Report: Toronto Maple Leafs Frontrunners to Acquire Two Defensemen

The Toronto Maple Leafs have the forward group to compete for a Stanley Cup in 2023-24, but to make that happen, it appears as though they are preparing to make a big addition on their blue line.

Toronto linked to two top defenseman

According to a recent report from The Fourth Line's David Pagnotta, the Maple Leafs are targeting former Leaf Ilya Lyubushkin and Calgary's Chris Tanev ahead of the March 8th trade deadline.




With injuries to John Klingberg, Timothy Liljegren and Mark Giordano among others at various times this season, it's become more and more clear that if they are to go on a deep playoff run, then their blue line will need bolstering in a massive way.

Two solid additions for the Maple Leafs

Lyubushkin is a player that's familiar with Toronto, playing 31 games with the team back in 2021-22, and while he would be a solid addition, he's tallied just 4 assists in 46 games played for the Anaheim Ducks this season.

Chris Tanev may not provide the team with much more offence than that, as he has 1 goal and 9 points in 45 games played, but would provide toughness, leadership and the heart that this team is solely missing.

Ultimately, the Maple Leafs need to make some type of move, and if they add either of these players to a healthy blue line, it gives the Leafs another weapon as they look to finally make a push for the Stanley Cup.