Report: Maple Leafs Making Trade Offers for 2nd-Pair Defenceman

Toronto Maple Leafs general manager John Chayka is working the phones, looking to add some depth to his defense core. According to multiple reports, the Leafs have been making trade calls, looking for a second-pair defenceman, who can bring a little bit of everything to the table.

The Leafs are without Chris Tanev for a few more weeks, and frankly, their d-core is the weakest part of their roster. Darren Raddysh hasn't really hit the ground running, Oliver Ekman-Larsson has lost a step, and Nick Blankenburg hasn't done much with his new opportunity. 

David Pagnotta: Re Maple Leafs: The preference is to bring in a 2nd pair calibre type of defenseman who is more stay at home minded, but also mobile - Daily Faceoff Live (10/14)

The Fourth Period's Pagnotta reports that the Maple Leafs want someone mobile, which makes a ton of sense considering the lack of speed currently within their top-six defencemen. It's obvious the Maple Leafs have the firepower up front to impact games, but they need to round out their blueline with players who can make an outlet pass, skate themselves out of trouble, and jump into the rush when needed.

There's also been recent chatter about the New York Rangers asking about Anthony Stolarz, and it's very likely Chayka asked for defenceman Braden Schneider in return. There's also Zach Whitecloud of the Calgary Flames available on the trade market, but he's more of a third-pair option, and doesn't have the two-way game Chayka is necessarily looking for. For the right price, anything could happen.

Keep an eye on the Leafs. Chayka has made nine trades in under six months on the job, including 30 pieces within the deals, so it's obvious he's not afraid to turn this roster upside down to make significant, and impactful change.