NHL Insider Reveals that the Leafs Are Talking With Major Free Agent Defenseman

The Toronto Maple Leafs are becoming desperate for reinforcements on the blue line. With 3 of their top-6 defenseman out in Mark Giordano, Timothy Liljegren, and John Klingberg, it has been widely reported that the Leafs are active on the trade market for a defenseman.

Now, TSN's Chris Johnston has revealed that the Leafs are exploring other options to acquire a defenseman as well, which includes exploring the free agency market. Their target? Ethan Bear.

Bear is coming off surgery this offseason, which is the primary reason he remains unsigned at this point in the year.

Unfortunately for the Leafs, they are strapped for cash that they might need to sign a defenseman. With how in-demand defensemen are right now, it's likely Bear will garner a contract that the Leafs currently can't afford.

Bear's last contract with the Carolina Hurricanes was a 1-year deal with a $2.2 million AAV. The Leafs would need to cut some costs in order to make a deal work with a slight pay raise.

As seen on Maple Leafs Daily - "Leafs reportedly talking with free agent defenseman"