The Toronto Maple Leafs have done a lot to get tougher this offseason. They have executed this plan pretty well considering how they have acquired Ryan Reaves, Max Domi, and Tyler Bertuzzi who all can hit and get under the other teams skin.
On the NHL Network, NHL insider Elliotte Friedman revealed that the Leafs are eyeing yet another gritty player.
While the enforcer defenseman must adapt to the modern game, there are a solid couple candidates who fill this mold.
The first that comes to mind is Radko Gudas who signed a three year, $12 million contract which will pay him handsomely. While it is unlikely the Leafs acquire Gudas shortly after he signed with Anaheim, you cannot rule anything out.
Another candiate is former Leaf Luke Schenn who signed a three year, $8.25 million contract in Nashville. It is also quite unlikely the Leafs trade for Schenn considering how they could have simply signed him.
Finally, Nikita Zadorov sounds like the perfect candidate for this. He is a big body 6'6" 250 lb monster who loves to lay the boom. He is also linked to the Leafs considering how Brad Treliving traded for him in 2021. If he decides that grit is what the blue line needs, he will be the perfect candidate for the Leafs.
POLL | ||
Of these players, which do you want the Leafs to acquire the most? | ||
Radko Gudas | 445 | 18.8 % |
Luke Schenn | 654 | 27.7 % |
Nikita Zadorov | 1264 | 53.5 % |
List of polls |