James Tanner
The player the Toronto Maple Leafs should add at the trade deadline is Ryan Ellis.
Ellis is injured ever since a New Year’s Day elbow to the head, courtesy of Corey Perry, but he has started skating and is expected to play again this year.
The Predators are starting to make some noise in the playoff race, so they may not be willing to make a move (and frankly, they might not want to trade him anyways). But, I figure, if you really want a guy, you can at least try.
The Leafs have a very underrated defense. Sure, they allow a lot of risky plays, but the team plays this way on purpose because other teams can’t match their offense.
Despite the adventurous way in which it happens, the Leafs get significantly more puck possession, shots, scoring chances, high-danger scoring chances, goals and expected goals than their opponents.
There are no extra points awarded in the standings for winning 2-1. A 5-4 game is just as meaningful (not to mention more fun to watch).
Since this is the case, I think the Leafs should only make a move for a defenseman if he is a significant upgrade.
Ryan Ellis is that upgrade. A right handed defenseman, Ellis is one of the four or five best in the NHL. At the time of the injury, he was starting to get some Norris Trophy Buzz and more importantly, he has been on of the best, and most underrated, defensemen in the NHL for years.
If the Leafs traded for Ellis, he would instantly be their best defenseman, and one of the best in the history of the team. He’s signed up to a currently team friendly $6.5
The contract unfortunately is for another seven years and takes him to age 36 and honestly isn’t that desirable, but if you win a Cup or two, who cares?