Brad Treliving has to make some type of deal in order to help the Maple Leafs get to that next level, and whether it's a trade for a premium center or a shutdown defenseman; there are definite holes that need improving.
Speculation abounds about who can be brought it, and NHL Insider Frank Seravalli has been keeping an eye on things. His latest trade board has a litany of targets but one that could help Toronto lands himself at #14: Connor Murphy.
Seems familiar eh? Toronto trades for a veteran defenseman from Chicago who ends up being a stud for them. It happened with Jake McCabe and it should happen with Murphy.
The 6'4, 212-pound blueliner is exactly the remedy for a struggling Morgan Rielly. He blocks tons of shots, throws his huge frame around, can contribute a bit offensively, has high hockey IQ, and can give Rielly a break if he pinches up, knowing Murphy has his back in transition.
Seravalli gave a bit more insight into why Murphy makes sense:
Maybe Toronto can look to Chicago again and snag Murphy this year. He costs $4.4M but if they can get retention; a shutdown defenseman for Morgan Rielly at $2.2M is an absolute steal. With the Blackhawks rebuilding and Murphy already 31, it doesn't seem like the best fit.
He shouldn't cost too much either, and certainly won't be a Fraser Minten or Easton Cowan level of player. It's possible Toronto can trade away Nicholas Robertson and Topi Niemala with their 2026 3rd round draft pick in order to get things done.
Murphy would be the perfect addition to a Maple Leafs blueline that while older, is one that is meant to be a brick wall between the opponents and the net. Toronto needs one more piece to build them the strongest protection possible not only in the regular season, but the playoffs.
POLL | ||
FEVRIER 4 | 562 ANSWERS Top-Pairing Defenseman Emerges As Potential Trade Target For The Maple Leafs Should Toronto make a trade for Chicago's Connor Murphy? | ||
Yes | 330 | 58.7 % |
No | 232 | 41.3 % |
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