Maple Leafs Could Take Advantage as Red Wings Shop Multiple Players, per Elliotte Friedman
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Per a new report from NHL Insider Elliotte Friedman, the Toronto Maple Leafs could end up making a trade with the Detroit Red Wings to shore up their backend.
Sitting at a decent spot in the Atlantic Division, the Toronto Maple Leafs could use some improvements in their lineup even though they already made a ton of moves to bring in some new faces like Nic Roy, Matias Maccelli, and Dakota Joshua.
They haven't really blown anyone away thus far, and while the team has succeeded, their defense is also surprisingly shaky to start the year, and they might like to add some insurance.
Friedman Lists Gustafsson, Holl, and Berggren as Possible Trade Candidates
In need of a right-handed shot, and perhaps an option that will let Oliver Ekman-Larsson play on his preferred side, maybe they can look to a long-time rival for help.
According to Elliotte Friedman on his latest 32 Thoughts podcast, the Detroit Red Wings are looking to find a buyer for several veteran defensemen including former Maple Leafs Erik Gustafsson and Justin Holl; as well as youngster Jonatan Berggren:
Detroit has extra players now, they have Erik Gustafsson; Justin Holl that they've been trying to move for a bit; Berggren too could be available
Both men are very familiar with the team, having both played for them at various points in their career. Gustafsson spent nine games in 2022-23 with the club, and Holl was drafted and hung around for six seasons with the Maple Leafs.
Why Brad Treliving Could See Detroit as a Fit for a Depth Move
Detroit is currently running a hot hand as the Atlantic's best team and they are going with a much younger team and one that doesnt have room for guys like Gustafsson and Holl.
It really depends on what Brad Treliving wants to do, whether he wants to add more defensive acumen on his blueline and bring back Holl, who has been solid and offers more versatility as a right handed shot.
Holl was waived earlier this season, and it's clear he doesn't fit in with the team's plans. But he could be a solid depth option with Toronto and synergizes well with Craig Berube's grit n' grind system.
He is 33, so Toronto is potentially adding another aging defender however if he gives Oliver Ekman-Larsson a chance to shine back on the left side, it's worth it.
For his career, he has 95 points in 396 games (13 goals, 82 assists) and has two seasons in Detroit after his six in Toronto.
On the flip side, adding Gustafsson would be a great help for the offensive side of things, as he would offer a third playmaking defender who can also help give Ekman-Larsson a break on the PP.
Gustafsson is also 33, so again it's whether or not Brad Treliving wants to keep things the way they are, or if he feels like the team could use some help.
His offensive numbers are much better with 240 points in 515 games (47 goals, 193 assists) and had his best season as part of the Maple Leafs (though heavily helped by his stats in Washington).
Berggren could be an option but there's potential that Detroit would rather keep him, or dangle him much later at the deadline, and Toronto is already chock full of forwards.
With help needed on the backend and a few reliable and cheap depth options available, it might be in Brad Treliving's best interest to scout the Red Wings veterans to see if they have a place on the Toronto Maple Leafs.
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