Maple Leafs frontrunners to acquire Chris Tanev and Ilya Lyubuskin
The Toronto Maple Leafs have the forward group to compete for a Stanley Cup in 2023-24, but to make that happen, it appears as though they are preparing to make a big addition on their blue line.
According to a recent report from The Fourth Line's David Pagnotta, the Maple Leafs are targeting former Leaf Ilya Lyubushkin and Calgary's Chris Tanev ahead of the March 8th trade deadline.
Should the Leafs even consider making a run for one of these blueliners?
With injuries to John Klingberg, Timothy Liljegren and Mark Giordano among others at various times this season, it's become more and more clear that if they are to go on a deep playoff run, then their blue line will need bolstering in a massive way.
Two solid additions for the Maple Leafs
Lyubushkin is a player that's familiar with Toronto, playing 31 games with the team back in 2021-22, and while he would be a solid addition, he's tallied just 4 assists in 46 games played for the Anaheim Ducks this season.
Chris Tanev may not provide the team with much more offence than that, as he has 1 goal and 9 points in 45 games played, but would provide toughness, leadership and the heart that this team is solely missing.
Ultimately, the Maple Leafs need to make some type of move, and if they add either of these players to a healthy blue line, it gives the Leafs another weapon as they look to finally make a push for the Stanley Cup.
Source - Sportsnet
Why the Maple Leafs traded for Ilya Lyubushkin, again
| POLL | ||
JANVIER 28 | 1189 ANSWERS Maple Leafs frontrunners to acquire Chris Tanev and Ilya Lyubuskin Which player improves Toronto most? | ||
| Chris Tanev | 804 | 67.6 % |
| Ilya Lyubushkin | 385 | 32.4 % |
| List of polls | ||
![Feb 13, 2025; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; [Imagn Images direct customers only] Team USA forward Auston Matthews (34) looks on against Team Finland in the second period during a 4 Nations Face-Off ice hockey game at Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: David Kirouac-Imagn Images](https://i.marqueur.com/habsetlnh/medium/531249.webp "Feb 13, 2025; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; [Imagn Images direct customers only] Team USA forward Auston Matthews (34) looks on against Team Finland in the second period during a 4 Nations Face-Off ice hockey game at Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: David Kirouac-Imagn Images")
![Feb 13, 2025; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; [Imagn Images direct customers only] Team USA forward Auston Matthews (34) looks on against Team Finland in the first period during a 4 Nations Face-Off ice hockey game at Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: David Kirouac-Imagn Images](https://i.marqueur.com/habsetlnh/medium/531292.webp "Feb 13, 2025; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; [Imagn Images direct customers only] Team USA forward Auston Matthews (34) looks on against Team Finland in the first period during a 4 Nations Face-Off ice hockey game at Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: David Kirouac-Imagn Images")
