Toronto Maple Leafs Likely To Be Active Prior To Trade Deadline

The Toronto Maple Leafs are set up to be active as the Feb. 26 NHL trade deadline quickly approaches

Likely locked into third place in the Atlantic Division for the remainder of the season, the Toronto Maple Leafs know they’ll be facing a first-round playoff matchup against the Boston Bruins or Tampa Bay Lightning. In order to avoid an early playoff exit, Toronto will look to acquire additional pieces to help push them over the edge.

It’s been no secret all season long the Maple Leafs are in desperate need of another right-handed shooting defenseman. The team is thin on defense, making additions to the blue line their primary focus prior to the deadline.

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Over the past month the club has endured games without Ron Hainsey, Nikita Zaitsev, and Morgan Rielly, arguably the top-three defensemen on the team. The glaring hole created on defense by their absence showcased how the Maple Leafs cannot allow the deadline to pass without acquiring a defenseman. Should any of the three get hurt in the playoffs, it would be a devastating loss for the club without a quality replacement.

Although recent call-up Travis Dermott has played well, the rookie defenseman still isn’t enough for a significant playoff run. Just like how fellow call-up in forward Kasperi Kapanen isn’t enough of a boost for the forward group heading into the playoffs.

Kapanen played well in the playoffs last season and will likely be on the roster when they start this year, but Toronto also needs more playoff experience up front. Patrick Marleau has shown all season long how valuable experience and veteran leadership can be. Adding another veteran presence could help push the club through the grind of the postseason.

Rick Nash’s name has been in trade rumors recently but the price tag is likely far too high for Toronto’s liking. Plus, the team’s biggest need isn’t scoring and is likely a two-way grinder who could provide plenty of sandpaper during a grueling seven-game series. A veteran like Mark Letestu would be the ideal pick up for the Maple Leafs, given he can play up and down the lineup and the cost to acquire him shouldn’t be too severe.

Letestu also has an expiring contract which means acquiring him wouldn’t impact any long-term plans for the franchise. However, three key forwards on the club also have expiring contracts in James van Riemsdyk, Tyler Bozak, and Leo Komarov. With all three set to expire it shouldn’t be surprising if Toronto looks to move one of the trio in exchange for defensive depth or simply to not lose a quality player for nothing in the summer.

One of the reasons the Maple Leafs could move one of their expiring contracts is the team still has Josh Leivo and Nikita Soshnikov sitting in the press box. They have been left to rot this season as neither can hit waivers without being plucked by another team. But neither is good enough to crack the current lineup, especially since Kapanen recently passed both on the depth chart.

Leivo’s frustration has gone so far as for him to request a trade from the club if they don’t start playing him. It’s hard to fault the 24-year-old for wanting to play as his career as completely stalled.

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With glaring needs on the blue line, players asking for trades, pending free agents on the roster, and the need for additional playoff experience, the Maple Leafs are likely to be active in the next three weeks. Although it’s unlikely they make any groundbreaking trades, they should see their fair share of small deals to help add the needed depth to the roster.

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