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 |
NOVEMBRE 9 | 396 ANSWERS Report: Toronto Maple Leafs' Fans Disappointed as Team Fails to Secure Anticipated Major Defensive Upgrade Would Dumba have made a massive difference to this Oilers team? |
Yes | 227 | 57.3 % |
No | 169 | 42.7 % |
List of polls |
|
30 minutes ago | By Chris Gerics Top Unrestricted Free Agent and Stanley Cup Champion Linked to the Toronto Maple Leafs |
|
2 hours ago | By Chris Gerics Mitch Marner's Projected Next Contract Revealed, per Insider |
|
4 hours ago | By Chris Gerics Mitch Marner's Future with the Toronto Maple Leafs Hinges on One Crucial Factor |
|
5 hours ago | By Chris Gerics Brad Treliving Under Fire for Keeping Struggling Maple Leafs Defenseman at the Trade Deadline |
|
17 hours ago | By Chris Gerics Mitch Marner Breaks Silence on Being Asked to Waive His No-Trade Clause |
|
17 hours ago | By Chris Gerics Elliotte Friedman Finally Clarifies Shocking Mitch Marner/Mikko Rantanen Trade Deadline Situation |
|
22 hours ago | By Chris Gerics Leafs Head Coach Craig Berube Confirms His New Lineup with Laughton and Carlo |
|
23 hours ago | By Chris Gerics Chris Tanev's Injury Status Officially Confirmed by Leafs Head Coach Craig Berube |
Previously on HockeyPatrol