7 Potential Defense Trade Options Proposed For Maple Leafs

The Toronto Maple Leafs defense is in trouble. That's one of the understatements of the hockey season to this point. In addition to overall puck-stopping and puck-moving issues, they're also now without three regulars, as John Klingberg, Timothy Liljegren and now Mark Giordano are all out (Klingberg possibly for good). 

It's incumbent upon GM Brad Treliving to rebuild the Toronto blueline, even without the current injuries taken into account. With that in mind, senior writer Matt Larkin of Daily Faceoff has proposed seven blueliners for the Leafs to target, as they try to remake their D. Some of the names have been frequently in the rumor mill recently, others perhaps not:

Chris Tanev, Calgary Flames

Larkin lists Tanev at No. 1 on this list. Treliving knows full well what Tanev can do, having signed him to a 4-year free agent deal back in 2020 with the Flames. Tanev is in the top five in the league in blocked shots over the past half-decade, and is a warrior on the penalty kill, both traits the Leafs could use in abundance. Not to mention he's a right-shot D, which Toronto is desperate for with Klingerg and Liljegren out. 

Andrew Peeke, Columbus Blue Jackets

Another right-shot blueliner, and physical (a big Leafs' need), while under a not-too-onerous $2.75M AAV contract for two more seasons after this one. 

Alexandre Carrier, Nashville Predators

Again, right-shot, but the drawback here is that he'll be a UFA after the season. 

Nikita Zadorov, Calgary Flames

It seemed to be the Leafs who put the "get me out of here" trade bug in Zadorov's ear several weeks ago, and his size and physicality would be just what the doctor ordered on the Toronto backline (even if he is a left-shot D). But he, too, will be a UFA next summer.

Will Borgen, Seattle Kraken

Plays the right side, and plays ultra-physical. But is under team control for another season at a $2.7 cap hit, and Seattle won't be too keen to part with him.

Mario Ferraro, San Jose Sharks

Another "rugged" defender, as Larkin notes, with two more seasons left on his deal after this one with a $3.25M cap hit. He's only 25, so the Sharks might not want to ship him out. 

Travis Sanheim, Philadelphia Flyers

The biggest star among this group, this is obviously a long shot, and Larkin admits that this is only viable if Treliving is ready to do "something drastic to change their team makeup." Not that that's ever scared off Treliving before. 

Photo: Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports