A list of the players that the Leafs have been linked to ahead of the deadline
The trade deadline is just two weeks away and despite their recent struggles, the Toronto Maple Leafs are likely to be a buyer. Kyle Dubas has made it no secret that defense is the team's number one priority, but Jake Muzzin's injury status will dictate what the Leafs will have room to do. Either way, the Leafs will need to get creative to add a big piece to their roster for the postseason. Here are some players that they've inquired about and who may make the most sense for the Leafs to go after at the trade deadline.
HAMPUS LINDHOLM (ANAHEIM DUCKS)
The Ducks are slipping out of the playoff race and, as a result, pending unrestricted free agents Rickard Rakell, Josh Manson and Hampus Lindholm are all on the block. It's been reported that the Leafs have called about Hampus Lindholm. Lindholm is a great two-way defenseman who would help the Leafs out a lot, especially in their own end. The Ducks have shown interest in Travis Dermott and perhaps a package centered around those two, along with draft picks and prospects could entice the Ducks to move the 28-year-old Swede.
CALVIN DE HAAN (CHICAGO BLACKHAWKS)
One of the cheaper options at the deadline, de Haan is a good defensive defender. He excels in transition and his gap control is great. De Haan would be a rental, likely meaning that he won't cost much. The Leafs have been experimenting and have had Morgan Rielly and T.J. Brodie on seperate pairs. A defensive defenseman like de Haan could help the Leafs, especially in the shot blocking department.
MARK GIORDANO (SEATTLE KRAKEN)
Mark Giordano has a history of playing with T.J. Brodie dating back to their time in the Calgary Flames. Rasmus Sandin has impressed, but isn't quite good enough yet defensively to play top-4 minutes, at least on a consistent basis. Giordano would be a great add for the Leafs. He's great offensively and provides the Leafs with another scoring option from the blueline. There's a connection with the Soo Greyhounds between Kyle Dubas and Kraken GM, Ron Francis - perhaps this connection can lead to a deal that lands Giordano in his hometown of Toronto.
MAX DOMI (COLUMBUS BLUE JACKETS)
Seeing the name "Domi" in Toronto again would put a smile on many faces - even if the first name is Max and not Tie. Max Domi is only a few seasons removed from scoring 70 points and although he hasn' been able to replicate his success from 2019 yet, it's worth noting that h's been playing on weak teams since then. Domi went unprotected in the expansion draft and likely wouldn't cost an arm and a leg for the Leafs to trade for. If deployed properly, he could provide some good secondary scoring for the Leafs as well as the toughness and fearlessness that's needed for playoff hockey. He may not throw a ton of hits, but he'll be a pest and he'll drop the gloves when called upon, no questions asked.
JAKOB CHYCHRUN (ARIZONA COYOTES)
Jakob Chychrun is probably the best player available on the trade market. The 23-year-old makes a team-friendly, $4.6 million through 2025. He hasn't had the best season this year, likely because of where he plays and a lot of the talent has been moved out of Arizona already, but any team, even one outside of the playoffs should have interest in Chychrun. He's cost-controlled, very talented, good in both ends of the ice, and is versatile as he plays on both the left and right side. Trading for Jakob Chychrun at the deadline should be the Leafs' top priority, but 30 other teams will likely be in it as well.
The Leafs have reportedly also kicked tires on:
Ben Chiarot
John Klingberg
J.T. Miller
Rickard Rakell
Calle Jarnkrok
Andrew Copp
Travis Konecny
Justin Braun
Should be an interesting two weeks upcoming.
| POLL | ||
MARS 6 | 378 ANSWERS A list of the players that the Leafs have been linked to ahead of the deadline Will the Leafs land a big fish at or before the deadline? | ||
| Yes - they can't afford not to | 168 | 44.4 % |
| No - they can't afford what they need | 66 | 17.5 % |
| They'll get a good player but not a great one | 117 | 31 % |
| They'll stick with what they have now | 27 | 7.1 % |
| List of polls | ||
