Maple Leafs Urged to Acquire 6-Foot-7 Monster Defenseman After Hitting the Trade Market
Toronto needs to add some serious size and help for Morgan Rielly, and they could look West to acquire a hulking shot-blocking shutdown defenseman.
Given that Brad Treliving is going to have his hands full trying to figure out who is the best possible fit for his team, and while he wants to add some much needed firepower to his third line, but he could also benefit from acquiring some solid defensive help too.
With Morgan Rielly having arguably the worst season of his career, and Toronto's defense suddenly faltering at the most crucial times, they would be best suited to add at least one defensive piece at the end of the day.
Which is why they may be able to not only add a shutdown defenseman to help Morgan Rielly, but can add a huge presence on the ice to bring a new intimidation factor to the squad.
Jamie Oleksiak Could Bring A Massive Change (Literally)
There's something to be said about acquiring a 6'7 defenseman, and with Toronto already striking out earlier this season in that respect, they may be able to call a mulligan and go after another big-bodied defenseman.
On an episode of 'The Fan Show' hosted by Seattle Times sports correspondent Kate Shefte she discussed Oleksiak as a potential name along with Yanni Gourde and Nick Bjugstad who could be on the way out.
Oleksiak, brother of Canada's greatest Olympic athlete Penny Oleksiak, is 6'7, 257 pounds of pure toughness. Not known for his offensive ability, he is certainly all about putting his body on the line either blocking shots or laying bone-crunvhing body checks.
This season with the Kraken, he has two goals and six assists, but has 98 blocks to go along with it.
The former 14th overall pick has made a solid career for himself, spending nine years with the Dallas Stars before a short stop in Pittsburgh and then Seattle. He has 137 points in 642 games but has 918 career blocked shots, and had a mind-boggling 177 last season alone.
He also comes with another year on his deal however his money hit might be something of a concern. Given that he is making $4.6M for this season and the next, it might be too expensive for Brad Treliving to go after.
If Toronto is unsure about Jani Hakanpaa's status, and are looking to move on from someone like Conor Timmins, they could have their sights set on the Kraken defenseman, and potentially add another big piece with a deep connection to the Maple Leafs.
