Leafs could be preparing to make a trade after a 500-game NHL veteran signs PTO with the organization

First, the DeKeyser PTO could be an indicator that a trade is coming for the Leafs, who are already at the 50-contract maximum. At just 32 years old, DeKeyser and having 547 games of NHL experience, DeKeyser is probably not long for the AHL on a full-time basis.

Second, the move could signal that the Leafs have received some bad news regarding Jake Muzzin. Perhaps the injury (neck) he suffered on Monday was a little more serious than originally assumed. If Muzzin did indeed suffer a concussion following the collision with Clayton Keller, that will mark his third concussion in less than a year, which is more than a little concerning.

Third, if the Leafs really do view DeKeyser as a candidate for a full-time job with the Marlies and are planning to sign him to an AHL deal, it could mean that one of their current full-time AHLers is expected to be recalled. Filip Kral had a quietly solid training camp and could be a prime candidate for a call up to the big club for spot duty and insurance for an already depleted Leafs blueline with Muzzin, Benn and Liljegren all on the shelf. Victor Mete has already been recalled by the team earlier this week as well.

Lastly, the Leafs may simply be stocking up on defensemen and exploiting market efficiencies. It's not every day that you can add an early 30's blueliner with over 500 NHL games under his belt to your depth chart for (presumably) pennies on the dollar. It is worth noting though that if the Leafs do add DeKeyser on an AHL deal, he'd need an NHL deal before being eligible to play for the Leafs down the stretch or in the playoffs. And also, while on an AHL deal (if that is the plan), DeKeyser would still be eligible to sign an NHL deal with another club at any time. So if he does sign with the Marlies and contributes well enough to draw some attention, he could be plucked from the Marlies by another NHL team with the Leafs being unable to intervene.