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4 UFA Defenseman Toronto Maple Leafs Should Target

By Stephen Nixon

MONTREAL, QC - MAY 24: Goaltender Jack Campbell #36 of the Toronto Maple Leafs defends his net with the help of his teammates Justin Holl #3 and Rasmus Sandin #38 against Corey Perry #94 and Paul Byron #41 of the Montreal Canadiens during the second period in Game Three of the First Round of the 2021 Stanley Cup Playoffs at the Bell Centre on May 24, 2021 in Montreal, Canada. (Photo by Minas Panagiotakis/Getty Images)
MONTREAL, QC - MAY 24: Goaltender Jack Campbell #36 of the Toronto Maple Leafs defends his net with the help of his teammates Justin Holl #3 and Rasmus Sandin #38 against Corey Perry #94 and Paul Byron #41 of the Montreal Canadiens during the second period in Game Three of the First Round of the 2021 Stanley Cup Playoffs at the Bell Centre on May 24, 2021 in Montreal, Canada. (Photo by Minas Panagiotakis/Getty Images) /
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Toronto Maple Leafs
VANCOUVER, BC – MAY 03: Alex Edler #23 of the Vancouver Canucks  Photo by Rich Lam/Getty Images) /

No. 3: Alex Edler

Edler mentioned that he plans to play his 15th career NHL season next year, but he hasn’t quite said where yet. It would be safe to assume that he would like to return to Vancouver, but who really knows if they want him back.

Although he’s the franchise leader in points, among defenseman, they’re not ready to win a Stanley Cup. At 35-years-old, Edler may want to play for a team that has a better chance at winning, like the Leafs.

Edler is only two years removed from scoring 10 goals in an NHL season, but the Leafs wouldn’t be pursuing him for his offense. At 6-foot-3, 215 pounds, the team could use his size and defensive ability as a third-pairing defenseman.

Based on his age, Edler could find himself in a great role as a third-pairing defenseman and would be a great mentor to Rasmus Sandin. Since Edler and Sandin are both from Sweden, there may be a connection there to help Sandin adjust to the NHL as a full-time player.

I’m not saying that any other defenseman couldn’t do that, but they may have more things in common, than any other free agent. Regardless, anytime a veteran defenseman like Edler becomes available, it makes sense to pursue him and potentially sign him, if the money is right.

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