Maple Leafs have a chance to acquire Drew Doughty for less than expected

The Toronto Maple Leafs could bring in Drew Doughty this trade deadline and the cost could end up being much cheaper than they would have anticipated.

As the Maple Leafs continue to try and improve their blue line, there are a few names who have been popping up as potential options. Simon Edvinsson and Zach Whitecloud have been two players rumoured to have interest from Toronto, and with Chris Tanev's status an unknown as the season plays on - a deal seems imminent.

Though they might not make a deal now, as we get closer towards the deadline then they may decide it's imperative to improve the blue line especially if they are competing for a playoff spot. If that's the case, they need a staunch leader to help steady the back end.

That means the team could very well target Drew Doughty - and the cost to afford him is a lot cheaper than you'd expect.

Toronto could take a swing on Drew Doughty for a lot cheaper than you'd expect

Doughty, 36, is in a rough spot right now with Los Angeles. No doubt an icon for the franchise, he's not getting his contract renewed and the Kings are not really playing up to par this season. If he wants one more chance at winning, he may have an interest in waiving to come to Toronto.

The cost to bring him in though could only be a first-round pick, as the Kings would likely take a premium pick for the cost of shedding Doughty's salary and their lack of competitiveness. It's best to get something now then let him leave and get nothing.

A veteran of nearly 1,300 NHL games, Doughty has still put up top pairing defensive numbers despite dealing with some serious injuries lately:

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He has two Stanley Cups, a Norris Trophy, over 700 points, and has been one of the NHL's best defensemen of the past 25 years. He's a future Hall of Famer, and to boot he also has three Olympic medals representing Canada (2 gold, 1 silver).

Would Doughty be a fit for the Maple Leafs?

I mean, there's always a world where a two-time Cup winner, future HOFer and three-time Olympic medalist is a benefit, though it does certainly keep Toronto's blue line old.

Doughty is still an elite two-way threat but is also a step behind when it comes to his speed. Coming off a serious ankle injury, he isn't going to play well down the line. He would be a great addition next to Morgan Rielly in the second pairing, and some sheltered minutes may help him despite his workhorse nature.

There's also a question about if Los Angeles is going to let him go for just a first, and if Ben Danford starts becoming a trade target for the Kings, then Toronto loses a key future piece of their blue line when Doughty and others retire in a few seasons.

You also have to find a way to fit in his $11-million cap hit, and salary retention will drive the price up. Thankfully it's only for a year, but Toronto has to be sure he's the answer worth paying for.

All in all, Doughty would be a fantastic addition to round out the lineup, add a proven playoff producer, and someone who can bring out the best in the Maple Leafs lineup.

But at 36, with injury concerns and a huge contract it's a lot to pay - though John Chayka seemingly doesn't care the cost if it means improving the team.

Also read on Hockey Patrol :
Maple Leafs blue line gets younger thanks to blockbuster Blackhawks trade proposal