Report: Maple Leafs Connected to Wild Defenseman Zach Bogosian Ahead of NHL Trade Deadline
Bogosian spent the 2021 season with the Maple Leafs, playing 45 regular season games, mostly playing on Toronto's third pairing.
The Maple Leafs could reportedly be in the mix to acquire another former defenseman.
After Toronto added right-shot defender Ilya Lyubushkin this past Thursday, SDPN and TSN insider Chris Johnston, on The Chris Johnston Show, suggested Maple Leafs GM Brad Treliving might be targeting Minnesota Wild defenseman Zach Bogosian.
"I think that you should look for them to trade for another defenseman. Probably one that can play on the right side, and they're going to look for another depth forward too," Johnston said.
"They're looking at a bunch of guys. Brad Treliving is known as a first-class tire kicker. Someone who really works the phones a lot and understands what the market is from every angle. I've heard the Leafs connected to Zach Bogosian, who they've obviously had before.
"Minnesota is trying to re-sign Bogosian still, but with where the Wild are at, if they're not able to do that in the next couple days, I think he's a strong candidate to be moved."
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Bogosian has appeared in 43 of the Wild's 62 games this season. He has one goal and eight assists in that span while sitting fifth among Minnesota defensemen for xGF% with 50.53, per NaturalStatTrick.com.
The 33-year-old defenseman is in the final year of a three-year contract that carries an annual average value of $850,000.
Another name that Johnston throws out there is Matt Dumba, who the Maple Leafs tried to sign this past summer.
"Matt Dumba, I think, makes some sense for the Leafs. After that (Chris) Tanev package ends up being a second-rounder, I think it kind of sets the market for a player like Dumba," Johnston said.
"Maybe he ends up [being traded for] a third-round pick, which if you get into that territory and you're the Leafs, maybe that's something you could make work. Although the Leafs are obviously very short on draft capital here. But I think they're open to moving their first-rounder, but it's got to be under perfect conditions."
The 29-year-old defenseman is third among Arizona Coyotes defensemen in ice time, averaging 20:10 per game. He has four goals and five assists through 57 games this season.
Dumba signed a one-year deal with the Coyotes this summer that carries an AAV of $3.9 million.
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