Young, versatile defenseman on waivers could be a perfect fit for the Maple Leafs

The Dallas Stars placed defenseman Vladislav Kolyachonok on waivers Monday, with the 24-year-old defender a player that could be of some interest from teams looking for a defensive add.

Kolyachonok, 24, has a goal and three points in 11 games this season for the Dallas Stars, in his fifth NHL season.

Kolyachonok was drafted in the second round of the 2019 NHL Entry Draft, 59th overall by the Florida Panthers, never playing for Florida as he was traded to the Arizona Coyotes in 2021.

Playing parts of four seasons with Arizona and Utah, Kolyachonok was claimed off waivers by Pittsburgh and traded to Dallas in exchange for Matt Dumba this past offseason.

Vladislav Kolyachonok is a player who has provided some positive play in sheltered minutes, but has struggled to lock down a consistent NHL spot.

Kolyachonok is still young at 24, and could have some room to grow, but has the tools necessary to potentially be an NHL depth defenseman.

What's holding Kolyachonok back right now is a lack of plus tools, playing a plain and safe game while still needing a bit more growth in his development, solid at most things, but lacking a standout trait.

Kolyachonok does make sense for the Leafs as a depth option. With Toronto having a few defensemen out, Kolyachonok can play both sides of the blueline and provide relief for injuries.

Being a young defenseman with a lack of experience may keep him from being claimed as he struggles to consistently help right now. San Jose did claim 23-year-old Vincent Iorio from Washington earlier in the season so there is precedent.

A few teams could be in line to take a chance on Kolyachonok, although he may be viewed as too young and too plain, a team needing defensive help and a fresh energy could take a chance on the potential upside that can be unlocked in Kolyachonok's game.