Toronto Maple Leafs May Have Interest in Montreal Defenseman

Could the Toronto Maple Leafs make a trade with their arch-nemesis for a defenseman?

A Rumor from David Pagnota says that Toronto Maple Leafs general manager Kyle Dubas  might have some interest in Montreal Canadiens defenseman Joel Edmundson.

It is no secret that the Canadiens will be sellers at the NHL trade deadline. They will be looking to trade away expiring contracts for future assets. Another thing they might do is trade away players to free up cap space for the off-season. Joel Edmundson fits into the latter category. Edmundson has one more year left on his deal with a $3.5 million salary cap hit.
(Salary cap info from: capfriendly.com)

Adding Edmundson would give the Toronto Maple Leafs a big 6’4, 227 Lbs left-shooting defenseman that can play 20 minutes a game and likes to hit. He is the type of defenseman Toronto has been lacking on the left side since Jake Muzzin got hurt. Edmundson’s physical play would be a great addition to the Maple Leafs. His style of play is what Toronto needs to have once the NHL playoffs start.

The fact that Edmundson has one more year left on his contract is what makes this trade appealing. He does have a 10-team no-trade list, and it is unknown if Toronto is on that list. The other unknown is Montreal’s asking price for the towering defenseman. Toronto GM Kyle Dubas doesn’t have much in the way of draft picks, but he has plenty of prospects he can offer.

Edmundson Would Shore Up Toronto Maple Leafs 2023-24 Blueline

Toronto currently has five defensemen signed for the 2023-24 season. Newly acquired defenseman Conor Timmins is an RFA this offseason and will be looking to get re-signed.

Adding Edmundson and re-signing Timmins would bring Toronto up to seven defensemen for next season.

If the Toronto Maple Leafs were to acquire Edmundson, Justin Holl could likely get traded to make room. Holl is a pending UFA this offseason and could be traded as a rental at the deadline. Another option is to move pending UFA Jordie Benn or try sending him down to the Toronto Marlies in the AHL.

I don’t think Toronto needs to add to their blueline, but adding a player like Edmundson wouldn’t be a bad move. Toronto’s defense has been playing well this season despite all the injuries. Depending on what the asking price is, I would be okay with Toronto trading for him.