Editor In Leaf
Fansided

Toronto Maple Leafs: 5 Free Agent Defensemen Targets

By Matthew Rodrigopulle

ANAHEIM, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 11: Alex Pietrangelo #27 of the St. Louis Blues looks on during the second period of a game against the Anaheim Ducks at Honda Center on March 11, 2020 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
ANAHEIM, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 11: Alex Pietrangelo #27 of the St. Louis Blues looks on during the second period of a game against the Anaheim Ducks at Honda Center on March 11, 2020 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
3 of 6
Next
NEWARK, NJ – DECEMBER 31: Loui Eriksson #21 of the Vancouver Canucks in action against Sami Vatanen #45 of the New Jersey Devils. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)
NEWARK, NJ – DECEMBER 31: Loui Eriksson #21 of the Vancouver Canucks in action against Sami Vatanen #45 of the New Jersey Devils. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images) /

2. Sami Vatanen

Now contrasting from the expensive, top-pairing option of Pietrangelo is Carolina Hurricanes defenseman Sami Vatanen.

Vatanen is definitely a cheaper option and is someone the Leafs can afford. He’s a right-handed, top four defenseman who can easily slot in on the Leafs second pairing, possibly alongside Travis Dermott.

The 28-year-old Vatanen had some injury troubles this season, but still managed to record 23 points in 48 games this season. While the Hurricanes acquired him at the deadline, we have yet to see how he plays with them truly during these upcoming playoffs. If he ends the season off strongly, he could be a player the Leafs target.

Home/Editorials