Rumor: Maple Leafs Talking Trade with Red Wings

The Toronto Maple Leafs continue to work the phones as the team is trying to upgrade their roster for next season. Speculation is brewing the team is trying to unload restricted free-agent defenseman Travis Dermott.

The 24-year-old d-man has fallen out of favor a touch with the coaching staff who prefer to have Rasmus Sandin in their lineup instead. To two were interchanging in the Stanley Cup Playoffs this past season. As for Dermott, he's a former second round pick of the Leafs who has never really found his game. His best season came back in 2018-19 when he recorded 17 points.

The Detroit Red Wings appear to be the heavy favorite amongst this trade chatter as the team is desperate for proven NHL talent on their blue line. Currently general manager Steve Yzerman only has three defenseman signed in Motown for next season. In Dermott, Yzerman would be adding a mobile defenseman who can skate, and has offensive potential to get some minutes on the team's second power-play unit. 

Keep an eye on these two teams as they will both be busy this month and could end up doing some business together. The Wings need defenseman, meanwhile the Leafs are going to need to add another one before the expansion draft so there's definitely some big decisions to make for general manager Kyle Dubas. 

***Update***
Maple Leafs have re-signed Dermott to a two-year extension worth $1.5 million per season. Belief is their intention is to leave him exposed to the Seattle Kraken in hopes they select him over Alexander Kerfoot.  Red Wings remain interested in acquiring the defenseman. 

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