Report Signals Delay in Maple Leafs' Pursuit of Key Trade Target
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A new report from The Athletic's Michael Russo shows that Brandt Clarke has had his name thrown around in rumors but if teams are going to need to wait a little bit.
Although there is a lot of dialogue over whether or not the Maple Leafs are going to bring in a potential new #1 defenseman to replace Morgan Rielly (and maybe inject some much needed offense on the back end) but so far, it has been all hearsay and speculation.
Linked to names like Erik Karlsson, Dougie Hamilton, and Bowen Byram over the summer, there's no doubt the team could use an infusion of offense though the price to pay for that is going to be quite expensive.
The Name That Could Shift Toronto's Trade Plans
Another name who had some noise around him at least at the trade deadline was Brandt Clarke, the Los Angeles Kings' young potential superstar defenseman. He needs a new deal soon, and there's no doubt he'll help out the Kings for years to come.
Well according to Michael Russo of The Athletic, Clarke was still going to potentially be moved but new GM Ken Holland wants to make sure he isn't making a mistake:
There were points this offseason where it feel like they were even gonna consider moving Clarke; I think Ken Holland wants to get his eyes on him before he makes such a major move like that.
Newly appointed this summer after the dismissal of GM Rob Blake, Holland is going to make sure he gets every bit of Clarke's usage if he is going to deal him, but wants to make sure it's a sure bet when he keeps him.
Why a Delay Could Shape the Leafs' Next Move
That means that the Maple Leafs; a team who could certainly use his services, are going to need to wait a bit if they are looking to make a move. The hopes are that they have one of their names break out and they can sell on hype; potentially bringing in Clarke for a high price.
If there's going to be a few months between Holland deciding whether or not to trade Clarke, as great as it is for Toronto to bring him in, they don't really have the time.
When the deadline comes around we're looking at only a handful of games left in the season, and it's hard to see Clarke getting acclimated as quickly; and they have other options they don't need to technically wait for.
Clarke, 22, really broke out with the Kings last year with 33 points (5 goals, 28 assists) a plus-13 rating, 121 blocks and 46 PIM in 16:17 TOI.
It's going to take a lot to lure Clarke over and the Leaf might not have the time and assets available so while he would be a great addition and the new future of the team's defense: Time is not on their side.
