Maple Leafs Looking To Add Due To Tanev's Injury

The Toronto Maple Leafs have surged back into a playoff spot and they are looking good. They have done that while dealing with injuries and a banged up defensive group. Chris Tanev is the key piece missing from the back-end, and it doesn't look like he'll be returning to action during the regular season, so an addition is in order.

David Pagnotta said, "Chris Tanev's season is probably over, for the regular season anyways. They're going to look to see if they can make an addition on that back-end."

At the very least, there should be one everyday defenseman brought in by Toronto this season. They have the cap space due to Tanev's injury, especially if they shift him to LTIR. The Maple Leafs have more than enough fringe NHL defensemen that they can send back to the AHL or move out.

The Maple Leafs don't have to make a major addition on defense, just someone who is a decent upgrade to a player like Troy Stecher, who could slide into the seventh spot on the roster. He has played well since coming over from the Edmonton Oilers, but there is room to improve.

There are already d-men around the NHL that could be traded, especially from teams that are seemingly out of the playoff race. Luke Schenn is someone for the right side that the Maple Leafs have been linked to. He fits the description of what the team could use. Not overly expensive, won't cost much to acquire, and plays a big and defensive role on the right side. It would also leave room to upgrade at forward as that's another area that Toronto is going to address.

Changes are going to be made on defense with Tanev's injury as it is a big one.