Editor In Leaf
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Toronto Maple Leafs: Around the League Pickings Aren’t Slim

By Andrew Boehmer

May 18, 2017; Nashville, TN, USA; Anaheim Ducks defenseman Josh Manson (42) and Nashville Predators right wing James Neal (18) collide in the corner during the first period in game four of the Western Conference Final of the 2017 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Bridgestone Arena. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports
May 18, 2017; Nashville, TN, USA; Anaheim Ducks defenseman Josh Manson (42) and Nashville Predators right wing James Neal (18) collide in the corner during the first period in game four of the Western Conference Final of the 2017 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Bridgestone Arena. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Toronto Maple Leafs have some breathing room, for now.

A lot were disappointed that the Toronto Maple Leafs didn’t pull off some major move before the trade freeze.

So?

That doesn’t mean something big won’t occur once things open up again.

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It also could be an indication that nothing will happen and all this speculation is for nothing.

But speculate nonetheless I will because it’s my job and I love it.

So, here we go with some more thoughts from around the league that have caught my interest this fine Fathers Day afternoon.

Speaking of which, here’s to the guys that sacrifice so much, thank you.

My Father is one heck of a guy and I love him dearly.

Alright, back to hockey.

Darren Dreger was on TSN 1050 and had this to say about what it would take the Leafs to acquire a defenseman.

"If Toronto is going to acquire a defenseman – and they still feel they should add to their blue line – what is the piece? Who are the pieces they’re going to use? Even from an age perspective, and contractually, it’s going to be James van Riemsdyk or Tyler Bozak or pieces like that. We can stop – and should’ve stopped long ago – if we’re talking about William Nylander and the younger guys."

Speaking of Nylander, Dreger also suggested that it might take something like $6 million per year for six years to have him locked up.

I’m okay with that.

Lastly, if you make your way to the very bottom of the article, please do, there will be a little extra note on van Riemsdyk.

Okay, now we have a good idea of costs associated, let’s now dive into the gritty stuff.

The Usual Suspects

After all the talk, all the thoughts about what Toronto would do to acquire a defenseman, we now have a better idea.

Kind of.

There are two teams that have been talked to death about – sorry – in regards to fixing the Leafs blueline.

The Anaheim Ducks and the Minnesota Wild, both of which surprised me when their protection lists were revealed.

Or should I say, when their unprotected lists were revealed?

That’s better and I’m now laughing at my own joke.

Yikes, I need to get out a little more.

The Vegas Golden Knights

These guys are making a splash into the league in all the right ways.

Check this out.

Good on them.

Mostly because that’s a good tactic that doesn’t hurt teams as much right now, but will eventually.

Think of this move by the Golden Knights as a long-term investment.

Trades can still occur during the freeze, by the way, but they have to go through Vegas.

So, if a team wants to deal, Vegas has to be involved.

Look for them to continue acquiring picks and assets, which also means that some of the guys I’ll talk about below might not be available, despite their unprotected status.

Unfortunately, it’s not as simple as it all seems, but there’s still a chance that one or two will really be taken by Vegas.

From there, that player could be traded, swapped, used, you name it.

The possibilities seem endless and there’s really no correct predictions, just speculation.

There, that’s my disclaimer.

The Anaheim Ducks

In a surprising turn of events, the Ducks have left Josh Manson unprotected.

Gasp, unprotected, I know.

They also didn’t and I repeat, didn’t trade Sami Vatanen, so he’s been left exposed as well.

It’s crazy, but don’t get too excited just yet.

Aforementioned above, deals could be in place for both players and they really might not be available, but at the same time, maybe.

Que the Lloyd Christmas quotes.

Yes, technically the Leafs have a chance at either, but so do a lot of other teams trying to acquire their services.

Something to keep your eye on.

The Minnesota Wild

Next up, the Wild have left Marco Scandella and Matt Dumba unprotected.

That sucks, for them.

Unless just maybe the team has a deal in place with Vegas.

The same thing applies here as it does with the Ducks.

It’s anyone’s guess if these names will end up somewhere else.

Obviously, Dumba’s the guy the Leafs would go after out of the two, but I couldn’t leave Scandella out.

Another guy the Leafs have an interest in is Jonas Brodin, but he’s protected, not sure if that’ll mean much in the end, though.

Thoughts to chew on as always.

Bonus

I said I would leave a little something extra about van Riemsdyk and I’m a man of my word, so here you go.

I can back that up, the Leafs have been hearing a lot about him, so it’s quite possible that after all the speculation, he’s the pivotal piece going the other way.

That’s if anything comes to fruition.

Maybe even a Bozak type considering his impending unrestricted free agent status.

I hope you enjoyed this, there’s more to come concerning the events around the league this week.

Until then.

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