With Brandon Carlo out, a Leafs-Blackhawks trade is now inevitable
Photo credit: Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images
With news that Brandon Carlo is going to be out for an undetermined amount of time, a trade between Toronto and Chicago feels less like speculation and more like reality.
On Tuesday, it was revealed that Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Brandon Carlo may undergo surgery and is out for the foreseeable future after suffering a setback in his recovery.
It's an unfortunate turn of events for the Maple Leafs, who are now going to be without two of their top six defenders for an indefinite amount of time.
Trying to keep pace in the Atlantic without that defensive stability will be difficult, which is why the team is likely looking at the trade market-with their eyes seemingly set on the Chicago Blackhawks.
Carlo's Setback Rewires the Blue Line Plan
The Leafs have sent Assistant GM Ryan Hardy to two separate Blackhawks games -- first against New Jersey on Nov. 14, then Nashville on Nov. 28. and while there has been no indication of who the Maple Leafs are targeting, with Carlo's injury we might have a better idea now.
Right now, success depends on depth pieces making a difference. Philippe Myers and Dakota Mermis are no longer just insurance policies for an emergency -- that time has passed. They are now part of the everyday lineup and need to contribute as such.
With the team seemingly quite bashful when it comes to recalling their minor-league defenders like William Villeneuve or Henry Thrun, they need to work with what they have right now.
Why Connor Murphy is Berube's Ideal Fit
Toronto has a couple of targets they could look at for a right-handed shutdown defenseman, but the one who fits the profile best is veteran blueliner Connor Murphy.
While he isn't the puck-moving defenseman Toronto needs, the team is down two shutdown players, making it pertinent to ensure they have coverage in that area.
Murphy, 32, is a player who is going to give you a lot of shot blocking, physicality, and isn't afraid to get into the grittier areas of the game, which is something Craig Berube can appreciate.
He's been a victim of some pretty poor defensive Blackhawks teams recently, which often masks his ability; he has actually been a solid defender over his career with respectable possession numbers.
He is also another huge body on the ice at 6'4, 212 pounds and fits the team's apparent need to 'get heavier' according to some.
It shouldn't cost the team nearly as much as it did to acquire Carlo. With Murphy set to be a free agent after this season, he isn't a long-term investment, but he isn't exactly a pure rental either given his leadership.
There's a very good chance that Toronto pays the price for Connor Murphy to give themselves the best chance possible this season.
But it could end up ruining things if Tanev and Carlo reappear quicker than we anticipate, so maybe having a bit of patience would be the best course of action.
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