The Toronto Maple Leafs made some depth moves at the deadline while not moving any of their depth guys like Josh Leivo and Matt Martin. The Tomas Plekanec acquisition became huge, especially with Auston Matthews out for an indefinite amount of time. The Leafs gave up a 2nd round pick, Kerby Rychel and defenseman Rinat Valiev as part of the deal and the trade made one of the them extremely happy. According LNH.com's Anthony Marcotte, Valiev had requested a trade from Toronto. With some great potential, Valiev unfortunately found himself in a clogged up depth chart on the blueline for the Leafs. He requested that the Leafs try and move him to a team that isn't so clogged up at the blueline, and the Montreal Canadiens are definitely one of those teams. With Plekanec already skating alongside William Nylander and Valiev ready for some top minutes with Montreal's AHL team, it's a win-win for everybody.
MUST READ
3 hours ago | By Dean Chaudhry
Max Domi and the Maple Leafs Show Matt Murray Some Love After First NHL Victory Since 2022-23
8 hours ago | By Nick Matthews
Maple Leafs Organization Announces Multi-Year Extension For 6'4" Forward
12 hours ago | By Dean Chaudhry
Maple Leafs Use Controversial Disallowed Goal to Fuel Offensive Explosion in Buffalo
13 hours ago | By Mike Armenti
Auston Matthews Rocked by Tage Thompson, Morgan Rielly Steps in to Avenge His Fallen Captain
15 hours ago | By Ryan Smitheram
Craig Berube Confirms Injury for Leafs Captain Auston Matthews
19 hours ago | By Ryan Smitheram
Leafs Make Unexpected Starting Goalie Announcement Following Matt Murray Recall
21 hours ago | By Mike Armenti
Maple Leafs Confirm Significant Blueline Changes, Scratch Ryan Reaves Versus Sabres
21 hours ago | By Ryan Smitheram
Leafs Captain Auston Matthews' Absence From Practice Amplifies Concerns After Recent Report