According to Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman, the Toronto Maple Leafs have shifted their focus to looking for a defenseman ahead of the Mar. 3 NHL trade deadline.
After picking up a couple of centers, the Toronto Maple Leafs are now looking at some possible help on the back end.
On the latest edition of the 32 Thoughts segment during Hockey Night in Canada, Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman said the Maple Leafs are looking for some defensive help.
"The Maple Leafs, I think, have committed a lot harder now to looking for a defenseman to see what’s out there," Friedman said. "I don’t think handedness is an issue because they have TJ Brodie, who is flexible and can play on either side. But I think they’re looking to see what’s out there and what they could do."
Brodie is a left-handed shot who has mostly played on the right side for the majority of his time with the Maple Leafs. However, there have been times when Brodie has been moved over to the left side when he isn't paired with Morgan Rielly.
Friedman also speculated that the price for a depth defenseman could be coming down as they get closer to the Mar. 3 NHL trade deadline.
"I do think some teams that are looking for a defenseman are thinking there’s a surplus on the market right now and they feel that some of these sellers might feel a bit squeezed and that’s what they’re hoping for," Friedman said.
Last week, the Maple Leafs made a big splash by acquiring centers Ryan O'Reilly and Noel Acciari from the St. Louis Blues. Toronto gave up a collection of draft picks that included their first rounder at the upcoming NHL Draft.
The Maple Leafs placed Jordie Benn on waivers earlier in the day on Saturday. The move is believed to allow for some salary cap flexibility, not unlike what the club did with Joey Anderson, who cleared waivers and continues to practice with the team.
According to Capfriendly.com, the Leafs would have a little more than $2 million to add another player if they activated goaltender Matt Murray from long-term injured reserve and sent down both Anderson and Benn and kept a roster of approximately 21 players.
Earlier this week the Maple Leafs confirmed that veteran defenseman Jake Muzzin would miss the remainder of the regular season and playoffs with a cervical spine issue.