All of the signs point to it. It’s a clear position of need in the Toronto Maple Leafs organization.
It’s safe to say that the Toronto Maple Leafs will acquire a No. 1 right-handed defenseman, and shortly at that.
Whether the news breaks during the Expansion Draft, NHL Entry Draft, July 1 or some time after; surely, Toronto’s blue line will be improved before the start of the season in October.
An underlying sequence of events are indicators that this move will inevitably occur.
Zaitsev extension
On May 2, the Maple Leafs signed Nikita Zaitsev to a 7-year, $31.5 million extension. The long-term contract is debatable, as this was Zaitsev’s first professional season in North America, but it makes sense.
Regardless of the terms, the Leafs organization is short at depth of right-handed defenseman (RD). With cap space to burn during the many rookie’s entry-level contract (ELC) years, now is the time to lock up a dependable RD.
Looking at comparable contracts to Zaitsev’s new deal, he falls into similar financial columns as some second pairing defensemen.
A few include Buffalo’s Dimitry Kulikov (three-year, $4.3M) and Minnesota’s Jonas Brodin (six-year, $4.16M).
While Zaitsev didn’t put up the best possession numbers in his rookie season – he was playing against the top lines of NHL teams most nights – this deal wouldn’t be made unless Zaitsev would play the following seasons in a role in which he can flourish.
The 25-year-old proved both defensively and offensively able, kept up with the pace of first-line NHLers and was solid during his time at special teams assignments.
Making him the solidified No. 2 RD is a logical decision for the Leafs.
Passing on prospects
The NHL’s deadline to sign prospects was June 1.
The Maple Leafs decided to pass on re-signing 2013 fifth-round pick Fabrice Herzog, 2015 sixth-round pick Stephen Desrocher and 2015 seventh-round pick Nikita Korostelev.
These are not ‘bad’ prospects either. Herzog is a member of the Swiss national team while Desrocher captained the OHL’s Kingston Frontenacs in 2016-17.
Additionally, Korostelev has progressed into a consistent point-per-game player in the OHL this past season, splitting time with Sarnia and Peterborough.
So why were these prospects overlooked?
They weren’t.
The Leafs’ prospect pool is just incredibly deep.
So deep, veteran players like Brooks Laich and Milan Michalek were bumped off of the NHL club by a bunch of rookies, then failed to find time on the Marlies for similar reasons.
First-year North American professionals, like college-signee Trevor Moore and late 2016 second-round pick Carl Grundstrom, highlight the list of young talent to come in, earn spots over veterans and play important roles in the Marlies’ playoff run.
Prospects to give
With an abundance of young talent in the Leafs’ system and even more to come in the 2017 NHL Entry Draft, it is evident that Toronto has an excess of prospects.
It’s a great problem to have.
While a limited list of established No. 1 RD free agents is available (spoiler: it’s basically just Kevin Shattenkirk), it’s more likely for the Tororonto Maple Leafs to bring in their guy through trade.
And the Maple Leafs have the leverage and ability to acquire an NHL unicorn, that being a high-caliber, No. 1 RD.
There will be RD available in the offseason that can be acquired solely through trade.
Based on a list compiled by The Athletic’s James Mirtle, a few names that might be available include Carolina’s Justin Faulk, Anaheim’s Josh Manson and Colorado’s Tyson Barrie, to name a few.
Looking back at recent history, acquiring a quality RD most often happens in one of two ways; swapping one star player for another or for a combination of prospects and picks.
An example of the first is seen through Subban-Weber, Hall-Larsson or Shattenkrik-Johnson trades. The latter is represented through the Brent Burns, Johnny Boychuk, Dougie Hamilton or Tyler Myers trades.
Along with draft picks to spare, the Leafs are extremely deep at the wing, which could be an indicator as to who they may move, if a sensible trade arises. Josh Leivo, Brendan Leipsic and Kerby Rychel have all been rumored to be on the block as of late.
Although Toronto has a plethora of prospects and surplus of draft picks, finding a legitimate trading partner is no cake walk.
Potential possibilities
The Expansion Draft is making this unusual offseason overly exciting.
Teams have the choice to protect seven forwards, three defenseman and one goalie or eight total skaters and one goalie. While some teams will not be able to protect all of its valuable players, getting something from a trading partner is better than losing the player of value to Vegas.
While many teams might fall into that category, there are a few that make sense as trading partners with Toronto.
As of now, the Anaheim Ducks, Colorado Avalanche, Minnesota Wild, Nashville Predators and Winnipeg Jets immediately come to mind as the most reasonable RD suitors, in exchange for prospects and/or picks.
***