With the Toronto Maple Leafs looking for reinforcements on defense, it appears as though the Columbus Blue Jackets have given them a gift through NHL waivers.
Throughout the early going of the NHL season, the Toronto Maple Leafs' defense has been criticized for not generating enough offense, while also playing less-than-responsibly in their own end.
This has led to general manager John Chayka's desire to trade for a defenseman. That said, a cheaper option became available today courtesy of the Columbus Blue Jackets.
According to Elliotte Friedman, 32-year-old left-handed defenseman Carson Soucy was placed on waivers as there is simply no place for him on the Jackets' roster right now.
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What makes Soucy intriguing is the fact that he is a defenseman with lots of experience. He has played 448 NHL games and has played with teams like the Seattle Kraken, Minnesota Wild, Vancouver Canucks, New York Rangers, Islanders, and most recently, the Blue Jackets.
In 2021-22, he had his best offensive season with 21 points in 64 games with the Seattle Kraken, all while posting a plus/minus of +18.
Furthermore, Soucy only makes $1.15 million per season, which means he is an inexpensive option for a Leafs team that is already against the Salary Cap.
Will John Chayka claim Soucy?
At this time, there is really no telling whether or not Chayka is actually going to come out and claim Soucy given the circumstances.
It was reported that Chris Tanev could be back in the lineup as early as Saturday. Meanwhile, Morgan Rielly is starting to play better after a slow start.
If Chayka were to make a defensive move, it is more likely to be in the form of a trade rather than anything else. The general manager wants to take big swings, especially at the defenseman position.
Either way, the Leafs have options, and Soucy has presented himself as one of them.
Do you believe the Toronto Maple Leafs should go and get Carson Soucy?
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