The Leafs swung a trade on the second day of the 2024 NHL Entry Draft to secure the negotiating rights for veteran defenseman Chris Tanev, whom they subsequently extended just a couple of short days later.
Tanev signed a 6-year extension with the Maple Leafs worth $4.5M per season and while the deal may appear quite rich on term, there's no denying that Tanev unequivocally makes the Leafs' blueline better.
The Leafs did also add Oliver Ekman-Larsson to the fold, as well as Jani Hakanpaa, though Hakanpaa's deal is yet to be finalized. Now, we're learning that the Leafs may not be done.
Johnston reported this past week that Timothy Liljegren still could be traded, despite signing a 2-year extension with the Maple Leafs to avoid arbitration.
It's anyone's guess what Brad Treliving and company are planning, but with approximately 3 months remaining until the start of the 2024-25 season, Brad Treliving has given himself plenty of time to work away at finding the best deal for his team.
Johnston made no mention of whether Liljegren would be moved for another defenseman or if the plan was to move him in a deal for an impact forward, but at any rate, the 2017 1st round pick has had more than enough time to develop and show the Leafs' staff that he can be a real, consistent contributor for the team. Unfortunately, he has left a lot to be desired over the past few seasons and hasn't developed into the future top pairing defenseman that many thought he would be in his draft year.
POLL | ||
JUILLET 14 | 667 ANSWERS Insider confirms a trade is on the way for the Maple Leafs How many more moves will we see from Brad Treliving and the Maple Leafs this summer? | ||
I think they're done adding | 67 | 10 % |
They'll make at least 1 more move | 342 | 51.3 % |
I can see them making multiple moves still | 258 | 38.7 % |
List of polls |