NHL Rumors: 3 Defensemen on Maple Leafs Trade Radar

The Toronto Maple Leafs will be active ahead of this season's trade deadline as general manager Kyle Dubas is managing for his job. The team hasn't been out of the first round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs in almost two decades and expect to see the Leafs GM go all in this season. Here's three defensemen who have been linked to a deal to Toronto:

Jakob Chychrun, Arizona Coyotes

The prized jewel has yet to be moved out of the desert this season but don't worry, it's coming. Arizona keeps asking for at least one first-round pick along with a prospect who was recently drafted in the first round. These two picks plus a young NHL ready player is what the Coyotes are after and the Maple Leafs could meet their high demands. Some potential to see Leafs prospects Topi Niemela, Nick Robertson and a first-round pick heading to Arizona if this blockbuster materializes. 

Dmitry Kulikov, Anaheim Ducks

With all the ongoing injury troubles Toronto has seen this season, it makes sense they want to add as many defensemen as possible. Kulikov out of Anaheim is a pending free agent who would likely cost a second-round pick and a prospect to acquire. The 32-year-old has nine points in 43 games and is making $2.2 million against the cap. He'd provide the Leafs with another penalty killer and a defensive defenseman to add to their mix.

Oliver Ekman-Larsson, Vancouver Canucks

OEL was recently a healthy scratch and there's been plenty of speculation a trade could be on the way. He holds a no-movement clause so it would have to be a situation he's comfortable with and with the Leafs having a load of Swedish players on their team, it could be the perfect fit. OEL has recorded 19 points in 40 games and if the Canucks are willing to retain some of his $7.2 million cap hit for the next four years, Toronto would surely be interested.

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