Report: Toronto Maple Leafs' Fans Disappointed as Team Fails to Secure Anticipated Major Defensive Upgrade
PUBLICATION
Tom Banks
November 9, 2023 (4:29 PM)
The Toronto Maple Leafs had a chance to take a big step forward this year after a first-round playoff win in 2022-23, but unfortunately, some of their decisions over the summer are now coming back to bite them.
The Maple Leafs missed out on a big time upgrade in the off-season
The blue line has been a problem in Toronto for a few years now, and this summer, instead of adding some dynamic talent back there, they ended up with John Klingberg, who has drawn the ire of the fan base since the beginning of the season.
Now, a report has emerged that is sure to break the hearts of Leafs fans, as they reportedly wanted Matt Dumba, who has been off to a great start this season with the Arizona Coyotes.
"I think the guy they really wanted on July 1st was [Matt] Dumba." - Elliotte Friedman.
A major struggle defensively this year for Toronto
Unfortunately, that wasn't meant to be, and the Leafs have continued to struggle while Dumba has provided a major spark beyond the stat sheet for Arizona, becoming the veteran leader this team needed.
With the Coyotes potentially making a playoff push, it's unlikely that Toronto target him on the trade market, but with many names like Chris Tanev, Noah Hanifin and others potentially available, it's becoming clear that this team needs to make a major move.
As Read on The Hockey News - Report: Maple Leafs 'Wanted' Defenseman Matt Dumba During Free Agency This Summer
POLL |
Would Dumba have made a massive difference to this Oilers team? |
Yes | 227 | 57.3 % |
No | 169 | 42.7 % |
List of polls |
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7 hours ago | By Chris Gerics Former Leafs Defenseman Eyes NHL Comeback After Long-Term Injury, per Elliotte Friedman |
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9 hours ago | By Austin Kelly Former Leafs Player's Surprise Healthy Scratch Sparks Controversy |
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12 hours ago | By Chris Gerics Craig Berube Makes Immediate Lineup Changes in Response to Auston Matthews' Injury |
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13 hours ago | By Chris Gerics Breaking Down the Exact Moment Auston Matthews Re-aggravated His Injury |
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14 hours ago | By Chris Gerics Insider Nick Kypreos Reports Matt Murray Rejected Multiple NHL Offers to Stay With the Maple Leafs |
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16 hours ago | By Chris Gerics Devastating News for Toronto Maple Leafs Captain Auston Matthews |
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17 hours ago | By Chris Gerics Brad Treliving Makes Urgent Move Involving Matt Murray During NHL Roster Freeze |
Previously on HockeyPatrol