{"id":133545,"date":"2022-11-20T09:32:57","date_gmt":"2022-11-20T14:32:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/?p=133545"},"modified":"2022-11-20T09:32:57","modified_gmt":"2022-11-20T14:32:57","slug":"toronto-maple-leafs-trade-rumours","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/2022\/11\/20\/toronto-maple-leafs-trade-rumours\/","title":{"rendered":"NHL Rumours: Toronto Maple Leafs Trade Rumours for Defence Starting"},"content":{"rendered":"

Regrettably, Jake Muzzin<\/a> has once again been placed on long-term injured reserve (LTIR) by the Toronto Maple Leafs<\/a>. <\/span>This time, Muzzin has suffered a cervical spine injury, which will take months to heal in a best-case scenario. This likely means Muzzin will miss the entire regular season. This has led to Toronto Maple Leafs Trade rumours starting as they will look for defensive help.<\/span><\/p>\n

Maple Leafs Trade Rumours: Muzzin Replacement Coming?<\/span><\/h2>\n

Per Frank Seravalli of the Daily Faceoff<\/a>, Toronto\u2019s general manager Kyle Dubas will look to the likes of Rasmus Sandin<\/a> and Timothy Liljegren<\/a> to take advantage of the open spot in the roster. <\/span><\/p>\n

However, as Seravalli has written, Toronto does seem to have acknowledged more experienced reinforcements are needed, especially if they plan on going on a Stanley Cup run.<\/span><\/p>\n

Who Could the Leafs Trade For?<\/span><\/h3>\n

Within his piece, Seravalli has named the top eligible candidates; John Klingberg<\/a> (Anaheim Ducks<\/a>), Vladislav Gavrikov<\/a> (Columbus Blue Jackets<\/a>), Matt Roy<\/a> (Los Angeles Kings<\/a>), Carson Soucy<\/a> (Seattle Kraken<\/a>), Nick Jensen<\/a> and Dmitry Orlov<\/a> (both Washington Capitals<\/a>).<\/span><\/p>\n

Almost all have their upside, so let\u2019s see who would be the best option.<\/p>\n

Of those suggested, Roy seems like an unlikely asset to trade for. He is the only player who would not be a rental and arguably, Sandin and Liljegren provide the same level of play. In all likelihood, Roy would not be an improvement on the team as is, nor a suitable replacement for Muzzin.<\/span><\/p>\n

Soucy is a useful defenceman, an all-rounder who does not carry a huge cap hit. This makes him the perfect choice to be a rental. However, the Kraken is surprisingly in the mix for a Pacific playoff spot and may wish to hold on to him until at least the deadline. Waiting until then could prove to be too late for the Leafs.<\/span><\/p>\n

Metro Candidates<\/h3>\n

In an ideal world, the Capitals will not want to lose either Jensen or Orlov. Both are an essential part of the Caps’ blueline, but it may be a necessity in the summer. Jensen and Orlov\u2019s respective styles would fit Toronto\u2019s defence, so one could be shipped to Ontario.<\/span><\/p>\n

Jensen has a smaller cap hit than his teammate and is producing slightly better this season. However, if the Leafs are looking long-term they may wish to pursue Stanley Cup playoff experience as a priority. Along with a ring, Orlov has plenty of experience to offer. <\/span><\/p>\n

Gavrikov is an interesting option for the Leafs. A tough defensive defenceman, he would provide the grit that Toronto has lost with Muzzin heading to LTIR. He likely would also be willing to explore spending time with a contender, considering the catastrophe that is the Blue Jackets\u2019 season. However, with Zach Werenski<\/a> out for the season, Columbus could be unwilling to part with another top defenceman.<\/span><\/p>\n

Anaheim<\/h3>\n

Finally, we move to Klingberg. A high-scoring, strong defenceman with playoff experience, the Swede would be suited to the Leafs from the get-go. Currently playing for the rebuilding Ducks, they could retain salary if asked. Unfortunately for Toronto, the cost will be the Leafs’ first-rounder in a deep draft and then some. However, if the trade works out it could be more than worth it, especially if Klingberg were to re-sign.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

No Muzzin around.<\/p>\n

See the best Jake Muzzin photos from the season in our Player Galleries presented by LG’s OLED TV.<\/p>\n

Full album >> https:\/\/t.co\/LOESJCVG1c<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/bBvewBMH4B<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 Toronto Maple Leafs (@MapleLeafs) July 3, 2019<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n