Blues & Maple Leafs Linked to Pre-Trade Deadline Deal

According to Michael Mazzei of The Leafs Nation, the Toronto Maple Leafs should be calling the St. Louis Blues about the availability of defenseman Matthew Kessel.

Mazzei scribed an article on the potential deal, and feels the Leafs could benefit by adding Kessel to their depth chart on defense. "With Morgan Rielly’s struggles, how exposed the Leafs are when Jake McCabe is hurt, and the other options’ failure to step up in the event of injuries, there is a growing concern about the fortitude of Toronto’s defensive unit."

Kessel, 24, has appeared in 27 games for the Blues this season, seeing an average of just 13:05 of ice-time per game, and has chipped in with three assists. Certainly not a power-play option, Kessel would bring another defensive defenseman to Toronto, and help push the likes of Conor Timmins and Philippe Myers. 

"Matthew Kessel is seen more as a steady defensive blueliner who is dependable in his own end and is patient with the puck while making smart decisions when he has it. He may not be a fast skater, but he is smooth at getting into the right positions and helps put out the fires in both the neutral zone and his own end of the ice."

The Maple Leafs are reportedly in the mix for a middle-six centre, as Max Domi has now been moved to the wing, and GM Brad Treliving is also expected to add on the back end. Whether it's a low-cost option like Kessel, or a top-four option to push Morgan Rielly down the depth chart is yet to be seen.

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