Former Leafs Draft Pick Could Be a Smart Reunion Target for Brad Treliving
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Given the close relationship between Toronto Maple Leafs GM and player agent Allan Walsh, could a former draft pick be on his mind regarding a potential reunion?
The relationships between general managers and player agents goes beyond just what's discussed in the boardroom. Player futures, how they can assist struggling players, and working together for the betterment of their players are all a part of the process.
How Brad Treliving's Ties to Allan Walsh Could Help the Maple Leafs Pull Off Trade
Brad Treliving knows this quite well, and his relationship with player agent Allan Walsh is well known. The two appeared recently on the SDPN Podcast network with Adam Wylde and discussed the inner workings of GM/agent relationships.
The Toronto Maple Leafs GM was more than complimentary towards Walsh, and their connection goes back years, ever since Walsh's client Jonathan Huberdeau was involved in the Matthew Tkachuk blockbuster.
Why a Reunion With Toronto Makes Sense for the Former Maple Leafs Draft Pick
So what if they dipped into their connection to reunite the Leafs with someone they could desperately use?
Walsh is also the agent of former Maple Leaf and current Utah Mammoth defenseman Sean Durzi, and a player of his caliber would fit perfectly in the new-look lineup.
Durzi was drafted 52nd overall by Toronto in 2018, and was a key part of the Jake Muzzin deal that also involved Carl Grundstrom; who coincidentally was traded earlier this season.
A puck-moving defender with a knack for blocking a ton of shots, he's the perfect Craig Berube-type player who gets in the dirtier areas, is fantastic in transition, and while he's not a hulking behemoth, at 6'1, 200 pounds he's solid.
A stark improvement over a player like Simon Benoit, Durzi would finally give Toronto that offensive quarterback on the power play and not need to rely on an aging Oliver Ekman-Larsson to run the second unit.
There are concerns about injuries as he missed the majority of the season after suffering a shoulder injury last October. He underwent surgery and returned late in the year though felt confident even after 131 days off:
But he's also deserving of a chance to win, which unfortunately he won't get for a bit with Utah, so heading back to Toronto gives him both playing time and the opportunity to be competitive for years.
While Durzi does come with a bit of a price tag, and there is a bit of difficulty due to the new CBA rules affecting trades, he would add the dynamic the Maple Leafs have been searching for.
And the friendship between Brad Treliving and Allan Walsh might be the catalyst at kicking off a reunion.
