Maple Leafs Linked to $17.6M Defenceman as Trade Rumors Resurface
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The Toronto Maple Leafs are linked to a high-priced right-handed defenseman as a potential trade target, according to a report.
The Leafs are linked to defenseman Connor Murphy, with the 32-year-old a possible defensive addition for Toronto, and someone who could make sense in the team's lineup.
An article from NHL Trade Rumors links Murphy as a player who would make sense for Toronto to acquire, noting that he's been linked to the Leafs in the past and would help their blueline.
Murphy was a player connected to Toronto last season during the trade deadline, although he ultimately stayed with the Chicago Blackhawks instead.
Why Connor Murphy is a Good Fit on Toronto's Blue Line
Connor Murphy would make for a solid fit on the Toronto Maple Leafs blueline. He's a physical 6'4 shutdown defenseman who can play on the bottom-four and deliver hits, a strong package that has been what Brad Treliving has looked for in a defenseman.
Murphy lacks a bit in terms of offense and skating, one of the slower players in the league who doesn't create a lot of scoring chances in transition, but he has the ability to excel in a shutdown role.
His spot on Toronto is a bit redundant as it's something already filled by Brandon Carlo, but if Carlo were to be traded it could make sense for Murphy to be a potential replacement buy.
The Leafs could use a player like Murphy on the eight hand side to shore up their defense, but would be unlikely to pay top dollar for him to do so.
What Murphy's Contract and Trade Clause Mean for a Potential Deal
Currently, Connor Murphy has a 10-team No Trade Clause, meaning he can block a deal to certain teams. With Toronto having been in on Murphy in the past, there's a good chance Toronto is a destination he'd be willing to go to.
The other issues lies on Murphy's contract. Making $4.4M for this upcoming season, the price may be a bit too steep for Toronto to want to go at unless there's some retention done, something that would only drive up the price further.
The Leafs don't have a deep bench in terms of future assets, meaning they'd want to avoid making a deal that stretches out their prospect pool or draft capital much thinner.
As mentioned prior, the Leafs already have a player like Murphy in Brandon Carlo, who is younger and faster. Murphy wouldn't be a big upgrade on Carlo and would only make sense if Carlo was gone, which seems doubtful at this stage.
If the Toronto Maple Leafs are looking at a potential defenseman who can add size and physicality to their blueline group, they may be enticed to take that chance on Connor Murphy as the guy to look at.
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