Leafs Trade Rumors: Team Linked To Physical Defenseman As Others Fall Off The Board

The Toronto Maple Leafs are apparently not done yet in targeting big, physical defenseman at this trade deadline. Following their acquisition of Ilya Lyubushkin last week for a second go-round with the team, they've now got their sights on Washington Capitals' crease-clearing D-man, Joel Edmundson. 

Toronto has recently checked back on Joel Edmundson of the Capitals as they continue to navigate the D market

— David Pagnotta (@TheFourthPeriod) March 6, 2024

Insider David Pagnotta of The Fourth Period reports that the Leafs have circled back to the Capitals, likely after watching some of their other, higher-profile blueline targets fall off the board, in Chris Tanev (to Dallas) and now Sean Walker, who was pilfered from the Philadelphia Flyers earlier today. 

Toronto could do worse than Edmundson, who has Stanley Cup pedigree from his solid season on the St. Louis Blues' backline in 2019. He has a notable 75 games of playoff experience in his career, in which he's handed out a robust 168 hits while blocking 103 shots and posting a plus-7 rating.

This season with the Capitals, the 30-year-old has six points in 44 games but he's played a nine-year low of 16 1/2 minutes per night. 

The 6'5", 220-pounder is adept at physically clearing opponents from the front of the net, and would be a valuable third-pairing defensive rock. This is certainly something the Leafs could use more of, especially in the playoffs. 

He carries a relatively light $1.75 million cap hit, which should be easy to absorb. 

We'll keep an eye out to see if the Leafs are able to pull off a deal here, or on another target, as they're likely not finished yet adding to their blueline, or elsewhere on the roster. 

Photo: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports