The Top Priority For The Maple Leafs Has Been Revealed
The Toronto Maple Leafs are off to a good start with a win over their rival Montreal Canadiens. However, the team is already looking to improve one part of the roster according to sources.
Maple Leafs Looking To Add To One Key Position
Multiple sources have now reported that Brad Treliving and the Toronto Maple Leafs have a specific position in mind to upgrade. According to those sources, Toronto feels their defense still needs to be improved to compete.
NHL insider Elliotte Friedman reported that the Maple Leafs originally tried to use forward Sam Lafferty to upgrade and acquire Vincent Desharnais from the Edmonton Oilers. While that deal ultimately fell through it means the Maple Leafs feel a need to upgrade in the near future.
Which Defenseman Will Be The Odd Man Out?
The Maple Leafs will likely add another defenseman to keep building their roster. This means one of their current players will likely have to slide out of the lineup. The main three contenders to many people are Mark Giordano, TJ Brodie, and Timothy Liljegren.
Giordano has been a consistent defenseman his entire career. However, he is starting to show signs of slowing down due to age and this will only be more noticeable later in the season.
Brodie has also struggled to play at his former level in recent years. He also had a tough time in the first game of the season making him an early candidate to be replaced.
Timothy Liljegren has been the most inconsistent of the Maple Leafs prospects he has had great and also pretty bad moments. Under the new management group, he could find more confidence. If he doesn't then he could be the odd man out.
New general manager Brad Treliving also has a previous relationship with both Mark Giordano and TJ Brodie. This could give them an advantage in sticking around if a defenseman is brought in.
One thing is for sure after the rollercoaster that was the season opener the defense needs to improve. This either needs to happen through better play from the current group or a move to acquire someone on the trade market.
As Read On - The Leafs Nation - Adding a defenceman remains a priority for the Maple Leafs
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Will the Toronto Maple Leafs trade for a defenseman? | ||
| Yes | 335 | 79.8 % |
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