3 Defenseman Toronto Maple Leafs Are Rumored To Be Interested in Trading For
The Toronto Maple Leafs needing to bolster their defense is no secret. Even before injuries and suspensions hit the blue-line, the Leafs defensive lineup was already facing challenges. However, if the team aims to make a serious playoff run, significant improvements are imperative.
I've maintained a pessimistic view of the Toronto Maple Leafs roster and have been vocal about my expectations for GM Brad Treliving to utilize the team's considerable cap space more effectively.
When you possess $20 million in cap space alongside four of the NHL's top forwards, prudent spending becomes paramount. Regrettably, Treliving's decisions didn't align with this strategy.
The glaring need for defensive upgrades was apparent during the offseason, yet Treliving's allocation of funds, notably to John Klingberg, proved misguided.
Observers of the game recognized Klingberg's offensive prowess, but his defensive capabilities left much to be desired. His signing, therefore, proved to be a costly misstep, effectively squandering $4 million. While Klingberg's subsequent placement on LTIR provides a temporary financial reprieve, it doesn't negate the initial error.
With the freed-up Klingberg funds and the potential to shed more salary (such as David Kampf or Calle Jarnkrok), the Leafs possess the resources to orchestrate a significant trade. Personally, I'm hesitant about executing such a move at this year's NHL Trade Deadline.
It might be wiser to assess options during the offseason. However, there's likely pressure from team president Brendan Shanahan for Treliving to pursue an aggressive approach.
Consequently, the Leafs are reportedly eyeing three specific defensemen as potential targets:
No. 1: Sean Walker
Perhaps I should broaden my NHL viewing beyond Toronto Maple Leafs games, because I was taken aback to see Sean Walker listed as one of the prominent names on the NHL Trade Bait Board.
Admittedly, I knew very little about this player and remain uncertain about how he could address the Leafs' defensive issues.
Standing at 5-foot-11 and weighing 190 pounds, Walker doesn't fit the mold of a Radko Gudas-style defenseman who instills fear in opponents. Rather, he's a right-shot defenseman with a relatively affordable contract who could bolster the team's right side.
A scouting report on Walker suggests he would likely slot in as a fourth-best defenseman on a Stanley Cup-winning roster. He's proficient at killing penalties, contributing on the second power-play unit, and primarily valued for his skating ability.
Given the Leafs' emphasis on swift puck movement, Walker could seamlessly integrate into their system. However, in my view, acquiring Walker alone wouldn't suffice in addressing the team's needs.
While Walker could serve as a valuable asset for the Leafs' second unit, it's crucial to continue seeking upgrades in terms of toughness and defensive prowess. While I wouldn't oppose the acquisition of Walker, I wouldn't advocate for overpaying to secure his services.
No. 2: Ilya Lyubushkin
It might sound bold, but I genuinely believe one of the most significant trades in Leafs history was when Kyle Dubas swapped Nick Ritchie for Ilya Lyubushkin. Dubas identified Ritchie's struggles and astutely turned him into an asset that emerged as a top-four defenseman and fan favorite.
The prospect of shouting "Boosh" at the TV while watching this imposing Russian defenseman is enticing. I believe Morgan Rielly would also appreciate his presence, given their successful partnership just a few years ago. Like Walker, I wouldn't advocate trading a first-round pick for Lyubushkin, but a B-level prospect and/or a late draft pick should suffice.
Defensively, Lyubushkin has been reliable and would significantly bolster the lineup. He fills a gap in the team and could serve as a replacement for last year's Luke Schenn. While he may not be a bona fide top-four defenseman on a championship contender, he's well-suited for the Leafs' current roster and salary cap constraints, likely slotting into the third pairing.
Among the physically imposing defensemen available at this year's NHL Trade Deadline, Lyubushkin offers the Leafs the best value for their money. Given his previous success with the team, there's hope he can replicate that performance once again.
I'd love to see him don the blue-and-white jersey again, and hopefully, the Leafs can work out a deal to bring him back, as he'd be an excellent addition to the team once more.
No. 3: Joel Edmundson
If you were to ask me how old Joel Edmundson was, I would've guessed he's nearing retirement age. So, I was genuinely surprised to learn that he's only 30 years old. He made significant contributions during the St. Louis Blues' Stanley Cup triumph in 2019 and continued to excel during the Montreal Canadiens' journey to the Finals the following year.
As a pending unrestricted free agent with a modest $3.5 million average annual value (AAV), Edmundson seems like a perfect fit for Toronto. Standing tall at 6-foot-5 and weighing 225 pounds, he would instantly become the team's most imposing defenseman and a formidable presence on the ice. However, the question remains: would the Canadiens be willing to trade him to their biggest rival?
Historically, both teams haven't engaged in many trades with each other, so Toronto might need to sweeten the deal if they're serious about acquiring Edmundson. Given his size and experience, I believe he's a no-brainer acquisition, and I'd personally be willing to offer a bit more to secure his services. In my opinion, he's one of the best available options for the Leafs right now.
Not only is Edmundson physically imposing, but he's also adept at blocking shots and defending against offensive rushes. Considering Toronto will likely face numerous lethal offensive threats in the playoffs, Edmundson could serve as their primary shutdown defender against players like Nikita Kucherov or Matthew Tkachuk.
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While injuries have limited his playing time this season, his defensive prowess and experience make him a worthwhile trade target.