Elliotte Friedman was on the FAN Hockey Show, where he revealed what the Toronto Maple Leafs' trade strategy is right now as John Chayka weighs his options.
With the Maple Leafs on a significant losing streak, there has been an appetite for the team to make a trade that is actually going to improve the franchise.
There is tremendous pressure on general manager John Chayka to deliver a trade that can turn this season around. Furthermore, the expectation is that the trade will be for a defenseman.
Elliotte Friedman reveals what's next for the Leafs
According to insider Elliotte Friedman on the FAN Hockey Show, the rumors about the Maple Leafs wanting a defenseman are true.
However, the Maple Leafs have a very specific strategy that they are looking to employ here. Chayka doesn't just want a "stopgap" defenseman.
Instead, the general manager is looking for a star defenseman who is going to be a stud with the team for years to come. The blue line must get younger, and Chayka understands this better than anyone.
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In fact, the Maple Leafs are willing to give up their top assets to acquire this kind of defenseman. That means Colorado's first-round pick is absolutely on the table.
If the defenseman is good enough, they may also be willing to part ways with a player like William Nylander or perhaps a respected veteran like Morgan Rielly.
This just goes to show that the Maple Leafs are well aware of their situation, and what it is going to take to finally get themselves back on track.
The defense has been the big weakness on this roster, and until that is fixed, these Leafs are not going anywhere.
It is a harsh reality, and it is up to John Chayka to finally fix this, once and for all. If he can't fix it, then his early general manager tenure is in jeopardy.
Do you believe the Maple Leafs are making the right moves?
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