Editor In Leaf
Fansided

Toronto Maple Leafs: 4 Defenseman Team Could Trade For This Week

By Stephen Nixon

TORONTO, ON - MARCH 9: Paul Stastny #25 of the Winnipeg Jets is checked against the boards by Justin Holl #3 of the Toronto Maple Leafs during their game at Scotiabank Arena on March 9, 2021 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. (Photo by Claus Andersen/Getty Images)
TORONTO, ON - MARCH 9: Paul Stastny #25 of the Winnipeg Jets is checked against the boards by Justin Holl #3 of the Toronto Maple Leafs during their game at Scotiabank Arena on March 9, 2021 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. (Photo by Claus Andersen/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
3 of 5
Next
Toronto Maple Leafs
Feb 25, 2021; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Nashville Predators center Nick Cousins (21) g Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports /

No. 3: Marc Staal ($5.7M)

This contract seems incredibly rich but if the Detroit Red Wings were to retain 50 percent of the contract, it’s a lot more doable. As of right now, Staal’s deal is really only worth $2.997M against the cap, so the closer they get to the deadline, the cheaper that contract becomes.

If the Leafs were trading for Staal, let’s say six years ago, this would be a big deal. However, at this current stage of his career, he’s not the player he used to be. And that’s okay.

The 34-year-old left shot defenseman has never been a point-producing machine. Instead, he’s a defensively-sound player who uses his size and body to his advantage.  Or he’s thought to be.  Staal is exhibit A in a player who does the traditional things right while posting numbers that say he’s a liability.

At 6-foot-4, 210 pounds, Staal could still be a valuable asset on a contending team. Having played in the NHL for 13 years, the Thunder Bay native came very close to a Stanley Cup championship during the 2013-14 campaign. His Rangers team unfortunately ran into one of the hottest goaltender performances in NHL history and were defeated by the LA Kings in five games.

As a result, Staal would probably like some redemption and a last chance at glory before he hangs up his skates.

Currently holding a no-move-clause, you’d have to think that he’d waive that in order to play for an organization like the Leafs. Who knows if that’s certain, but Staal would be another solid veteran in the room and someone who wouldn’t make too many mistakes.

When it comes to playoff hockey, that’s the exact defenseman you want as your No. 5 and No. 6 player and his experience of over 100 NHL playoff games played would only help this roster.

Home/Editorials