Top 3 Defense Trade Targets For Maple Leafs With Tanev Off The Board

 With Chris Tanev off the board, headed to the Dallas Stars, the Toronto Maple Leafs can scratch off one of the top trade targets from their list. But that doesn't mean there aren't other options out there to help bolster the blueline.

GM Brad Treliving is still scouring the market and burning up the phone lines looking at other available D-men to add. Let's have a look at the three most suitable defense trade targets who should be at the top of their list. We'll leave Noah Hanifin of the Calgary Flames out of this, as it's common knowledge that he wants to land with a U.S.-based team.

1. Adam Larsson, Seattle Kraken

A right-shot, top-four defenseman who's under contract for another season after this one at an affordable $4 million cap hit, Larsson should be the Leafs' top target, according to Jonas Siegel of The Athletic. Will the Kraken be open to selling? They're seven points back of the final Wild Card spot in the Western Conference and there's no guarantee as of yet that they're definitely throwing in the towel.

2. Ilay Lyubushkin, Anaheim Ducks

Could a reunion be in order? The Leafs are familiar with the physical presence Lyubushkin provides from the role he provided for them in the 2022 playoffs. He'd come at a much cheaper price tag than Larsson, of course, and carries a $2.75 million cap hit. He's also a coveted right-side D, something Toronto is desperately in need of.

3. David Savard, Montreal Canadiens

Savard has drawn significant interest on the market, but good news for the Leafs is that one of their competitors, the Stars, have just landed their big deadline D-man in Tanev. The Edmonton Oilers and Tampa Bay Lightning, however, are two other heavy hitters that would love to land the Habs' tough-as-nails defenseman. The price tag here could be costly.

There are many other options as well, including Sean Walker, Matt Dumba, and Joel Edmundson. 

It's a busy week+ ahead for Treliving and the Leafs front office. 

Photo: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports