Toronto Maple Leafs On The Verge Of Defenseman Trade, per Insider
NHL Insider Chris Johnston has hinted at the fact that the Maple Leafs and GM Brad Treliving will make a trade to shore up their defense; and do it soon.
Whether it's to add a premium pivot down the middle, or shoring up their defense while adding an offensive punch, they team is going to be active as they want to secure a deep playoff push.
NHL Insider Chris Johnston is of the belief that not only will the Leafs make a trade, but they'll do it soon. Speaking on TSN's OverDrive, Johnston talked about the likelihood Toronto will go after a depth defenseman in order to make sure they're as solid as they can possibly be.
Toronto's Solution To Their Defensive Depth
With Toronto seemingly looking to get themselves a depth defenseman, they have a couple of choices they can do their homework on to ensure that the team is as deep as it can be on the blueline.
With questions surrounding Jani Hakanpaa, and now the possibility of Chris Tanev being injured, the team can't afford to have a lack of NHL-ready defensemen on their team, especially when it comes to the playoffs.
The team could look to an old friend playing on a struggling team and bring in Luke Schenn back for the third time as someone who can hold down the fort and bring the grit and toughness Toronto needs come playoff time. He's a cheap option, and with Nashville in the basement, his window to win is closing quickly.
There's also a direct replacement for Hakanpaa, at least in terms of size by going after Vincent Desharnais. He's a towering defenseman who throws hits and blocks shots and isn't an expensive option either for the team.
Toronto has a cap crunch they need to work through, and there are a few players that could be on the way out, though Treliving will not wanna break the team up if they get on a hot streak again.
There is still lots of time for a trade to be made and the Leafs don't need to break the bank to do it. But they need to make sure they bring in the best possible option if they go the cheap route, because any money wasted will be criticized to the fullest extent.
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