Canadian Team Clears Cap Space and Stirs Trouble for Maple Leafs by Declaring Interest in the Same Defenseman as Toronto

The Toronto Maple Leafs must get at least another defenseman before the trade deadline. Their blue line isn't good enough to compete with the top teams, and with the injuries currently plaguing the defensive unit, Brad Treliving needs to do something.

Fortunately, the Leafs' GM has ties with a great trade candidate: the Calgary Flames.

Being the former Flames' GM, Treliving is in a position to make a splash ahead of the deadline.

Could this "splash" be named Nikita Zadorov?

Zadorov wants to be traded out of Calgary, and the Leafs could really use someone like Zadorov on the team.

He'd fill a huge void in the Leafs' blue line with his physical presence and his defensive abilities.

However, it seems like Toronto isn't the only interested party.

A recent development suggests that the Vancouver Canucks are also interested in the defenseman.

Yesterday, the Canucks traded Anthony Beauvillier for a draft pick, in order to free up some cap space. His $4.15 million salary was preventing the Canucks from making a move, but without it, it's suddenly a lot more realistic to think they could go after Zadorov.

Per Kevin Weekes:

The Canucks have had a great start to the season, and it looks like they're finally in a position to be true contenders for the Cup. With Zadorov, their chances would greatly improve.

Who do you think has the best chances to get Zadorov?

As seen on Maple Leafs Insider - Canucks clear a large amount of cap space, declare their interest in a popular Leafs trade target