Finding a defenseman is an ongoing piece of speculation for the Toronto Maple Leafs, but is a goaltender still on the radar? Chris Tanev and John Tavares [https://thehockeynews.com/.image/c_fit,h_600,w_600/MjAyNjczNjIzOTM1MjMxMDQ0/usatsi_21867443_168400847_lowres.jpg] Chris Tanev and John Tavares With the March 8 NHL trade deadline fast approaching, there's speculation over which players could be on the Toronto Maple Leafs' radar. Finding a right-shot defenseman remains an ongoing issue for the Leafs. They've been frequently linked to the Calgary Flames' Chris Tanev in the rumor mill. The Hockey News' David Alter recently cited Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/toronto-maple-leafs/latest-news/report-maple-leafs-believed-to-have-offered-multiple-picks-for-flames-chris-tanev-but-calgary-waiting-for-a-first-rounder-chances-for-noah-hanifin], saying they've offered up multiple draft picks for Tanev. However, they didn't include a first-rounder, which is believed to be the Flames' asking price. It's also believed the Edmonton Oilers [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/edmonton-oilers/latest-news/flames-brass-scouting-oilers-as-trade-rumors-swirl] are interested in the 34-year-old rearguard. On Saturday, Friedman noted [https://www.sportsnet.ca/nhl/video/saturday-headlines-where-six-teams-stand-two-weeks-from-trade-deadline/] that a couple of teams had looked into acquiring Philadelphia Flyers defensemen Nick Seeler and Sean Walker. Back in December, Leafs GM Brad Treliving reportedly attempted to acquire Tanev and Nikita Zadorov from the Flames before Zadorov was traded to Vancouver. Perhaps he's attempting to do the same thing with Seeler and Walker. Friedman also speculated in his recent “32 Thoughts” column [https://www.sportsnet.ca/nhl/article/32-thoughts-will-kyle-dubas-shake-up-the-pittsburgh-penguins/] that the Leafs could make a bid for Noah Hanifin. Meanwhile, Max Miller cited a recent report by The Fourth Period [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/san-jose-sharks/latest-news/report-maple-leafs-interested-in-two-sharks-leaders] claiming they were looking at San Jose Sharks defenseman Mario Ferraro as well as forward Luke Kunin. However, both blueliners are lefthanded shots so they wouldn't fill that right-side need for the Leafs. Goaltending was considered a concern earlier this season after Joseph Woll was sidelined and Ilya Samsonov's struggles saw him spend 10 days in January with the Marlies working on his game. However, Carol Schram [https://thehockeynews.com/news/the-canes-and-leafs-have-moved-past-their-goalie-issues-but-deadline-help-is-needed-elsewhere] believes that's no longer an issue with Samsonov having regained his form while Woll is on a conditioning stint with the Marlies as he prepares to rejoin the Leafs.
