of the net, pushing out the Brendan Gallagher, Brad Marchand and Corey Perry’s of the world.

I get that because it makes sense.

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But, still.

He could serve a purpose, for the right price.

Everything’s for the right price.

Although with his indefinite injury, his stock may be down as it looks like he won’t return to full play until November, possibly even December.

Here’s a thought.

What if the Leafs were able to acquire Vatanen on top of that one coveted shutdown defender they so desperately need?

That would probably send Connor Carrick out the door, though.

Not sure if that’s a terrible thing or not.

Cue the angry comments.

Traction Gaining

According to Mark Easson of NHL Trade Rumors, Elliotte Friedman said the following of Vatanen on the NHL Network, copied down by Chris Nichols of FanRag Sports.

I think Toronto is around this. I think New Jersey is around this. New Jersey really wants defesne. They really need defense badly. I just don’t know if New Jersey is going to have what it takes to make this deal. I think Toronto has what it takes to make this deal.But I think tems in this league – I could even see a team like Dallas being around this. I think Dallas has an ability to make this deal. If you’re Dallas, are you offering the No. 3 pick for Sami Vatanen, and is that enough for Anaheim or do they want more.I think there are a couple of teams like Toronto and Dallas who do have the ability to make this trade.

I apologize for the long quote but I wanted to get it all in there because the Dallas part is important.

If you’re like me and wondering what the asking price is for a guy like Vatanen, well there it is according to a pretty credible source.

I get that there are many different implications in play here, but it might be pretty steep.

Still, the Leafs could afford it, but would this count as an ‘all in move’ if that’s around the price and is this the guy you want to go ‘all in’ for?

Thoughts to ponder on.

Like I said, I know a lot of you don’t think so, which is understandable.

Leafs need a bigger body, a Josh Manson body, but that may not be in the cards.

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