Canucks Nearing Trade for Defenseman Frank Seravalli Reports, Should the Leafs Step In?
Should the Toronto Maple Leafs get involved as the Vancouver Canucks search for a top-four defenseman amidst the upcoming roster freeze.
A new report from NHL insider Frank Seravalli reveals the Vancouver Canucks are looking around the league for defensive help, with the potential of a move being imminent.
Should the Toronto Maple Leafs get involved as the Canucks search for an impact defenseman potentially before the upcoming NHL trades freeze?
Why The Maple Leafs Should Intervene In Vancouver's Trade Hunt
Seravalli reported while on Daily Faceoff Live that the Vancouver Canucks have been scouring the trade market for a potential top defenseman to add to the team's roster.
Seravalli says while there isn't a known destination or any deal put in place by Vancouver, the team is still in the hunt for options as a pause on trade deals come close.
And there seems to be a heightened sense of urgency in the last 24-48 hours as to whether or not they may be able to get something done before the NHL trade freeze kicks in at midnight on Thursday." - Frank Seravalli
There are two ways in which the Toronto Maple Leafs can get involved in this potential blockbuster.
First, by making a deal with the Vancouver Canucks to move a defenseman out. Vancouver's big need is on the right, with Filip Hronek currently injured, and the most logical fit from Toronto is likely Conor Timmins.
Timmins, who this season has a goal and six points, is not exactly the impact offensive weapon the Canucks are looking for, but is a fine puck mover who could add to Vancouver's blueline.
Although Toronto themselves are low on defensive depth, the more likely option could be them challenging the Canucks for a key asset in the trade market.
One popular name who has been at the center of trade buzz involving the Canucks is Buffalo Sabres defenseman Bowen Byram.
The 23-year-old Byram currently has four goals and 18 points in 32 games played for the Sabres this season.
The former fourth overall pick has been a rumored trade target, and would be an impactful trade option for a Leafs team needing some blueline youth, but the Canucks may have an advantage of Byram being a BC-born native.
David Pagnotta of 'The Fourth Period' reported yesterday that the Canucks are believed to have interest in Byram, noting that Elliotte Friedman previously reported the Canucks and Sabres having been in trade talks as of recent.
Both the Toronto Maple Leafs and the Vancouver Canucks need defense, that much is clear.
One could help the other in order to grab a bigger fish and take a potential rival out of the bidding, or they could swoop in and surprise everyone and acquire one of the top trade targets available.
