Building the Blueline: Four Maple Leafs Defense Targets

The Maple Leafs must improve their blueline this off-season and should eye these four defensemen because of it.

After another early post-season exit, the Toronto Maple Leafs are expected to change their group this summer. Star right winger Mitch Marner is the club's top speculated trade candidate, but we could see the Maple Leafs make several notable moves before the 2024-25 campaign. 

It is not a secret that the Maple Leafs must improve their defense this off-season. Several notable pending UFAs can hit the market this summer, so let's discuss four free agents the Maple Leafs should have on their radar. It would be mistakes for their teams not to re-sign them first, but Toronto should keep them on the radar to swoop in if it gets the chance.

The Maple Leafs need to improve the right side of their defense. Because of this, it would not be surprising if they made a push for this year's top UFA right-shot defenseman, Brandon Montour. He is already being mentioned as a potential target for the Maple Leafs, and it makes complete sense. 

Montour would immediately become the Maple Leafs' best right-shot defenseman if signed. The 30-year-old offers the complete package. He produces offensively, is dependable defensively and isn't afraid to play a chippy game. As a result, he's somebody the Maple Leafs must consider targeting this summer. 

Brett Pesce is another notable pending UFA the Maple Leafs would be wise to consider. While he does not possess the same offensive upside as Montour, he is a top-four shutdown defenseman who plays an incredibly reliable game. The Maple Leafs could use a defender like that on their blueline.

Pesce, 29, could form an outstanding top pairing with Maple Leafs star defenseman Morgan Rielly. Along with that, he would instantly become the Maple Leafs' most important penalty-killer. 

Before Nikita Zadorov was traded by the Calgary Flames to the Vancouver Canucks, he was heavily linked to the Maple Leafs. It makes sense, as he is a 6-foot-6, hard-nosed defenseman who plays an incredibly tough game and can add a bit of offense.

If the Maple Leafs landed Zadorov, he would be a strong addition to their top four and an option for their penalty kill. Maple Leafs GM Brad Treliving knows him well because of his time as GM with the Flames. Furthermore, Zadorov reportedly welcomed a move to Toronto this season. Thus, why shouldn't the Leafs try to add him if he hits the market? 

The Maple Leafs were also one of the several clubs linked to Chris Tanev before the Flames dealt him to the Dallas Stars. This interest in the 34-year-old could carry over to the summer if he hits free agency, as he is precisely the kind of blueliner that the Maple Leafs could use right now. 

Tanev would help improve the Maple Leafs' right side and would be a strong fit on their second pairing. Furthermore, his dependable defensive play would make him an obvious choice for their penalty kill. He is also known for his marvelous leadership, which adds to his high appeal.