A look at some realistic trade deadline targets for the Leafs: Defensemen
This is the fourth in a series of five articles , leading up to the NHL's trade deadline. COVID-19 postponements, players in and out of protocol and teams with multiple games in hand on their division rivals has muddied the playoff picture. There's still a lot to be determined between now and March 21st, when the buzzer sounds on this season's trades.
As a reminder, we've all heard about some of the bigger names out there, but due to the realities of the Maple Leafs' salary cap situation, I wanted to take a look at the 'under the radar' players the team may look to add. Again, I'm sticking with teams that are more than likely on the outside looking in when it comes to the playoffs, players that are pending unrestricted free agents, or players that have stated they need a change of scenery.
It is well documented that the Maple Leafs will be looking to improve their blue line for what is hopefully a deeper playoff run. With Rielly and Brodie, the team's top pair seems pretty much set in stone. Then things get more interesting. Jake Muzzin is sidelined with a concussion. Justin Holl hasn't looked like the same player that impressed last season. Sandin and Lilijgren haven't looked fantastic when asked to play up in the lineup against tougher competition. Travis Dermott treats the puck like a live grenade, and Biega has only seen very limited action with the big club, not looking like a viable option when he's there.
John Klingberg - Dallas Stars
Yes, this is one of the big names out there that we've all heard about. He has said that he wants out of Dallas since a new deal hasn't been agreed upon. Some say he's not the type of defenseman that the Leafs need, but you'd have to think he could be an improvement compared to some of the names mentioned above. Salary cap gymnastics are required here to make his 4.25 million cap hit work, so a third team would likely have to become involved, unless the Leafs are planning to send some money back the other way.
PK Subban - New Jersey Devils
Salary cap heroics would be required to make this one work, and frankly I'm not sure the Devils defenseman is worth it. Declining play and a severely inflated salary make me weary of this move. Again, a third team would have to be involved here for significant salary retention.
Mark Giordano - Seattle Kraken
Some say the grizzled vet would be just what the doctor ordered. Do you reunite Giordano and Brodie in hopes that the chemistry from their playing time together in Calgary shows itself again? I'm not so sure on this move either, as the salary is high, and Seattle could possibly have many suitors for his services. The last thing we need to do is get involved in a bidding war for an aging veteran defenseman.
Rasmus Ristolainen - Philadelphia Flyers
At 6'4", 220lbs Ristolainen represents the big-body contingent of available d-men. Previously he was playing for the dumpster fire that is the Buffalo Sabres, and he has gone to a situation in Philly which isn't a whole lot better. At $5.4 million, he could be tough to fit under the cap, so some salary cap gymnastics would have to occur here too. See a trend?
Anton Stralman - Arizona Coyotes
On the smaller side (5'11", 186lbs), Stralman, a veteran, is a name that one would have to think will be on the move from Arizona, as the Coyotes continue to hoard draft picks for the upcoming draft. A $5.5 million cap hit could make this tough as well.
Ben Chiarot - Montreal Canadiens
A big bodied defender that knows how to play physical in the playoffs. After lumberjacking his way through the Leafs in the first round last season, does Dubas look to make a deal with a division rival for a rental? Again, there could be a lot of suitors here, and you'd have to think that given the current state of the Habs, they'll be looking for a king's ransom for this asset.
Justin Braun - Philadelphia Flyers
Another Philly blueliner on an expiring contract, he comes in at a much more affordable $1.8 million cap hit. At 6'2" and 205lbs he could be a welcome addition to Toronto's blue line. Not flashy, just some veteran experience and a big body who will not be pushed around.
Scott Harrington - Columbus Blue Jackets
Could Dubas bring the Columbus blueliner back to Toronto? A depth defenseman, he could provide some great insurance during a playoff run that will no doubt result in some injuries or lineup adjustments as teams try to get any advantage on their opponent. The $1.633 million cap hit is an easy one to sneak in under the Leafs' tight salary cap situation. The fact that he shoots left may rule him out though.
Ilya Lyubushkin - Arizona Coyotes
The last defenceman on this list is patrolling the blueline on the 31st place Arizona Coyotes. As explained previously, the Yotes are hoarding draft picks for the upcoming draft, so one might think the 27-year-old could be on the move for more assets. Another buy low candidate, Lyubushkin has only 6 assists in 40GP this season. However, despite Arizona having a -66 goal differential, he sits at a respectable -6. Considering the distastrous situation in the desert, that's not too shabby. The fact that he is a right shot doesn't hurt either.
Because of the obvious need the Leafs have on the blueline, I presented a few more candidates in this article. Help is needed on the back end in Toronto. Will Dubas swing for the fences and go after the likes of Jacob Chychrun? Or does he look to bring in multiple depth pieces, including some of the ones described above? Braun and Lyubushkin, anyone?? Stay tuned Leafs fans.
