Analyst reveals the real reason why the Leafs are heavily chasing Flames defenders

In recent weeks, the Leafs have reportedly been in discussions with the Calgary Flames about Nikita Zadorov and/or Chris Tanev. Those reports increased following Friday's game between the two clubs as Zadorov requested a trade out of Calgary with his agent saying he would be open to playing in Toronto.

Yesterday, Sportsnet's Jeff Marek was on "The JD Bunkis Podcast" and was asked just how badly the Leafs want Zadorov and/or Tanev.

Marek almost guaranteed there will be changes between now and the March 8th deadline to the Leafs' blueline. Treliving has always preferred to have a big, physical defense group, as evidenced by the one he built in Calgary. For years, the Leafs have not had the physicality and size on the blueline necessary for a lengthy playoff run and as Marek pointed out, referencing the Vegas Golden Knights, Colorado Avalanche and Tampa Bay Lightning, those types of defense groups win Stanley Cups.

He is the guy they need, according to a Leafs player that had an in-game discussion with Zadorov during Friday's game. Per a report from Elliotte Friedman, that player told Zadorov that he's "exactly what we need".

It will be interesting to see how hard Treliving pushes to get a deal done sooner than later with Calgary, before asking prices get too high or Calgary changes their mind on keeping their pending UFAs.