Maple Leafs have shut down talks with San Jose Sharks regarding a defenseman

The NHL Entry Draft and free agency are just over a week away and the Leafs and GM Brad Treliving are expected to make a fairly substantial splash, particularly on the blueline.

Both Treliving and new head coach Craig Berube prefer big, long, physical defensemen which is something the Leafs don't have much of, if at all. In the regular season, with the Leafs dealing with a number of injuries on the blueline, they had reportedly been interested in acquiring 25-year-old Mario Ferraro from San Jose. The 6', 210-pound, lefty would have added the physicality the team was looking for, but maybe not the length or size.

According to The Fourth Period's David Pagnotta, the Leafs are no longer interested in the Ontario native as he no longer fits into their plans.

With Jake McCabe, Morgan Rielly and Simon Benoit set to occupy the left side for the Leafs this upcoming season, it's understandable as to why the Leafs are no longer interested - to an extent. Ferraro has two seasons left on his current deal that carry a cap hit of $3.25M per season. Both McCabe and Benoit can play the right side, but it would appear that the Leafs would prefer having more than just one right-handed shot in the lineup. It is unfortunate given that Ferraro finished last season with 195 blocks and 124 hits. In 330 career games has 645 blocks and 668 hits, per Hockey-Reference.

Source: The Fourth Period ULLMARK TRADE TALKS PICKING UP