Columbus Blue Jackets forward Danton Heinen was placed on waivers earlier today, and the Toronto Maple Leafs are a team that could potentially capitalize on this.
Earlier today, we reported that the Columbus Blue Jackets had officially placed Emil Andrae on waivers. This was significant as the Toronto Maple Leafs had traded Andrae to Columbus as part of the Kirill Marchenko deal.
At this time, a reunion of sorts with Andrae is probably out of the cards. The defense certainly needs help, but it doesn't feel as though Andrae is going to be the guy. He's also on a two-year, $3.1 million deal, which is problematic for the Leafs and their cap situation.
However, the Blue Jackets placed a second player on waivers Wednesday, and this time around, it is someone the Leafs might actually be interested in.
Danton Heinen has 622 games of NHL experience
After failing to register a point in the first 10 games of the NHL season, Danton Heinen has found himself on waivers. It's a tough look for a player who has 622 games under his belt in the NHL and even has a total of 253 points.
These are solid enough numbers, and at 31 years old, he could still realistically contribute to an NHL franchise. He is a left-winger who could fit solidly within the team's bottom six.
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Not to mention, he is someone who doesn't come at a huge cost. His contract is only for $1 million per season, and it is a two-way deal, which creates some flexibility.
The case against Heinen right now is the fact that the Leafs already have quite a few players in their bottom six whom they aren't trying to ship out right now.
Zach MacEwen, Colton Sissons, Teddy Blueger, and Brandon Duhaime are all players that the Maple Leafs have proven to be happy with thus far.
It is extremely unlikely that the Leafs would end up with Heinen on the roster. That said, there is certainly a pathway for the Leafs to make such a move happen, if John Chayka wants to go down that route.
The Leafs are currently 8-7-2 following a loss to the Utah Mammoth on Tuesday night, and if one thing is for certain, it is that the team must find ways to improve this roster.
Do you believe the Toronto Maple Leafs should go after Danton Heinen?
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Former Maple Leafs defenseman hits waivers weeks after being traded