Flames Targeting Top Leafs Prospect For Potential Blockbuster Trade for Defenseman

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Tom Banks
November 13, 2023 (5:30 PM)

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With defenseman Nikita Zadorov and Chris Tanev likely on the move from Calgary, the Toronto Maple Leafs have been linked to both, and it appears only a matter of time until a deal gets done.

The Calgary Flames could target Nick Abruzzese in a deal

While a lot of the talk on both sides has centered around Toronto's 2024 first-round draft pick as well as Nick Robertson, Fraser Minten and Easton Cowan, Calgary may have their eye on another prospect.

As the hockey world tries to piece together various pieces that could make a Leafs trade for a Flames defenceman possible, consider the fact Toronto farmhand Nick Abruzzese was Matt Coronato's setup man at Harvard two seasons ago.

The Leafs 4th rounder was just named AHL player of the week w 2g and 5a in 3 games.

According to Sportsnet's Eric Francis, the Flames could look at targeting Nick Abruzzese, who has connections to Matt Coronato, one of the brightest pieces of the Flames future.

A blockbuster deal could be coming anytime soon

While the Maple Leafs won't look to give up their top prospects for nothing, if they can get two big, physical defenseman in Zadorov and Tanev, it could change their chances in 2023-24 drastically, so anyone from Toronto could be on the table.

As for Abruzzese, the 24-year old center has 3 goals and 11 points thus far in 2023-24 for the Toronto Marlies, and while he could be a key piece of their bottom-six one day, if giving him up means getting back players to help their cause this year, it makes sense for both parties.

As Read on The Hockey Writers - Insider Hints Flames Like Maple Leafs Prospect in Potential Deal