Maple Leafs could move a depth defenseman as rival team searches for immediate help
Photo credit: Nick Turchiaro-Imagn Images
The Carolina Hurricanes are scrambling for defensive help and the Toronto Maple Leafs might be holding exactly what they need, according to NHL Insider Frank Seravalli.
Carolina's defense has normally been its bright spot but this season, they've been feeling the pain.
Although the team is currently doing alright in the Metropolitan Division, the Carolina Hurricanes are destroyed with injuries to some key players, most notably on the blueline.
K'Andre Miller, Jaccob Slavin, and Shayne Gostisbehere are all dealing with some type of injury with the latter's timeline a complete unknown. If they want to stick around with teams like New Jersey and Pittsburgh, they need some help.
According to NHL Insider Frank Seravalli, that's exactly what they are looking to do and do it quick.
Frank Seravalli Reveals Rival Team Is Searching for Blue Line Help
Speaking for Bleacher Report as part of their NHL roundup of rumors and news for the week, Seravalli revealed the Hurricanes and their injury issues are a deep cause for concern, and they are looking for help to stop the bleeding:
Yes, the Carolina Hurricanes are on the prowl for a defenseman. I mentioned Ty Emberson as an option, they need a shutdown defender.
They have had significant injures, I can't believe all the guys who went down, and the impact players who have been out. Look at their blueline; Miller, Slavin, Gostisbehere.
You're looking at not only half of your defensive core, but also their most important in Jaccob Slavin and what they have done so far has been nothing short of impressive without those guys.
They have had significant injures, I can't believe all the guys who went down, and the impact players who have been out. Look at their blueline; Miller, Slavin, Gostisbehere.
You're looking at not only half of your defensive core, but also their most important in Jaccob Slavin and what they have done so far has been nothing short of impressive without those guys.
For a team that has relied so heavily on their backend for help recently, the loss of players like Slavin and Miller really puts into light just how good they are overall, but are at the point where they need help.
That's the kind of news for Maple Leafs GM Brad Treliving has been waiting for.
Why the Maple Leafs Could Take Advantage and Flip a Depth Piece for a Draft Pick
With the team needing some draft pick recuperation, it would be the perfect chance to swap someone like Philippe Myers and get back a late-round pick, perhaps even their 6th-round pick they traded in the Cade Webber deal a few years ago.
They can't afford to miss out on someone like Myers, especially with question marks
Carolina is no doubt going to be making calls so it should be Brad Treliving's prerogative to not only see if the Hurricanes are interested, and they just got a great look at him on Sunday night.
Myers has NHL experience, has proven he can at least provide a serviceable shutdown role, is a big body, doesn't cost much in terms of cap space, and the Hurricanes can easily waive him when their injured return.
Toronto already has a crowded blueline and could use a bit of a breakup with some names and allow others to come in like William Villeneuve or Henry Thrun.
Myers, 28, has no points and a minus-3 rating in five games this season, but for his career has been solid with 41 points in 199 games with 172 blocks and 362 hits.
If the Hurricanes get desperate, and it sounds like they're close; Toronto might be the first team they call.
And if Treliving can turn Philippe Myers into a draft pick, that's exactly how contenders quietly win deadlines months in advance.
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