NHL Writer Lists 10 Trade Options To Help Leafs Improve Their Defense Corps

In a recent article by Jonas Siegel of The Athletic, he has curated a list of ten potential trade options that could significantly bolster the Toronto Maple Leafs' defensive corps.

These trade targets represent a diverse mix of experience, skill, and size, reflecting the Leafs' efforts to address their defensive needs.

Among the prominent names mentioned are Chris Tanev and Noah Hanifin from the Calgary Flames, showcasing the Leafs' keen interest in strengthening their blue line.

Noah Hanifin scores! 4-3 Flames!

Hanifin's second goal of the game!🔥🔥 pic.twitter.com/Q13aj3dtno

— Robert Munnich (@RingOfFireCGY) December 11, 2022

This season, Hanifin has scored five goals and 12 total points, along with a +1 plus/minus rating across 25 games played.

In addition, Tanev has amassed a goal and seven total points across 25 games played, as well as a +3 plus/minus rating.

Additionally, Siegel's list includes players like David Savard and Mike Matheson from the Montreal Canadiens.

Savard has played just five games this season, scoring no goals and two assists.

Matheson, on the other hand, has been sneakily productive this season, scoring five goals and 18 total points, along with a -9 plus/minus rating over 25 games this season.

Mike Matheson with a gorgeous coast to coast pic.twitter.com/6kj7HHyrdQ

— Spittin' Chiclets (@spittinchiclets) October 25, 2023

Jake Middleton and Jon Merrill from the Minnesota Wild were also mentioned.

Middleton has put up four goals, 10 points, and a -3 plus/minus rating over 23 games this season, while Merrill has a goal and three points across 15 games played.

Jakob Chychrun from the Ottawa Senators, who has five goals, 12 points, and a +2 plus/minus rating was another trade option.

Jakob Chychrun snipes home a ROCKET from the circle for his first goal as a member of the Senators!#GoSensGo pic.twitter.com/oJsjXZVPIb

— Hockey Daily 365 l NHL Highlights & News (@HockeyDaily365) March 5, 2023

Erik Gudbranson from the Columbus Blue Jackets was next on the list. The big defenseman has put up two goals, nine total points, and a -11 plus/minus rating over 26 games played this season.

Ilya Lyubushkin from the Anaheim Ducks, and who was formerly with the Leafs, was also mentioned in the list.

Finally, Sean Walker from the Philadelphia Flyers, a name that has been picking up steam in the trade market, was the final name mentioned.

He's off to a fantastic start to the season, scoring three goals, 11 total points, and a +7 plus/minus rating across 25 games played.

While the trade market in the NHL can evolve rapidly, this compilation offers insight into the diverse options the Leafs could consider to fortify their defense and enhance their playoff prospects. Photo Credit: David Kirouac-USA TODAY Sports