Tonight, the Toronto Maple Leafs and the Montreal Canadiens are facing off in the season opener, and there is a huge scouting presence at the match.
Yesterday, the Toronto Maple Leafs took a huge swing as they traded Matthew Knies to the Columbus Blue Jackets for Kirill Marchenko. Miles Wood and Elvis Merzlikins also came to Toronto in the deal, with the Leafs also giving up Steven Lorentz and Emil Andrae.
Reporters like Darren Dreger have suggested that the Maple Leafs are not done making moves. They still want to get something done, especially with the holes that exist on their blue line.
Well, tonight, the team's season opener against the Montreal Canadiens drew a large presence of scouts and executives. Thirty-three, to be exact.
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Typically, lots of scouts and executives mean players are being evaluated for potential trades and big moves. Having 33 of them in the building just showcases how the Leafs and Canadiens are active participants in the market.
When will John Chayka strike next?
There is no telling when John Chayka will make his next move, but the Leafs need to beef up their blue line, and you have to expect him to tackle that next.
During the offseason, he addressed his depth as he brought in Brandon Duhaime, Teddy Blueger, Nick Paul, Jack Roslovic, and a whole host of others.
He was also able to draft Gavin McKenna, which addressed a very real need within the team's top 6. Now, however, the defense needs to be addressed.
Someone like Zach Werenski would have been absolutely perfect for the Leafs, but it's doubtful that they do business with the Columbus Blue Jackets twice in a row.
Either way, the Leafs are looking to make something happen, and if you're a fan, you have to appreciate how bold Chayka is getting so early on.
Should the Toronto Maple Leafs make another trade?
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