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Toronto Maple Leafs Not Done: Possible Trade Deadline Targets

By James Tanner

LOS ANGELES, CA - JANUARY 5: Jake Muzzin #6 of the Los Angeles Kings takes a slapshot during the third period of the game against the Edmonton Oilers at STAPLES Center on January 5, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Adam Pantozzi/NHLI via Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - JANUARY 5: Jake Muzzin #6 of the Los Angeles Kings takes a slapshot during the third period of the game against the Edmonton Oilers at STAPLES Center on January 5, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Adam Pantozzi/NHLI via Getty Images) /
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SAN JOSE, CA – APRIL 18: Josh Manson #42 of the Anaheim Ducks passes the puck against the San Jose Sharks in Game Four of the Western Conference First Round during the 2018 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at SAP Center on April 18, 2018 in San Jose, California. (Photo by Rocky W. Widner/NHL/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Josh Manson
SAN JOSE, CA – APRIL 18: Josh Manson #42 of the Anaheim Ducks passes the puck against the San Jose Sharks in Game Four of the Western Conference First Round during the 2018 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at SAP Center on April 18, 2018 in San Jose, California. (Photo by Rocky W. Widner/NHL/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Josh Manson /

Josh Manson by Jaques Tannier

Josh Manson is a dream acquisition for the Toronto Maple Leafs.

The Anaheim Ducks are the worst team in hockey.  Josh Manson is among the best defenseman in hockey at playing actual defense. Plus, he’s mean, doesn’t cost much, and is right handed.

The 27 year old Manson had 37 points last year and is a solid defensive defenseman who can move the puck.  Think of a slightly younger Jake Muzzin.  Maybe not quite as good, because he’s got less offense, but still pretty damn good.

Manson makes a bargain $4.1 for the next three years after this one.  And, while there’s no way he should be available, he is getting to his declining years and plays for a team that looks to be in the basement for the rest of his prime.

And this is a team that, based on their continued employment of Randy Carlyle, is not well run.  It makes sense to think that the Toronto Maple Leafs could swindle the Anaheim Mighty Ducks out of a nearly elite player for a cheap cost.

He’s got more term left than Muzzin but isn’t quite as good. So why not offer two B prospects and a second? Or even next year’s first?

It’d be worth it. A top four of Rielly/Muzzin, Gardiner/Manson is untouchable.  It’s the best in the NHL by six miles.

Dubas should get it done.

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