Former First-Round Pick Becomes Available to Maple Leafs After Latest Waiver Move
A former first round pick could add some defensive depth to make sure the Leafs the best chance at a strong playoff push after being placed on waivers.
If the Maple Leafs wanted to make sure they had a solid defensive situation heading into the playoffs this season they've done a great job. Adding Chris Tanev, Oliver Ekman-Larsson, and Philippe Myers have added a new dimension to a team that struggled to find blueline help.
There's always room for improvement and if Brad Treliving wanted to add a piece or two he certainly has his fair share of options to choose from.
But one NHL player that could add some offensive depth to his blueline (a sore spot this season for Toronto) and he could be done at a very reasonable cost.
Ty Smith Would Help Toronto's Blueline Situation
While they don't have a bad defense whatsoever, there is always more bodies you can add, and it's something the GM has stressed with all of his depth signings.
Smith is a former first round pick of the New Jersey Devils in 2018 and though he started off strong with a 23-point rookie campaign, he hasn't been able to replicate it since. Only two years spent in New Jersey, he found himself on the Penguins soon after but only played in nine games.
He was part of the package that sent Jake Guentzel to the Hurricanes in last season's blockbuster deal.
This season with the Hurricanes he's only played in eight games and amassed one goal and one assist.
He's smaller than Berube and Treliving would like however his potential is still there.
Still only 24 and a few years before his prime, he could use the knowledge of veterans like Tanev and Ekman-Larsson in order to not only improve on the ice but learn the ins and outs of what it takes to be an NHL defenseman.
He's a cheap deal too, making only $775,000 and if Toronto keeps a few of their injured players on the LTIR for the remainder of the season, can easily fit his cap in if they place a claim and send him to the Marlies.
Or they may intend to keep him (if they claim him) and send Marshall Rifai back down as he is currently the team's spare defender.
Rifai hasn't played and is typically used just in case of a complete disaster, but the team would love him to have some more reps down with the Marlies.
It remains to be seen but if Brad Treliving wants to add some pop to his struggling offense at his back end, Smith could be a great place to do it.
