Underrated Predators defenseman could be the buy-low move the Maple Leafs need
Photo credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images
If Toronto is trying to save on asset cost this trade deadline, they could target Nashville's Nick Blankenburg, who could be a cheap option to boost their blueline.
The talk of the town when it comes to the Toronto Maple Leafs is who they might add to their defensive corps as they continue to deal with injuries and need to ensure they have enough bodies to weather whatever storm comes at them on their road to the playoffs.
The list of players seems to grow each day, and they've been linked to everyone from Rasmus Andersson to Dougie Hamilton to Luke Schenn; it seems whoever is on the blueline might be on the chopping block is a target for Toronto.
Among the names that the Leafs have been connected to, there's one that hasn't really popped up but could fight his way into the conversation and he would have one newcomer to thank if he makes his way aboard.
Toronto has an underrated trade target waiting in Nashville
Not much attention has been shone on Nashville defenseman Nick Blankenburg as the Maple Leafs seem to want to bring in bigger and heavier bodies to patrol their end.
But since Troy Stecher broke the mould that defined what a successful defenseman can be for Toronto, Blankenburg could be another Stecher-like addition on the cheap.
Much like Stecher, Blankenburg plays above his size. While he's only listed at 5-foot-9 and 177 pounds, he plays with an immense amount of heart, a relentless engine and is not afraid to get into the nitty gritty.
Blankenburg, 27, has 18 points in 34 games (5 goals, 13 assists), a minus-four, 37 blocks, and 28 hits. He's having a great offensive season and doing so with a struggling Predators team which makes it even more impressive he's not getting more attention.
Why Nick Blankenburg fits perfectly with Toronto's direction
Toronto needs a strong transition player and Blankenburg would give them someone with a high hockey IQ, great offensive awareness, and doesn't get caught in bad positions. His skating is above average and his deeper analytics show how good he's actually been.
He excels in all the areas Toronto succeeds in like high-danger chances and expected goals for, and his ability to work both ends of the ice and lead a seamless transition is a boost at 5 on 5 and special teams.
Plus he would move Simon Benoit into a depth role which he would be best suited for given how inconsistent he's been. He can be good, but seemingly in small doses.
Another positive is that Blankenburg won't cost much, perhaps a draft pick and a depth player and his cap hit is basically negligible even when players come back; he's only making $775,000.
So if Brad Treliving wants a cheap, mobile, and frankly impactful defenseman to help shore things up, he can see if Barry Trotz wouldn't mind parting with Nick Blankenburg for a small fee.
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| POLL | ||
JANVIER 11|803 ANSWERS Underrated Predators defenseman could be the buy-low move the Maple Leafs need Should the Maple Leafs trade for Nick Blankenburg? | ||
| Yes | 230 | 28.6 % |
| No | 573 | 71.4 % |
| List of polls | ||