Maple Leafs Working on Defenseman Trade

According to Chris Johnston of Sportsnet, the hockey insider feels the Toronto Maple Leafs are talking trade for a defenseman to fill out their d-core and provide them some more insurance as they head into the playoffs.

The Leafs are going all-in this season and general manager Kyle Dubas has admitted he's willing to move top prospects to facilitate a deal. Although, if the Leafs are adding a depth defenseman, it's not likely to cost the team a top prospect and more so someone from their 'b' pool.

Some names to watch here include Arizona Coyotes veteran Niklas Hjalmarsson. The versatile veteran can play both sides and would likely fit in to where Travis Dermott is slotted as the Leafs 6th defenseman. So far in 28 games, Hjalmarsson has recorded four assists and has blocked 45 shots. The 33-year-old holds a full no-move clause so any trade with require his approval. Some feel he's more comfortable heading to his old team in Chicago over anywhere else.

Other names to look out for include the Detroit Red Wings' Marc Staal, Anaheim Duck Jani Hakanpaa, and Columbus Blue Jacket David Savard.

The Leafs are crunched up against the cap, so any deal will include some salary retention from the other team, which is going to mean Dubas and company are going to have to overpay slightly to acquire the player they want.

Photo credit: © Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports