THN.com/podcast. From The Hockey News Podcast: Would You Rather – Trade Deadline Edition Image [https://thehockeynews.com/.image/c_fit,h_600,w_600/MTk2MDE4NzgyMjk1MDQxNTA1/usatsi_20030434.jpg] The Toronto Maple Leafs surprised the hockey world on Friday night by acquiring Ryan O'Reilly and Noel Acciari in a three-team trade [https://thehockeynews.com/news/toronto-maple-leafs-acquire-oreilly-and-acciari-in-three-team-trade]. Having bolstered the club's forward lines, Leafs Nation wonders if GM Kyle Dubas is done dealing before the March 3 trade deadline. TSN's Darren Dreger [https://www.tsn.ca/countdown-to-tradecentre-toronto-maple-leafs-not-done-making-moves-1.1920930] reported there's a sense in “Leafland” that Dubas isn't done, “which emphasizes an 'all-in' approach.” Pierre LeBrun of The Athletic [https://theathletic.com/4225862/2023/02/18/maple-leafs-ryan-oreilly-rival-execs/] believes the Toronto GM will shift his focus to add a piece to his blueline. Before the O'Reilly deal, Sportsnet's Justin Bourne [https://www.sportsnet.ca/nhl/article/how-five-potential-defence-trade-targets-would-fit-with-the-maple-leafs/] listed Columbus' Vladislav Gavrikov, Arizona's Jakob Chychrun, Vancouver's Luke Schenn and Chicago's Jake McCabe as possible blueline trade targets. Gavrikov, Schenn and McCabe are the most affordable regarding salary and return, while the Blue Jackets reportedly seek a first and a third-rounder for Gavrikov. San Jose Sharks defenseman Erik Karlsson was also on Bourne's list, but he acknowledged that would be the longest of long shots for the Leafs. The acquisition of O'Reilly makes it a more remote possibility. The Leafs only have picks in the third, fifth and sixth rounds of this year's draft and no second or third-rounders in 2024. The 2023 third-round pick is conditional on if the Leafs would rather give the Arizona Coyotes that selection or a 2025 second-rounder. Dreger wondered what collateral Dubas will use for another move, mentioning roster players such as Alex Kerfoot, Pierre Engvall, Justin Holl or David Kampf. Those players, however, might not be of much interest to sellers in the trade market. Such clubs tend to be out of playoff contention and usually seek draft picks, prospects or promising young NHL players to rebuild their rosters. Dubas has expressed an unwillingness to move top prospect Matthew Knies. However, that's what it might take if he hopes to land a quality defenseman.
