Maple Leafs Officially Linked To Young Toronto Native Star Defenseman

PUBLICATION

James Connelly
December 17, 2023 (3:30 PM)

SHARE THIS STORY

The Toronto Maple Leafs are linked to the San Jose Sharks' best defenseman and he could be a valuable piece for the Leafs for years to come.

Leafs Linked To Ferraro

Recently, insider David Pagnotta linked San Jose Sharks defenseman Mario Ferraro to the Toronto Maple Leafs.

He said the following about the 25-year-old defenseman who is currently leading the San Jose Sharks in TOI:

"I believe the Leafs also have interest in Mario Ferraro of the San Jose Sharks. The 25-year-old comes with a $3.25 million cap hit and has two more years left on his contract after this season. The Sharks are willing to listen and they are also one of the few teams also willing to take on contracts from cap-strapped clubs (for a price)." - David Pagnotta

Ferraro is an under-the-radar player who does not get nearly enough attention because he plays for San Jose. The Toronto native averages over 22 minutes of ice time a night and is one of only two Sharks players to have played in every game so far this season. While his offensive numbers aren't eye-popping, 1 goal and 4 assists, he is more of a defensive defenseman.

The 2017 second-round pick is currently in his 5th NHL season and is playing against other teams' top players every single night.

What Ferraro Would Cost

Depending on what the Leafs are trying to move out to acquire Ferraro, they may have to part with some picks. They have already made it clear top prospects Easton Cowan and Fraser Minten are off-limits but their top picks could be movable assets.

The Sharks are in need of help at just about every single position so there is also a chance the Leafs move a bottom-six forward to make Ferraro and his cap hit work. Of all of the assets that could help the Leafs on the trade market right now, Ferraro is probably the most cost-effective and most likely to be a piece long-term.