Leafs GM Kyle Dubas reveals the plan for new acquisition Conor Timmins
The Leafs swung a trade for Connor Timmins of the Arizona Coyotes on Wednesday afternoon. Timmins is a 6'2, 202-pound right-handed defenseman, who will immediately slot into the bottom pairing for the Leafs. With the D corps devastated by injury, it's a solid move from Dubas, especially considering the fact that the cost was so low with Marlies 4th liner Curtis Douglas going the other way.
What makes the trade that much better is that Timmins, who is only 24 years old, is a restricted free agent at the end of this season. This means the Leafs will have exclusive negotiating rights with him come this summer. Kyle Dubas stated after the trade was completed that he believes Timmins can help now, but that the deal was also made with the future in mind.
Timmins was picked by that Avalanche with the 32nd overall pick in 2017 and was traded to the Coyotes as part of the Darcy Kuemper trade. He was also a part of Team Canada's World Junior team in 2018. There is a lot of upside in Timmins if he can stay healthy. This is a low risk move from Kyle Dubas that has the potential to be a massive win if Timmins can stay healthy and reach his potential with the Leafs.
Per Dubas, the immediate plan for Timmins is to have him meet the team in Minnesota. From there, he'll skate with the team and then Dubas will leave the decision on when he plays with the coaching staff. It's not all that far-fetched to suggest that, given the current blueline situation, Timmins could draw in for the Leafs immediately. If he doesn't play against Minnesota on Friday, his next opportunity to make his Leafs debut would be Saturday in Pittsburgh.
| POLL | ||
NOVEMBRE 23 | 327 ANSWERS Leafs GM Kyle Dubas reveals the plan for new acquisition Conor Timmins When will Conor Timmins make his Leafs debut? | ||
| Friday against Minnesota | 165 | 50.5 % |
| Saturday against Pittsburgh | 117 | 35.8 % |
| At a later date | 45 | 13.8 % |
| List of polls | ||
