The Toronto Maple Leafs need to beef up their blue line, and according to one insider, general manager John Chayka is aggressively working the phones.
In a new report from The Fourth Period, it was confirmed that Chayka is talking to numerous teams about acquiring a defenseman.
Among those teams are the Detroit Red Wings and the Carolina Hurricanes. When it comes to the Red Wings, the Leafs are interested in Simon Edvinsson. As for the Hurricanes, they want Alexander Nikishin.
The Maple Leafs have been in talks with multiple teams about a defenceman, and have held loose, exploratory talks with the Hurricanes about Alexander Nikishin and the Red Wings about Simon Edvinsson
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Edvinsson and Nikishin are two defensemen who are currently involved in contract disputes with their current teams, which have led to trade talks.
In both cases, their teams want to find a solution and keep them. However, it is becoming clear that these players would much rather get fresh starts.
Do the Maple Leafs have the assets?
The Maple Leafs could offer up futures in these deals, but that may not be enough for the Red Wings and Hurricanes, who would ideally get roster players.
Over these past few weeks, it has become clear that the likes of Easton Cowan should remain untouchable. Meanwhile, Ben Danford is someone the Leafs at least want to try out before moving on from.
Whatever the case may be, Chayka is looking to make some real swings right now, which is impressive considering he just got into Toronto.
In the first few weeks of the NHL season, he has made trades for Kirill Marchenko and even Aatu Raty. The jury is still out on whether or not these trades will be viewed favorably down the line.
Trade talks remain prevalent right now, and the Maple Leafs have made it clear that they are willing and ready to do some business.
Is John Chayka doing a good job as general manager of the Maple Leafs?
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