Maple Leafs among teams expected to pursue a top-four defenseman, per insider
Photo credit: Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images
The Toronto Maple Leafs are looking for defensive help, and a new update from Chris Johnston confirms rumors that the team is trying to get a trade done.
Currently near the bottom of the Atlantic Division standings, the Toronto Maple Leafs and their defense are currently giving up the most goals against in the league, are sitting 19th in PK%, and down Chris Tanev; debatably the team's anchor on the backend.
They've been subject to numerous trade rumors, with Rasmus Andersson the most recent target, in addition to names such as Louis Crevier, and Dougie Hamilton.
Something has to change if the team wants their playoff aspirations to be more than just wishful thinking.
Though the team is going to have its fair share of competition per insider Chris Johnston, as he names not only the Maple Leafs but also the Oilers, Golden Knights, and Mammoth:
It could be Toronto, it could be, Utah's a team looking for a top 4; Edmonton could be in that market; Vegas will be in that market...that could be a team I think will be shopping for a defenseman.
Toronto is going to be under a lot of pressure to improve not only because it would give them a better chance at securing a playoff spot, but also avoid any potential strain with their fans.
Right now, the team is 7th in the Atlantic with an 8-8-2 record, and currently have lost four games in a row. They are also dealing with injuries to key players such as Auston Matthews, Chris Tanev, Anthony Stolarz and Scott Laughton -- which has contributed no doubt but can't be the sole blame for the struggles.
Defensively, the team has had to rely on players such as Dakota Mermis and Philippe Myers recently, and they haven't produced. Combined they have 12 games, zero points, 6 PIM and a minus-9 rating.
Combine that with Toronto's inability to defend the rush, ranking 19th on the PK, giving up an expected 11.04 goals per 60, and the fact they are often unable to get out of their own zone for minutes at a time?
You have the NHL's league leaders in goals against with 69 -- tied with the St. Louis Blues.
Defensively, if it weren't for Jake McCabe, the team would be in a much worse spot. Of the 15 different defensive pairings the Leafs have employed, McCabe occupies the first five spots in xGA.
Meanwhile Simon Benoit, Philippe Myers, and Dakota Mermis have some of the worst numbers on the team, and it goes to show how vital Chris Tanev is to the foundation of the blueline.
So it's clear that the Maple Leafs need to make some type of adjustment defensively if they want to salvage this season.
And with several pressure points including injuries, cap crunches, and other teams' prospective interests, it could be their undoing if they are unable to bring in the help they need.
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