Toronto Maple Leafs: More Defensemen Trade Rumours
Welcome to the latest speculation on who the Toronto Maple Leafs should add to their injury riddled blueline.
The Toronto Maple Leafs began the season with Timothy Liljegren on the IR, then Jake Muzzin went down for what is most likely the year, and then TJ brodie suffered an oblique strain.
Suddenly, the Leafs are dressing Jordie Benn and looking thing on the backend.
With that in mind, I’d like to highlight a few of the names analysts have thrown around the past weeks and see what they could bring to this team.
Toronto Maple Leafs Blue Line Rumours
Artem Zub
Zub is a 6’2 right-handed defenseman who logs big minutes, so far this campaign he’s averaging a total of over 20 minutes a game.
Before their injuries, Zub played alongside the Senator’s top blueliner; Thomas Chabot. His lacking physical play can be overseen by the fact he’s a career-plus player, the only downside to this pickup is the fact he’ll become a UFA by year’s end.
Connor Murphy
The Chicago blueliner has been in the rumour mill since last season as the team continues with their rebuild. Murphy, 29, has a cap hit of $4.4 million until 2025-26, which is way to high for a player who doesn’t provide offense.
Murphy is a 6’4 frame that likes to play the body and is a solid defensive defenseman. Bringing in a guy like Murphy would definitely help the Leafs, but at his cap hit there is likely a way better option.
Luke Schenn
Purely a rental option for Toronto, Schenn would be returning to play for the team that drafted him. This season alone it’s been documented how Schenn has been throwing around his weight and dropping the gloves.
This is the energy guy the Leafs need on their blueline. Schenn would be a good depth piece to any blueline, but he’s not a difference maker.
Dmitry Orlov
The final d-man I want to take a look at is Orlov, the longtime Capitals defensemen is on an expiring deal with a cap hit of $5.1 million, which isn’t too bad considering he’s a solid top pairing performer.
Orlov plays a huge role for Washington and throws big time body checks year after year. He’d be the perfect option to replace Muzzin if need be and I think a struggling Caps team could be a good trade partner as they desperately need some younger pieces.
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With the big losses on the backup two months in, the Leafs need to make a decision about what to do with their back-end quick before one of their rivals makes a move.