The Toronto Maple Leafs could use a right-handed defenseman right about now, and the Philadelphia Flyers have one who was just placed on waivers on Monday.
Earlier today, Helge Grans was placed on waivers after playing just one game with the Philadelphia Flyers to start the NHL season.
Grans is a 24-year-old, 6-foot-4 defenseman who was drafted in the second round of the NHL Draft back in 2020. He is a solid player, and he has only been given seven total NHL games.
-
The defenseman is making $800K and is itching to be given an opportunity. A player like him could be scooped up on waivers with relative ease. However, there are also trade opportunities out there.
Some fans on social media even made the comment that the Toronto Maple Leafs could target Grans, especially if it becomes difficult for them to make a claim.
-
But why would the Toronto Maple Leafs claim or trade for an unproven defenseman who has just seven games of NHL experience?
A solution for the Maple Leafs blue line
Well, the logic is actually quite simple. It all comes down to the fact that Chris Tanev is currently out with an injury, and there is currently no timeline for his return.
This is not good news for the Maple Leafs franchise, especially when you consider Tanev's role on the team and how he has become the team's resident shot blocker.
The Leafs could use a big-body defenseman who can fill in at the right-handed defenseman role. Even as a backup for Nick Blankenburg, who appears to be the next man up.
In the end, it might prove cheaper for the Maple Leafs to go after an internal solution. However, Grans remains an interesting defenseman for the Leafs to consider.
Over the next week or so, general manager John Chayka will be making some decisions that could impact the team for the rest of the regular season.
Should the Toronto Maple Leafs trade for Helge Grans?
Also read on Hockey Patrol :
Easton Cowan trade talks take one final turn as new information comes to light