Brad Treliving and Toronto Maple Leafs targeting two high end defenders

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Josh Tupper
June 17, 2024 (9:03)

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In the free agency market this summer, the Toronto Maple Leafs will undoubtedly be a club to watch, and they are rumored to have their sights set on a couple players.

When Brandon Montour, a defenseman for the Florida Panthers, reaches the open market on Monday, July 1st, the Toronto Maple Leafs will be interested, according to Nick Kypreos.

Chris Tanev is another player whom Kypreos says the Maple Leafs will be keeping an eye on. Prior to the March trade deadline, the Maple Leafs attempted to acquire him from Calgary; however, he was ultimately traded to the Dallas Stars, who he helped advance to the Western Conference Final.

"It's no secret the Leafs will be targeting Florida's Brandon Montour if the pending free agent remains unsigned after this Cup final, Chris Tanev is another name that never left Treliving's radar." Kypreos said.

The Maple Leafs are going to require assistance on their blue line for the 2024�25 season, whether it comes from Tanev, Montour, or another player. For general manager Brad Treliving, adding many top-six defensemen is essential because this summer's unrestricted free agents, including John Klingberg, TJ Brodie, Joel Edmundson, Mark Giordano, and Ilya Lyubushkin, are all scheduled to become free agents on Canada Day.

One season away from a 73-point performance, Montour, 30, scored 33 points (eight goals, 25 assists), racked up 46 penalty minutes, and was plus-one in 66 games during the regular season. With 21 postseason games played, he has tallied ten points thus far (three goals, seven assists), and he is just one victory away from his first Stanley Cup.

Tanev, 34, can play in the top four if injuries occur and would be a decent match for the Maple Leafs' third pairing and penalty kill. Tanev has 19 points (two goals, 17 assists) and 24 penalty minutes between the Flames and Stars this season. He was also plus-22.

Brad Treliving's move on July 1st, whether he goes in the path of adding numerous depth defensemen or tries to go big for a name like Brady Skjei or Brandon Montour, will be interesting to watch.

Source: Blade of Steel
Montour & Tanev reportedly on Maple Leafs' radar in free agency on July 1st