The NHL is debating a Leafs blockbuster fans don't want to think about

The Toronto Maple Leafs could be exploring options, especially if the team's struggles continue. The team has not been able to show the same life as last year, and while injuries play a factor -- they are only a part of the issue.

One key issue regarding the team is their lack of a true puck-moving defenseman, and while names like Morgan Rielly and Oliver Ekman-Larsson have been solid offensively, a true superstar on the blueline would address several of Toronto's recurring problems.

But that isn't going to come cheap, and with Toronto lacking a lot of high-end assets, they would likely need to consider moving significant future prospects, such as Easton Cowan or Ben Danford.

Though the TSN OverDrive panel suggests that if the Maple Leafs were to pursue a major move, they would need to trade a current NHL star.

On a recent episode of OverDrive, the panel of Bryan Hayes, Jamie McClennan, and Jeff O'Neill discussed what the Maple Leafs can do to improve their backend, and Quinn Hughes' name emerged.

Given the trade speculation recently, it's not surprising that he was brought up, but it was who the team would give up to acquire him that may raise a few eyebrows:

Now it would be crazy to see Knies leaving especially knowing how vital he is to the plan going forward, however Hughes is an elite, top-tier defenseman, and Toronto hasn't had that star on the backend in a very long time.

Hughes, 26, is just reaching his prime but has already been a superstar since arriving. In 441 games he already has 430 points (61 goals, 369 assists) and has 246 points over the last three years.

Knies, 23, has really started to come into his own though is only in his third full season with the Maple Leafs. In 180 games he's put up 116 points (49 goals, 67 assists) while also adding 403 hits in that span.

One of the league's most unique forwards with his mix of speed, skill and physicality, he's still got more room to grow too.

It would be hard for Maple Leafs fans to see Knies go, but the team still has a lot of firepower with John Tavares, Auston Matthews, and William Nylander.

The team needs a defenceman who can drive play and transition the puck effectively, and adding Hughes will only unlock new options for the team as they would have a consistently reliable playmaker who logs 25-26 minutes a night.

The one issue is that Hughes only has one year left after this season meanwhile Knies is signed to a bargain deal for the next six years. Toronto would have the money to extend Hughes, but it will end up costing them a lot more than Knies.

But it's the type of price Toronto might have to consider if they truly want to bring in someone who can tip the scales in their favor. If the team gets hot at the right time, with everyone clicking -- Hughes could be the piece that betters their playoff chances.

Though it comes at the expense of one of the team's most beloved young players, and it's not a guarantee that things will work out making it a very high-risk, high-reward proposal.