Former Toronto Maple Leafs general manager Brian Burke had some harsh truths for current GM John Chayka, who has made it clear he wants a defenseman.
The Maple Leafs' defense has not been particularly good so far this season, and there is no denying that this team needs an upgrade sooner rather than later.
General manager John Chayka is reportedly targeting the likes of Simon Edvinsson. Furthermore, he was targeting Alexander Nikishin prior to the young star's most recent contract with the Hurricanes.
Acquiring a real difference maker on the blue line is not going to be easy. It's going to cost assets, and not everyone believes the Leafs have those assets.
One of those people is former Maple Leafs GM Brian Burke, who never shies away from giving his opinion on some hot-button issues.
Brian Burke reveals the Leafs' uphill battle
During an appearance on "Leafs Morning Take," Burke stated that he isn't so sure Chayka is going to get a deal done because the Leafs simply don't have enough futures right now.
Furthermore, the team doesn't want to give away any more young players like Easton Cowan, which handcuffs them in future discussions.
They've traded away a lot of futures. They don't have a first-round pick. They don't have high prospects in the pipeline because they've done what you do when you think you're close or you think you need to add. They've spent those assets. Not being critical of that. The fact is you're going into it with a half-loaded gun, so you have to be careful how much you spend now.
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Burke makes a good point, although, as we have seen, Chayka does not mind getting bold with his decision-making. If he believes something will help his team, he is going to do it.
He jumped out the proverbial window with the Kirill Marchenko trade, and we would not put it past him to do it all over again.
Regardless, the Leafs' asset situation is one that Chayka will need to navigate carefully if he wants to acquire good players without handcuffing the team for years.
Do you believe John Chayka will be able to trade for a defenseman?
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