With the first half of the 2016-2017 season complete, teams are beginning to plan for the NHL trade deadline. General managers will decide whether to buy or sell, with many opting to add key players from around the league. For the Toronto Maple Leafs, the blueline will be where they are searching for a much needed boost.<\/p>\n
The Maple Leafs have proven their worth this year, having accumulated 63 points in 56 games and a respectable 26-19-11 record. However, a struggling defensive core continues to be a weak point that has led to many mishaps and losses. Failing defensive performances have resulted in late game\u00a0crunches far too often.<\/p>\n
Not every Leafs defensemen can be found guilty of substandard performance. Morgan Rielly<\/a><\/strong> has remained consistent throughout the season. His production continues to progress despite suffering from a high ankle sprain in\u00a0early February. Rielly often finds himself to be Toronto’s leader in minutes played, leading to the allocation of ice time for inexperienced defensemen. Consequently, his absence led to multiple weak performances from Toronto’s struggling defensive core.<\/p>\n From here on, the Leafs will have a chance to acquire blueline backup in preparation for the playoffs. Fortunately for Brendan Shanahan<\/a><\/strong> and Lou Lamoriello, adding players under a strict cap bracket won’t be an issue. The Leafs decided to place Joffrey Lupul<\/a><\/strong>, Nathan Horton<\/a><\/strong>, and Stephane Robidas<\/a><\/strong> on Long-Term Injured Reserve (LTIR), earning them extra cap space to be played with.<\/p>\n Confirmed that the Leafs put Lupul, Horton and Robidas on LTIR early on this season and it wasn't reported. They have a lot of cap room.<\/p>\n — James Mirtle (@mirtle) February 16, 2017<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\nTrade Deadline Standpoint<\/h1>\n
\n