Toronto Maple Leafs and Vancouver Canucks in a battle for Top Defenseman and it's NOT Flames Chris Tanev

The Toronto Maple Leafs are in clear need of an upgrade on their blue line, but it's not just the Calgary Flames that they could be doing business with.

Toronto Maple Leafs in a bidding war for Rasmus Ristolainen

According to a report from Anthony di Marco, the Maple Leafs are interested in landing Philadelphia's Rasmus Ristolainen, and it may put them directly in competition with the Vancouver Canucks once more.



In 30 games this season, the 29-year old has tallied 1 goal and 4 points, but his impact goes way beyond the score sheet, and although the Flyers appear to be contending for a playoff spot, they may be open to a big time move with their veteran defenseman.

Toronto in need of major help on the blue line

It's no secret that Toronto coveted Nikita Zadorov, who ended up with the Vancouver Canucks, and with their Canadian rival looking to continue loading up, this may force the Maple Leafs' hands as they look to add to their fantastic roster so far.

With the likes of Ilya Lyubushkin, Noah Hanifin, Chris Tanev, Ristolainen, Matt Dumba and potentially others available, Toronto's list of potential acquisitions is long, and if they are to make a run at the Stanley Cup, they'll need to land plenty of help on that blue line.