3 Defensemen Named Offseason Targets for Maple Leafs
Maple Leafs eye Adam Fox as blockbuster solution
If there’s one name that jumps off the page, it’s Adam Fox of the New York Rangers.
This one seems unlikely, but it’s the kind of swing the Maple Leafs may need.
Fox, the 2020-21 Norris Trophy winner, has quietly built one of the most productive resumes among NHL defensemen, posting 404 points in 471 career games while running a top-tier power play.
SOME ROUGH STUFF BETWEEN THE SABRES AND BOLTS LEADS TO DARREN RADDYSH FEEDING RASMUS DAHLIN PUNCHES 😱🫨 pic.twitter.com/3zTwdjJoKE
— Gino Hard (@GinoHard_) March 8, 2026
With the Rangers leaning toward a retool after moving pieces like Artemi Panarin and with more names in the rumor mill, Kypreos also noted this could be a situation worth watching.
Fox carries a $9.5 million cap hit, and while his size has raised some concerns internally, there’s no denying he would instantly become Toronto’s best all-around defenseman. Even on a terrible Rangers team this season, the 28-year-old has recorded five goals and 35 points over 40 games.
If he becomes available this summer, expect the Maple Leafs to be aggressive.
Darren Raddysh, John Carlson offer free-agent options
While a trade for Fox would be seismic, the Maple Leafs are also being linked to two very different free-agent paths: Darren Raddysh and John Carlson.
Raddysh has been one of the biggest breakout stories of the season with the Tampa Bay Lightning, exploding for 58 points in 58 games, including 17 goals.
As a right-shot defenseman with size and a booming shot, he fits exactly what Toronto has been missing. It also helps that he's from Toronto.
Many fans were wondering whether John Carlson would still be able to wear his trademark Bauer 4500 helmet after getting traded to the Ducks. @AlysonLozoff has all the answers!#FlyTogether pic.twitter.com/FxUzbVBA0B
— Victory+ (@victoryplustv) March 14, 2026
That said, Kypreos did caution about committing long-term money to a 30-year-old with a limited track record. His surge has drawn comparisons to past contract-year breakouts, making this a high-upside but risky bet depending on term and price.
Prior to this season, the 30-year-old had combined for 12 goals and 70 points over the past two seasons (155 games).
Still, if the Maple Leafs believe this production is sustainable, they definitely have the financial muscle to outbid competitors.
#NYR GM Chris Drury was asked if he was concerned about Adam Fox's ambiguous comments and if its something he has to smooth over:
— Mollie Walker (@MollieeWalkerr) March 6, 2026
"Adam's obviously a terrific person, a great player, local guy. I've known him for a long time, as have our coaches. We're thrilled he's a Ranger and…
Then there’s John Carlson, now with the Anaheim Ducks after a surprising deadline move.
Even at 36, Carlson continues to produce at a high level with 46 points in 56 games this season. A two-time All-Star and Stanley Cup champion, he brings a lot to the table still.
Over the past three seasons, Carlson has recorded 25 goals and 149 points across 217 games played.
He won’t be a long-term solution, but for a team trying to win now, Carlson could stabilize the blue line immediately if the deal is short-term and reasonable.
That being said, if he hits the open market, a return to Washington seems plausible too, especially if Alex Ovechkin returns.
Photo Credit: Sergei Belski-Imagn Images
