NHL Rumors: 3 Defensemen Linked to Maple Leafs

After a truly disappointing start to the season, the Toronto Maple Leafs are due to make changes to their roster. They certainly have some issues when it comes to their defensive group, and they are expected to try to change that through the trade market. According to James Mirtle, John Klingberg, Vladislav Gavrikov, and Shayne Gostisbehere are all potential options for Toronto.

Klingberg is on a one-year deal with the Anaheim Ducks and given their struggles out of the gate, he is viewed as a prime rental candidate at the deadline. He would certainly be a big addition to the Leafs, as he is a solid top-four defenseman who thrives offensively. Mix him up with Toronto's outstanding core, and they could be real trouble come playoff time.

Gavrikov is more noted as a two-way defenseman. Although he does not have the same offensive upside as Klingberg, the 6-foot-3, left-shot d-man would provide them more defensive stability and grit on the backend. He also had a solid 33 points in 80 games, so he can chip in every so often.

Gostisbehere is another offensive defenseman who has been nothing but excellent since being dealt to the Arizona Coyotes. Another rental candidate, he has four goals and four assists in nine games thus far. With that, he recorded 51 points in 82 games with the Coyotes last season.

Let's see if the Leafs can make a big trade for one of these defensemen from here.