Maple Leafs Tried to Trade Sam Lafferty Elsewhere

Although Sam Lafferty was traded to the Vancouver Canucks by the Toronto Maple Leafs, he almost ended up elsewhere. According to Elliotte Friedman, the Maple Leafs called the Edmonton Oilers and offered Lafferty for defenseman Vincent Desharnais.

The Oilers were linked to Lafferty in the past, so it makes sense that the Maple Leafs contacted Edmonton about him. This is especially so when noting that the Oilers could use some help on their fourth line. With that, the Maple Leafs need help on their right side and toughness, so it is understandable that they expressed interest in Desharnais. Yet, a deal did not come to fruition.

In the end, the Maple Leafs got a fifth-round pick for Lafferty from the Canucks instead of likely losing him for nothing through waivers. Lafferty is expected to be a solid part of Vancouver's forward depth moving forward, as he will see penalty-kill time and give them plenty of physicality. It will be intriguing to see if Toronto looks for a tough, right-shot defenseman elsewhere.