Adding One More Defenseman Discussion

Team: 2021-22 Toronto Maple Leafs

Initial Creation Date: Aug. 23, 2021

Published: Aug. 23, 2021

Salary Cap Mode: Basic

I would love the Leafs to acquire on more quality defenseman to secure the blue line. As it currently stands, I don't think a 3rd pair of Sandin/Dermott/Liljegren is good enough to win the cup. I think Kyle Dubas has to add someone else here, especially as protection if someone gets hurt. This trade is based on what Columbus got last year for David Savard. I understand that people can argue that one or the other is better, but in reality, I think Savard and Murphy are seen to be pretty equal from GM's around the league. Columbus got a 1st and a 3rd in addition to retaining half of his salary. Tampa also used Detroit as a third party to retain 25% of his total salary (or 50% of what was remaining after the Columbus retention) and got a 4th round pick for doing so. I think the Leafs could make such a deal as well at the trade deadline. This obviously hangs on the Blackhawks being out the playoff picture and Murphy available on the market.

Below are other players I think would significantly improve the Leafs blue line going in to the post season that could be rentals if their respective teams are out of it:

- Parayko from STL. Constructing the deal the same way with retention from 2 teams would enable the Leafs to acquire him on cap hit of $1.375M. He could potentially be more expensive and the 3rd could be upgraded to a 2nd. STL might not want to commit long term to him due to his injury problems. Obviously contingent on STL not making the playoffs.

- Lindholm from ANA. Would come in at $1,301,389. Would likely fetch a similar return to Parayko. Maybe even a prospect as well. Has been Anaheim's #1D for the last 6 seasons. I am not sure if he fits their timeline with their rebuild, but I would imagine that they would like to resign him. He would be an insane addition. Long shot.

- Pulock from NYI. Would come in at $1.25M. This is an extreme long shot if the Islanders don't make the playoffs and don't want to commit to him. I can't see it happening and he would likely cost the same as what I proposed for Lindholm. Cannot stress enough how much of a long shot I think this is. Islanders would really have to suck this year for this to happen and decide that it isn't worth locking Pulock up long time.

- Ekholm from NSH. Would come in at $937.5K. If Nashville don't make the playoffs, I think he will be one of the main guys on all NHL trade bait lists. He would be an excellent add and could play on all three pairs. I feel as if competition will be high for his services and he could very well be more expensive than the price Columbus asked for Savard. a 1st round pick and a 2nd should be enough. A first and a 3rd would be more ideal or a 1st and a prospect not named Amirov, Robertson, Niemelä, Hirvonen, Liljegren or Knies.

- De Haan from CHI. Would come in at $1,137,500. I think he is worse than the 5 other players I have suggested but could possibly be the most realistic one. I also think he would come in cheaper than what Savard did last year. I think the Leafs have to go all-in this season and I think he is an upgrade on Dermott. I don't think Chicago gets a 1st for him. Maybe a 2nd and a 3rd for the retention. I wouldn't mind him at all, but he would not be my first choice.

- I feel like I have to mention Colin Miller BUF ($968,750), Josh Manson ANA ($1.025M) and Chiarot MTL ($875K). These guys would be far down the pecking order and cheaper than the other guys. Their quality is obviously less as well. I can just see Miller with the Dubas/Keefe SOO connection, Manson because it has been rumored before that they were interested and Chiarot can become available if MTL are out of it. These guys would all be 3rd pairing guys and give Dermott/Sandin/Liljegren good competition. Not sure if they alone are enough to on paper at least make us one of the favorites for the cup. Edler, Zadorov and Cole are others that I am not 100% sold on if the would come available.

Taxi squad are player that are waiver exempt except for Engvall. In this scenario he would likely either be included in the trade or sent down. I just put him there to show that he was still in the system. Let me know what you think. Let's have some good discussions.

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