NHL Rumors: Toronto Maple Leafs Linked to Predators Defenseman

The Toronto Maple Leafs are looking like legitimate contenders yet again right now, but to help break their first-round curse, they would be wise to add to their roster before the deadline passes. With Jake Muzzin out long-term, many have speculated that they could be in the market for a left-shot defenseman at the trade deadline, and NHL insider Frank Seravalli argued that they could be a strong landing spot for Nashville Predators veteran Mattias Ekholm because of it.

Ekholm would certainly provide a jolt to the Maple Leafs’ defensive group, as he is a legitimate top-four defenseman while playing at his best. He offers very reliable defensive play to go along with occasional offense from the point, so overall, he is simply a good two-way d-man. As a result, it would make sense for a team with Stanley Cup aspirations like the Leafs to make a full-on push for him.

Ekholm has multiple years left on his contract, so the Maple Leafs would need to be content with the fact that he would be more than a rental. If some of his salary is retained, that would likely heighten their interest in the veteran, but we will have to wait and see if a move comes to fruition from here.