Maple Leafs Defensive Target Officially Off the Trade Market Following New Report
The Toronto Maple Leafs are looking to be active players ahead of or on the NHL's Trade Deadline, but one big name they've looked at has been taken off the market.
Given that there's less than a week away from the NHL Trade Deadline, the pressure is mounting for teams to get deals done, and in the case of the Toronto Maple Leafs; try and salvage some key pieces with minimal assets.
They've kicked tires on some big names such as Dylan Cozens, Mikko Rantanen, and Brayden Schenn; who they've been intrinsically linked to for the past several weeks.
Speaking of Schenn, Toronto was looking to acquire a teammate of his in order to maximize their blue line come postseason time, but it seems that Blues defenseman Colton Parayko has officially been removed from any potential trades.
So what can Toronto do with Parayko off the market?
Toronto Needs To Shift Gears Even If Colton Parayko Was Best Choice
Parayko has established himself as one of the best two-way defensemen in the league, and isn't afraid to throw his weight around while also lighting the lamp.
He's been a leader for the Blues and is the presumed captain of the team if Schenn departs. He's a cornerstone of the franchise, and with a rising cap and a very cap-friendly deal it's no surprise St. Louis covets him so much.
It's a shame that Toronto won't be able to acquire him, as he would undoubtedly give the team a boost on the back end and allow Toronto a true #1 defenseman given Morgan Rielly's inconsistencies.
This season, Parayko has 14 goals and 19 assists in 59 games for the Blues while adding 133 blocks, 87 hits and a plus-8 in 23:58 TOI.
So with Parayko off the market, Toronto will need to shift gears to other potential blue line offerings such as David Savard, Carson Soucy, and Luke Schenn. The team may also make a play for Rasmus Ristolainen but that feels like a long shot as opposed to the other d-men.
Given that we are only a few days away from the NHL Trade Deadline, and the pressure is mounting on Brad Treliving to make a move of any kind and they can't sit around on their hands and wait for a deal; the team has to be proactive.
He can't get a deal done for Parayko, much to his dismay. But he has other options, the only question is which one does he finally settle on?
We'll find out in six days.
