NHL Rumors: Maple Leafs Defenseman Drawing Trade Interest

According to David Pagnotta of the Fourth Period, Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Travis Dermott has received trade interest from other teams including the Anaheim Ducks, Columbus Blue Jackets, Winnipeg Jets and Vancouver Canucks.

Dermott has been in and out of the lineup in Toronto and sets up to be a healthy scratch on Tuesday night when the Maple Leafs take on the Dallas Stars. So far in 42 appearances this season, the mobile blueliner has collected five points. The 25-year-old is signed through next season for $1.5 million against the cap, a number that shouldn't scare teams away. Dermott's best season came back in 2018-19 when he recorded 17 points in 64 games, now it seems he's been leapfrogged in the Maple Leafs lineup by Rasmus Sandin and Timothy Liljegren, two former first-round picks.

Appears Wayne Simmonds and Travis Dermott will be healthy scratches tonight, with Kyle Clifford jumping onto fourth line.

— luke fox (@lukefoxjukebox) March 15, 2022

Maple Leafs general manager Kyle Dubas continues to work the phones as the team is expected to be active before the March 21 trade deadline. While they are in desperate need for a shutdown defenseman and a goaltender, the likes of Dermott, along with Alex Kerfoot, Pierre Engvall, Nick Robertson and several other prospects may need to be moved to make it happen. 

I don't like the way the Leafs are screwing around with Travis Dermott.

— steve simmons (@simmonssteve) March 15, 2022

All I'm saying is that finding Travis Dermott a new opportunity, moving Mrázek, and then acquiring Varlamov saves the Leafs $300k that was already committed to for next season.

Duszak and Abruzzese (who I'd hate to move) are local to NY and could form the base of the deal.

— leafsnationnews (@LNNinstagram) March 14, 2022

Photo credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports