Toronto Maple Leafs Linked to Multiple Top-4 Defensemen Ahead of Free Agency, per Insider

There are a lot of changes coming for the Toronto Maple Leafs. First, they are going to be without Mitch Marner for the first time in a decade, and there's a new mentality in town with several new faces coming in and several expected to leave.

However if the team really wants to make changes, it's going to have to be on their back end, and for all the progress they made last season; there are still things to improve on.

Brad Treliving mentioned how he wanted to add some more offensive firepower to his back end, and there are certainly options to choose from though they missed out on adding Noah Dobson, who instead gets to thrive with the rival Canadiens.

Well, according to Maple Leafs analyst Nick Kypreos, the Maple Leafs are heavily involved in adding one of three several prominent names this offseason:

Naming Rasmus Andersson, Aaron Ekblad and Bowen Byram as potential targets, the only one who seems feasible at this point is Ekblad, and given the Panthers just signed Sam Bennett for a huge price; he's more than likely gone.

But all three would add a much different dynamic to a Leafs defense that improved heavily last season, but is still weak in a lot of areas.

They lack a true power play quarterback with Morgan Rielly not being up to snuff anymore, and they could certainly improve defensively without him as well. Ekblad and Byram would be a more offensive presence, meanwhile Andersson would give Toronto another Chris Tanev-esque defender.

Andersson, 28, has a history with Maple Leafs GM Brad Treliving; who drafted him back in 2015. The staunch Swedish defender is known for being a shot blocking machine, and isn't afraid to take a shot from the point.

In 81 games this season, he added 31 points (11G, 20A) as well as 196 blocks in an astounding 23:59 TOI; he's a minutes eater who can kill penalties and hopefully give Rielly a chance to actually get his feet back under him.

Switching gears, if the Maple Leafs wanted to seriously hinder their highway rivals, they'd put in an offer for Byram though it won't be easy.

He's a former Top-5 pick, he's a great two-way defender with a ton of upside, and he's only 24. Byram instantly becomes Toronto's blueliner extraordinaire, and would be able to be locked up long-term; much like Matthew Knies.

Byram had 38 points (7G, 31A) in 82 games for the Sabres this season, while adding 116 blocks and 75 hits; a jack of all trades that Craig Berube would salivate over.

Acquiring him would be tough, and Toronto would need to part with a pretty impressive package that probably starts at Easton Cowan, and could reach potentially Matthew Knies level.

That's a scary proposition, but with Cowan being a bit of a wildcard (though expected to still be a great player) adding a surefire choice in Byram makes the most sense.

Finally, the "easiest" player to acquire of the three, Ekblad is coming off two straight Stanley Cups, and regardless of how you feel regarding his suspensions; there's no doubt he's a game changer.

Not only a defensive improvement over Rielly, but he would be a frightening presence on the blueline that might actually start putting some fear into opponents.

Ekblad, 29, had 33 points in 56 games this season, though he did miss a good chunk of the season due to the aforementioned suspension.

But it's his postseason play that ends up giving him a ton of bonus points, as he not only has the experience but he can actually perform when it matters; unlike some other players.

It's a long-shot to try and acquire any of these players, as not only do they have to want to come to Toronto, but their respective teams and agents have to make sure they aren't getting squeezed at the same time.

But this is the NHL offseason. Anything can happen.