NHL Rumors: Maple Leafs Interested In 2 Defensemen

According to Elliotte Friedman, the Toronto Maple Leafs are still interested in both Josh Manson and Ben Chiarot.

Both Manson and Chiarot are pending unrestricted free agents, so there's a good chance that each of them would solely be rentals for the Maple Leafs if acquired. Yet, even if that is the case, either of them would be great for Toronto to have. They are each big, defensive defensemen whose tenacious styles of play are built for the playoffs.

When it comes to Montreal trading Chiarot, it's more of a not if but when kind of situation. The Canadiens have an 8-29-7 record and appear to be ready to start rebuilding. A player like him is certainly a nice way to get that started, as he should be able to get them a decent return. In 41 games this season, he has five goals, nine points, and a minus-25 rating.

Manson may be harder to get than Chiarot for multiple reasons. First, he has a modified no-movement clause, so he can reject a trade to the Leafs or any other team instantly. Furthermore, the Ducks are still in the playoff picture. They currently have a 23-16-6 record and are second in the Pacific Division. However, the teams below them have games in hand and Anaheim is still technically in rebuilding mode. If they fall off, they will be open to receiving assets for him. In 43 games this season, he has three goals and seven points.

It will be interesting to see if either of these two defensemen end up on the Maple Leafs by the deadline's end.