NHL Rumors: Ottawa and Toronto Could Provide Deadline Deal

The Toronto Maple Leafs are in the market for help on defense and more specifically on their right side. The likes of Travis Dermott and Justin Holl have been inconsistent throughout the season and trade talks started in November and haven't stopped. The Leafs have a number of players they are considering on the trade front and it turns out one name is gaining some steam - Ottawa Senators defenseman Artem Zub.

The 26-year-old Russian has been a bright spot for the Senators this season as he's recorded 13 points in 47 games and has tallied 84 hits and 86 blocked shots. He loves to muck it up in the dirty areas and is a great skater who can make the first pass. Zub plays mostly on the penalty kill when it comes to special teams and could provide the Leafs with some more stability for their impressive PK this season.

Zub is signed through the 2022-23 season at $2.5 million against the salary cap so the financials may be the trickiest part of the deal. Even as rivals the Sens and Maple Leafs have a history of making deals so don't let that fool ya. If Toronto is interested enough and willing to meet the Senators high demands this deal could easily transpire. The Maple Leafs have the prospects to get it done, all comes down to willingness.

If Artem Zub is available, he would be my #1 target on D for the Leafs https://t.co/vz38GmIE6Q
— Editor in J (@Account4hockey) February 19, 2022

Unless Artem Zub has requested a trade, there is NO reason he should be on the trade block.

If anything, we should be talking about an extension with Zub not a trade. #Sens
— SENS TALK (@senstalk_) February 19, 2022

Really, Frank? Artem Zub is a potential trade piece? I'd be pissed if Ottawa moves him. I have a Zub jersey showing up on Friday Ive waited patiently for two months. https://t.co/aZQK9E8WW5
— Riley Saucier 🛡 (@RileySaucier) February 19, 2022

Sounds like Senators fans want to keep in around their young team to develop while Leafs Nation is chomping at the bit to find anyone to replace Holl or Dermott.

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