It Didn't Take Long: Former Maple Leafs Defenseman Already on the Trade Block Again
Photo credit: Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images
The San Jose Sharks are looking to get younger, and that means dealing some veterans and according David Pagnotta, several are available including one former Leaf.
The rebuilding San Jose Sharks are having another rough season, sitting 2-5-2 although keeping out of the basement, which is currently occupied by the Calgary Flames.
They have a lot of bright spots however, with Michael Misa scoring his first career goal, William Eklund becoming a star, and Macklin Celebrini picking up right where he left off last season; not to mention a surprising Ryan Reaves.
Insider Reveals Sharks Plan To Improve Blue Line Through Trades
But the fact remains that the team is rebuilding and wants to get younger, and a new report from insider David Pagnotta reveals they are willing to blow it all up.
The Fourth Period's Pagnotta explained recently that the Sharks are looking to get younger on the backend and want to get rid of several veteran defenders including Mario Ferraro and former Maple Leaf Timothy Liljegren:
They've got (young goalie Yaroslav Askarov), they've got a ton of young talent up front, with Misa included, but this is gonna be a team that is going to continue to look to really solidify their backend.
And they've got some kids in the system, obviously, but I think this is a scenario where they really wanna strengthen their blueline.
This goes back to the summer, this goes back to probably even last season, where they've been looking to bring in young defensemen that are going to fit this team moving forward and kind of like what they've got obviously up front.
And they've got some kids in the system, obviously, but I think this is a scenario where they really wanna strengthen their blueline.
This goes back to the summer, this goes back to probably even last season, where they've been looking to bring in young defensemen that are going to fit this team moving forward and kind of like what they've got obviously up front.
Pagnotta also notes that Ferraro has not officially requested a deal, however has been noted to be willing to accept a change of scenery.
This goes back to last season, too, from what I've been told. He hasn't asked for a trade or demanded anything like that, but with everything that's going on there, I think he's (not against a move).
With the Sharks wanting to get younger, the Maple Leafs could be a team who would love to take advantage of GM Mike Grier's rebuilding plans.
Toronto Needs To Target Sharks' Desharnais
While bringing back Liljegren won't make a ton of sense, bringing Ferraro in does, as well as veteran and former Stanley Cup winner Nick Leddy.
Both men can add much needed stability to the backend and offer some more shutdown defense that Toronto really needs right now. However they are also left-handed shots and the Maple Leafs are chockfull of those.
Which is why they should target Vincent Desharnais instead, as he's a monster on the backend at 6'7, 225 pounds, blocks a ton of shots, loves to hit and most importantly is a right-handed shot.
Adding him alongside Oliver Ekman-Larsson would let him get on his preferred side, as well as provide a bigger body for some extra protection.
Plus it would allow Craig Berube to use Benoit as a much better depth option than Philippe Myers, or he could end up convincing Toronto to trade Brandon Carlo for some forward help and have Benoit with Morgan Rielly (but again, two lefties).
At only $2-million and a pending free agent, it's really not going to cost them much to bring him aboard, and Toronto has enough defensive prospects which could entice San Jose like Cade Webber.
It would mark the third trade between the two clubs, where Toronto sent Ryan Reaves and Liljegren in separate deals and brought in Henry Thrun and Matt Benning.
Maybe third time's the charm, and Brad Treliving can bring in someone who can impact the team now, not when their window is slammed shut.
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