Edmonton Oilers 6 Foot 7 Defenseman Linked To Maple Leafs By Elliott Friedman

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Tyler Ball
October 10, 2023 (10:33)

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Yesterday Elliotte Friedman dropped a bombshell about the Toronto Maple Leafs potentially pursuing a massive Edmonton Oilers defenseman.

Maple Leafs Linked To Massive Oilers Defenseman By NHL Insider

Elliotte Friedman had his 32 Thoughts podcast released yesterday. One of the most interesting topics covered was the Sam Lafferty trade. Friedman dropped a hint that multiple teams were interested in Lafferty's services including the Edmonton Oilers.

When talking about the Lafferty trade Friedman speculated that the Toronto Maple Leafs had a specific player in mind who they wanted in return. That player was Vincent Desharnais a 6-foot-7 defenseman who plays a physical style.

Leafs In On Physical Defensemen

It's no secret that many believe the Toronto Maple Leafs defense is lacking physicality. In many fans and media's opinion, it is their biggest weakness. While the deal for Desharnais didn't work out this time Friedman says he wouldn't be surprised to see the Maple Leafs circle back.

Friedman on 32T: "I think EDM was a team that liked Lafferty and I wouldn't be surprised if Toronto called the Oilers about Lafferty and fished around Desharnais. That's the kind of player I could see Toronto fishing around on this year and doing it at this time"

The Maple Leafs will likely be able to succeed in the regular season without any major additions on defense. Where they will struggle is in the playoffs when things get tighter and more physical. This likely means the Maple Leafs could go shopping near the trade deadline for a defenseman like Desharnais.

Toronto has added physicality and grit up front it will be fascinating to see if those additions are enough to change the team's playstyle. Also if it will be enough to keep the fans satisfied.