Brad Treliving may have multiple tricks up his sleeve as the trade deadline nears
Photo credit: Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images
Brad Treliving has a clear focus for the Toronto Maple Leafs, but a series of moves could make for the ideal trade deadline.
With the NHL's trade deadline a month and a half away, teams are already plotting ways to improve their team, and the Leafs have already been on the hunt for key assets in multiple areas of need.
Already having been active in trade talks throughout the season, Toronto is likely to be active as long as they need to be, and a new report indicates that the team making a deal may not be the end of a hunt for Brad Treliving to bolster his squad.
Toronto's main focus remains defense but open to forward help too
According to David Pagnotta of The Fourth Period, the Leafs have interest in boosting both of their most pressing needs on defense and forward, but that defense on the right-side still remains the focus.
Pagnotta adds that it's the blueline that is the most pressing matter for Treliving heading towards the deadline, but that doesn't keep the Leafs from potentially adding a forward as well.
Treliving appears to be more focused on adding a right-shot defenceman than help for his top-six forward corps. He may very well add both by the deadline, but I'm told the priority is on the blueline.
Toronto could make multiple moves happen targeting both forward and defense separately, or find solutions for both in a single deal if the right price comes along.
Why the Leafs should still target a forward while prioritizing defense
The Toronto Maple Leafs biggest need to add is on defense, but adding a forward will be important for the Leafs to at least be asking around on the trade market.
The Leafs have an obvious hole with Chris Tanev out that needs filling on defense, but the forward group isn't solidified either. Dakota Joshua remains out with an unclear kidney related issue, and Matthew Knies has been injured with a lingering issue.
Although the Leafs won't be finding any top-six help with what's likely available at the deadline, but there could be some reliable depth that improves Toronto's bottom-six.
Whether it'd be a more marquee offensive oriented option such as a Ryan O'Reilly or Brayden Schenn, or a defensively reliable depth forward, the Leafs would be wise to at least examine where they could find some additional help.
Defense is the clear pressing area that needs to be targeted in the mind of Brad Treliving, but however they do it, adding a defenseman may not be the end of the Leafs trade plans, and logically Toronto will be taking calls until the deadline comes to pass.
Also read on Hockey Patrol :
A new Dougie Hamilton report points to Toronto, and it comes down to one thing
A new Dougie Hamilton report points to Toronto, and it comes down to one thing