Maple Leafs Set To Announce Massive Blockbuster Trade

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Hunter Bowman
December 1, 2023 (1:28 PM)

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In Toronto, the Maple Leafs find themselves grappling with defensive challenges as Mark Giordano is sidelined week to week with a fractured finger, while John Klingberg resides on long-term injured reserve (LTIR) due to a confirmed hip injury, leaving the team's blue line in disarray. Adding to the woes, Jake Muzzin and goalie Matt Murray are out for the season, causing the team to surpass the salary cap. Despite this, there is $3.109 million in cap space, with Klingberg and Timothy Liljegren also on LTIR.

The defensive trade market has witnessed movement, with the Vancouver Canucks acquiring Nikita Zadorov from the Calgary Flames. This development has prompted speculation about Toronto making a significant move. In his latest edition of 32 Thoughts on Sportsnet, Elliotte Friedman reports that GM Brad Treliving may contemplate a blockbuster trade at the deadline for a rental player on the back end.

"Toronto is down three defensemen: Mark Giordano (injured Tuesday, length of time to be determined), John Klingberg (could be rest of the season), and Timothy Liljegren (already out three weeks). As they consider what to do, the biggest question might be, 'Is this the year to spend key assets on rentals?' A less-costly depth option, OK. Someone with term or that you know you can sign, all right. But a pure rental? Do they think that makes sense for this team, this season?"

While exploring options in Calgary, the Maple Leafs have set their sights on available players like Noah Hanifin and Chris Tanev. Talks reportedly include attempts to acquire Zadorov and Tanev, though the Canucks secured Zadorov with a fifth-round pick in the 2024 NHL Entry Draft and a third-round pick in 2026, leaving Toronto empty-handed.

Additional reports suggest interest in former Leaf Ilya Lyubushkin of the Anaheim Ducks, Sean Walker from the Philadelphia Flyers, and Andrew Peeke from the Columbus Blue Jackets as potential trade options.

Despite these considerations, the looming question remains whether Toronto will opt for a substantial rental trade at the deadline. The decision rests in the hands of Treliving, and all eyes are on whether he dares to pull the trigger on such a significant move.