Leafs Fans Take Note: Red Wings Exploring Trades for Two Veteran Defensemen
Photo credit: Hockey Patrol
Toronto Maple Leafs fans who are looking to see if the team will add to the blueline might get their wish if they pursue either Erik Gustafsson or Travis Hamonic who are on the trade block.
Although the team has already solidified their backend, the Toronto Maple Leafs could always use a little bit extra help, as sometimes we get some shaky defense from guys like Simon Benoit and Morgan Rielly.
While the shutdown defenders like Jake McCabe and Chris Tanev are patrolling things as well, they could use some help and some fans might be looking for alternatives to Toronto's third-pairing.
Insider Reports Pair Of Veterans Up For Sale In Detroit
Maybe they would be happy to know that the team has a chance to add one of two potential veterans who would no doubt add some serious punch on the backend.
According to NHL Insider David Pagnotta, the Detroit Red Wings are more than likely going to get rid of both Erik Gustafsson and Travis Hamonic as both men don't necessarily fit into the plans of the much-younger Motown defense.
Those are a couple veteran pieces...it doesn't look like there's much room for some of these guys, so I think they've started to explore moving them as the season continues early on.
It's no longer guys like Gustafsson who get the call, but rookies like Axel Sandin-Pelikka, and with Detroit shifting towards a more youth-based system with a handful of loyal veterans; the writing is on the wall.
How Either Gustafsson or Hamonic Can Help Maple Leafs
Gustafsson, 33, is a very solid offensive defender who can move the puck, block shots, throw some hits and give the team a new dynamic similar to Oliver Ekman-Larsson; but with more discipline.
He would also be a much better choice than Benoit, and it would be better if Toronto had more offense than defense on their back end right now.
For his career, Gustafsson has 240 points in 515 games (47 goals, 193 assists) with eight different teams (Chicago, Calgary, Philadelphia, Montreal, Washington, Toronto, New York Rangers and Detroit).
Hamonic, 35, is not as offensively gifted as Gustafsson but he does offer that shutdown defending Toronto is now known for; he's averaged over 86 hits and 110 blocks for his career.
Drafted 53rd overall by the New York Islanders in 2008, Hamonic has 242 points in 901 games (53 goals, 189 assists) and has spent time with the Islanders, Calgary Flames, Vancouver Canucks, Ottawa Senators, and Detroit Red Wings.
Both men offer much more experience than Benoit or a depth player like Philippe Myers with a combined 1,400 games experience with an additional 71 playoff games to their names.
Also, Hamonic makes only $1-million, meanwhile Gustafsson makes $850,000; so getting the money to work won't be an issue.
For fans who are hoping the Toronto Maple Leafs defense continues on their torrid stretch to start the year, adding some extra help would go a long way not only in keeping them happy; but giving themselves a chance to win every night.
| POLL | ||
OCTOBRE 16 | 928 ANSWERS Leafs Fans Take Note: Red Wings Exploring Trades for Two Veteran Defensemen Should Toronto trade for Erik Gustafssom or Travis Hamonic? | ||
| Gustafsson | 122 | 13.1 % |
| Hamonic | 80 | 8.6 % |
| Both | 115 | 12.4 % |
| Neither | 611 | 65.8 % |
| List of polls | ||
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