The Toronto Maple Leafs can add Roman Josi to the blue line to completely transform their defense but it depends on one critical factor this season.
There have been several questions about the Maple Leafs' defense this season, whether that be due to a slew of injuries, or the fact that they are an older and slower bunch who often get beat by faster opponents. Maybe it's the fact they haven't had a great bit of offensive help either, and only two defensive goals - none from Morgan Rielly or Darren Raddysh.
Trade rumours have floated around that show the team could be in the mix for Alexander Nikishin, and even someone as potent as Quinn Hughes, though any deal is going to take a king's ransom to complete.
Maple Leafs can look to Music City for their defensive solution
But with them needing help and being a true star defender away from really making an impact this season, they could find themselves with the perfect option out in Nashville - Roman Josi.
The Predators captain has been one of the most underrated and underappreciated blue liners in recent memory, often getting overshadowed by his contemporaries. Though depending on how things work out in Nashville, he could be a potential player on the move according to David Pagnotta:
How this season plays out will dictate what they do with Ryan O'Reilly, with Ross Colton, with a couple of their blueliners
Josi, 36, is still an elite offensive defenseman despite being older, and his ability to drive plays and be a quarterback can't be overstated. He has 788 points in 1,039 career games, including 290 on the power play, and is a Norris Trophy winner with two runner-up seasons in 2021-22 and 2023-24.
He would immediately be the replacement for Morgan Rielly, and would potentially relegate Darren Raddysh to PP2 duties. But he would instantly give Toronto a threat on the point they haven't had in over a decade, and is an above average defender who routinely hits 100+ blocks per season - he can do it all.
But what has to happen for Josi to become available?
Well like Pagnotta said above - the Predators need to stink. While they are off to a 3-3-3 start, they aren't exactly lighting things up. They are near the bottom of the league in goals for, have only one win in their last five and were just destroyed 6-0 by the Bruins.
If things get worse, then we could see GM Chris McFarland make a few changes, with Josi potentially getting the biggest haul for him. Toronto shouldn't hesitate to see what they'd take for him (so long as it doesn't include Easton Cowan). Trading Ben Danford may seem like a bad idea, but it may be a necessity to get the deal done.
Or maybe they can get lucky and Nashville is willing to take Morgan Rielly back, which would help with both the finances while opening up a spot for Josi to step in without having to shuffle things around.
Josi is a target who has been a name Toronto has had floated about for years, but he always seemed out of reach. But now, there's a chance to add him to the mix - they just have to hope the Predators don't figure it out.
Should the Maple Leafs try and trade for Roman Josi if he becomes available?
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