Ivan Provorov - Columbus Blue Jackets
As a former first round pick back in the 2015 NHL Draft, Ivan Provorov has always been a steady, trusted defenseman throughout his NHL career. Provorov might not be leading the league any time soon in most categories, but he does enough to provide great value from both an offensive and defensive standpoint.
However, after beginning early in his career as a huge shot blocking and hitting machine, his physical presence has diminished in recent years, as with just 16 hits this year, he is on pace for his lowest hit total in his nine-year NHL career. Added to the fact that Provorov has also given the puck away over 80 times already this season, he is also on pace to shatter his personal mark of 92.
The Columbus Blue Jackets are still currently in the thick of the playoff race, normally you don’t deal away a top-four defenseman at such a time. But because of his worrisome numbers and play to date this season, along with the fact that Provorov is in his final year of his six-year contract, the Blue Jackets may not want to lose him for nothing and could listen to some offers as a result.
If the price was extremely cheap, Provorov would represent a decent upgrade on what the Leafs are currently playing on their third pairing, but he would be an expensive option consider he'd be their 5th best defenseman.
Luke Schenn - Nashville Predators
Perhaps one of the players still in the hearts of Leafs fans, Luke Schenn could be the sentimental favourite in terms of blue liners for Toronto. After all, the last time he was with the Maple Leafs, he helped them to finally win a round in the playoffs for the first time in over two decades.
If you think that the Leafs are still a bit too soft even with the presence of Tanev and Jake McCabe, Schenn without question would help out drastically in that department. With over 211 hits already to lead all defenseman this season despite only playing about 15 minutes a night, he would be nightmare for any contending team playing against him in the playoffs.
Schenn is 35, he's declined a lot and he would barely be an upgrade on what the Leafs have. They should have no interest in Schenn.