Insider confirms Leafs' interest in Eastern Conference defenseman

The Toronto Maple Leafs are currently enjoying a much needed break for their bye week just ahead of this weekend's All-Star festivities in Toronto. While the team is enjoying some time off and, for some, even nice sunny vacations away from the city, Leafs GM Brad Treliving remains hard at work, basically living on his phone as he prepares for the upcoming trade deadline in a little over a month's time.

It's common knowledge that the Leafs are in the market for a defenseman. You can even put your money on the fact that a defenseman is the number 1 priority ahead of any other pieces they may look to acquire before March 8th. Many have speculated that Chris Tanev remains the Leafs' number one target, which may be the case. However, Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman stated on Monday's 32 Thoughts podcast that the Leafs are in on every defenseman available. One of the players he mentioned by name was Philadelphia's Sean Walker.

Walker is thriving under John Tortorella in Philadelphia and is well on his way to posting career highs in goals, assists and points. Through 50 games this season, Walker has already already matched his career high in goals with 5. He has produced 17 points to date, which is just 7 points away from tying his previous career high of 24.

The 29-year-old Keswick, Ontario native would probably enjoy the opportunity to come home to Ontario and play in front of family and friends, and he does check some boxes for the Leafs as a right-shot, defensively responsible blueliner. Whether or not he's a guy they pursue aggressively, though, remains to be seen.

Player Safety Reportedly Makes Controversial Decision on Zach Whitecloud's hit on Leafs' Matthew Knies

Craig Berube Shares Surprising Update on Leafs Winger Matthew Knies

Craig Berube Shares Exciting News Regarding Maple Leafs Captain Auston Matthews

Leafs Goalie Joseph Woll Admits to Using Matthew Knies Injury as Motivation to Stick it to Vegas

The NHL's Treatment of Ryan Reaves Versus Their Treatment of Zach Whitecloud Causing Unrest in Toronto

Leafs Coach Craig Berube Shares Update on Matthew Knies, Does His Best to Avoid $25,000 Fine

Leafs' Nikita Grebenkin Could Face Supplemental Discipline After NHL Debut

Dirty, Dangerous Hit Forces Leafs Winger Matthew Knies Into Concussion Protocol

Ex-Leafs Goalie Ilya Samsonov Reveals his Biggest Regret About His Time in Toronto

Leafs GM Brad Treliving Admits to Concerns About Being Forced to Recall Fraser Minten