Maple Leafs finally learn Calgary's demands for Zach Whitecloud

If the Maple Leafs were hoping to add Zach Whitecloud to the lineup, they are going to need to pay handsomely as Calgary's demands for the blue liner have skyrocketed.

With Chris Tanev out, Oliver Ekman-Larsson not performing nearly good enough, Morgan Rielly still being a defensive liability and the pressure being put on names like Troy Stecher and Nick Blankenburg - the Maple Leafs need a better anchor.

Jake McCabe can only do so much and you can tell the extra time he's spending on the ice is taking a bit of a toll on him. The team doesn't want to give up any premium assets unless they have to, even at the cost of losing games while they wait for the right deal.

Toronto's need for defensive help is going to come at a major cost

There was a rumour that the team was interested in Calgary's Zach Whitecloud as a means to shore up the blue line and add a physical presence who can shut down the opposition. But it is going to come at a cost and after some new information, we know it's pricey.

Per The Fourth Period's David Pagnotta, the Flames are not going to be asking for anything less than hauler Whitecloud, and it could come down to an A-level prospect, a top pick or some combination of the two assets:

I've got to imagine an A- level prospect, maybe a B+ prospect and a high draft pick. Maybe a high-end prospect and a mid-tier pick or maybe a mid-tier prospect and a first. Either way, it's not a low price for Zach Whitecloud.

Whitecloud, 29, has zero points in eight games but has 17 blocks and 13 hits already this year, and it's evident of exactly the type of player you're getting in the defender.

With the Maple Leafs not holding too many premium picks, they are going to likely have to settle for a package that involves one of their better prospects in addition to a second or third-round pick, which doesn't seem like a heavy price but it's yet another futures deal for a veteran who may or may not fit in the lineup (i.e. Brandon Carlo).

Maple Leafs mortgage their middle of the ice depth for a defensive anchor

If Toronto is serious about improving their blue line and Whitecloud is at the top of their list, then they can certainly get it done at the cost of losing a couple important future pieces:

To Calgary:

(F) Tyler Hopkins (signing rights)
(D) Noah Chadwick
2028 Second-Round Pick (TOR)

To Toronto:

(D) Zach Whitecloud

Toronto absorbs all of Whitecloud's $2.75M cap hit, with the benefit of no trade protection so if he doesn't work they can find a way out a lot easier than they typically would.

Heading to Calgary is Hopkins, a two-way centre who could genuinely be an NHL regular in a few years. Already blazing away at the junior level, he may not be far off from the AHL, and at his current pace, could be in line for a Flames lineup spot in a couple of years.

Chadwick is a young two-way defenseman who can offer more offensive upside than Whitecloud while also being a solid third-pairing or depth player for Calgary this year or the next, and work his way into the lineup. Having spent time in Lethbridge, he's familiar with Alberta and would fit in perfectly.

The second-rounder is a necessary evil and helps with Calgary's rebuild as Toronto could use that pick for someone later on - but with a win-now mentality you have to give quality to get quality.

Is this too hefty a price to pay for Toronto? Perhaps, but only time can really tell. For the Flames, they get young pieces to help their rebuild and the Maple Leafs get the anchor they need to steady the ship.

John Chayka isn't shy about pulling the trigger, and it feels like 'when' not 'if' he is going to do it - with Whitecloud a top target.

Also read on Hockey Patrol :
Maple Leafs announce starting goalie against Blue Jackets after emergency call up