Insider shares important update on Leafs' ongoing search for a defenseman

Per Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman, the Leafs were very much in on Zadorov and also wanted Chris Tanev in the deal, but with the Canucks not requiring any salary retention from the Flames, it made more sense for them to move Zadorov without having to retain, even if it meant moving him in the division.

Last night on the Saturday Headlines, Friedman revealed that the real snag in the Flames/Leafs talks was surrounding not only the compensation they'd have to meet for the players in Calgary, but also the compensation they'd have to provide the Flames with for the actual salary retention. Friedman believes the Leafs wanted the Flames to retain up to 50% on both players.

Friedman also provided an update on the Leafs' ongoing search, revealing that they're still very much in the hunt for Tanev in Calgary. Friedman stated that because Tanev carries a larger salary than Zadorov, this one might take a bit more time, but he confirmed that the Leafs are interested in a right shot defenseman, which Tanev is, and perhaps someone with a little bite to their game.