Should the Toronto Maple Leafs Trade for Available Blackhawks?

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - DECEMBER 15: Alex DeBrincat #12 of the Chicago Blackhawks celebrates a second period, power play goal with Patrick Kane #88 against the Washington Capitals at the United Center on December 15, 2021 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images) /

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TORONTO, ON – DECEMBER 11: Erik Gustafsson #56 of the Chicago Blackhawks Toronto, Ontario, Canada. (Photo by Claus Andersen/Getty Images) /

No. 2: Defenseman

Trade targets: Calvin de Haan and Erik Gustafsson

Although the team would be better suited with a right-handed shooting defenseman, De Haan is a serviceable defenseman with close to 500 NHL games played.

He’s not going to help offensively, but he would be a player that you’d trust more than someone like Travis Dermott on the blue-line. He’s not the most ideal option but if the Leafs want someone with experience, de Haan is their guy.

Similar to de Haan, Gustafsson is a left-handed defenseman, but his upside is much brighter because he actually brings offense. During the 2018-19 season, he scored 17 goals and contributed 60 points in 72 games played (stats: hockeydb.com).

That was the best offensive output of his career, but it’s possible some of that offensive flare could come back in a better system such as the Leafs.

Both defensive options shouldn’t be huge targets for the Leafs, but if the price is low, it may be worth inquiring.

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