Maple Leafs Could Revisit Previous Trade Discussions for 6-foot-7 Defenseman
Photo credit: Bob Frid-Imagn Images
The Toronto Maple Leafs have been missing towering defenseman Jani Hakanpaa for most of the season and could potentially rekindle interest in 6'7" Vincent Desharnais to replace him if his health remains an issue.
The Maple Leafs have dealt with far more than their fair share of injury issues this season, but with a record of 19-10-2, the Leafs sit atop the Atlantic Division and 3rd in the Eastern Conference, showing that they can win even without an optimal lineup.
This fall, the Leafs and Hakanpaa finalized a 1-year deal in hopes that the hulking Finnish defenseman's knee would hold up long enough to help the team challenge for a Stanley Cup in the Spring/Summer. So far, that hasn't been the case.
During a written version of 32 Thoughts back in October of 2023, Elliotte Friedman revealed that the Maple Leafs had inquired about 6-foot-7 defenseman Vincent Desharnais, who was then with the Edmonton Oilers.
Now with the Vancouver Canucks, who currently sit 4th in the Pacific Division, Leafs GM Brad Treliving may still have an interest in acquiring the large, 226-pound blueliner.
"4. Before Toronto traded Sam Lafferty to Vancouver (a nice pickup), the Maple Leafs called the Oilers. Edmonton's liked him for a while, poking around last season before he was moved by Chicago. It obviously didn't happen, but the Maple Leafs asked about Vincent Desharnais. He fits what they are looking for. He's a favourite of the Oilers' coaching staff. During an exhibition game in Calgary, head coach Jay Woodcroft put him out there as the extra skater when Jack Campbell was pulled in a 1-0 game. Desharnais went to the front of the net, putting on a great screen as Edmonton scored. I'd love to see that during the season." - Friedman on the Leafs' interest in Desharnais back in 2023
Hakanpaa was recently named to hopefully represent Team Finland at the upcoming 4 Nations Face-Off in February, but having recently undergone another procedure on his knee, it's anyone's guess as to whether or not he'll be able to participate.
Should the Leafs feel the need to target another defenseman via trade, the Canucks may very well welcome a change at this point, given how their season has gone.
Desharnais has appeared in 17 games for the Canucks this season, producing 2 assists, 23 hits and 23 shot blocks, averaging a little over 15 minutes of ice time per game.
| POLL | ||
DECEMBRE 16 | 2291 ANSWERS Maple Leafs Could Revisit Previous Trade Discussions for 6-foot-7 Defenseman Should the Maple Leafs shut down Jani Hakanpaa for the season and pull off a deal to bring in 6-foot-7 Vincent Desharnais? | ||
| Yes | 1748 | 76.3 % |
| No | 543 | 23.7 % |
| List of polls | ||
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