Brad Treliving's Top Trade Target Is Now Known

PUBLICATION

Tyler Ball
September 3, 2023 (9:01)

SHARE THIS STORY

The Toronto Maple Leafs have spent their offseason trying to improve their depth around their core four. As part of this, they brought in players like Tyler Bertuzzi, Max Domi, and John Klingberg. Now Brad Treliving's next acquisition may come from a familiar place.

Rekindling An Old Flame?

Brad Treliving joined the Toronto Maple Leafs after a stint as the General Manager of the Calgary Flames. With the Flames Treliving was known for having big teams that were tough to play against. Now he may be calling on one of his former players to help bring this to the Leafs.

Noah Hanifin is heading into the last year of his contract with the Calgary Flames. The 26-year-old defenseman is everything that the Leafs are looking for in their next big acquisition. In 81 games last season, Hanifin put up 38 points, 129 blocks, and 76 hits while playing 22:39 a night on average.

Hanifin is a big smooth skating physical defenseman who can provide offense when needed. He has shown the ability to play both sides of the ice on defense. He also has shown the ability to play big minutes. Hanifin is also just heading into his prime and his peak will match up well with the rest of the core.

What Would It Take To Acquire Hanifin?

With Noah Hanifin being a young defenseman who can play a lot of minutes he has a lot of value. Due to his contract being up at the end of the year, his price will likely drop as the season goes on. This means trading for him at the trade deadline will be significantly easier than trying to do so now.

The most commonly linked return for Hanifin to the Leafs has been William Nylander. Nylander's contract situation makes him an easy candidate to throw into trade scenarios. However, the Leafs have plenty of picks and prospects still that could entice the Flames enough to part with Hanifin.

As Read On - The Hockey Writers - An Early Look At 3 Maple Leafs Trade Targets in 2023-24