NHL rumors: Leafs seeking for another defenseman after the Ilya Lyubushkin trade.
The Leafs likely aren’t done.
The Toronto Maple Leafs have already made one trade ahead of the NHL Trade Deadline on March 8, bringing defensive veteran and former Anaheim Ducks defenseman Ilya Lyubushkin from California to Canada. And it appears that GM Brad Treliving isn’t done.
According to The Fourth Period, the Leafs are looking to add another defenseman before the deadline on Friday in order to make a deep playoff run in 2024.
“Leafs general manager Brad Treliving has been looking to enhance his defensive corps, and signing Lyubushkin was the first step in that direction. Treliving was hoping to acquire two rearguards even before Lyubushkin was hurt in Saturday’s game, according to TFP.
With little salary cap space to work with, each new acquisition to the squad is likely to result in another player being sent out, either through trade or waivers.”
There are numerous impactful defenders available on the trade market, with TFP naming Montreal Canadiens’ David Savard, Arizona Coyotes’ Matt Dumba, St. Louis Blues’ Colton Parayko, San Jose Sharks’ Mario Ferraro, and Washington Capitals’ Joel Edmundson as possible suitors.
Lyubushkin’s injury concerns were alleviated after he played more than 15 minutes in a 4-1 loss to the Boston Bruins on Monday. He recorded an assist, a shot on goal, a hit, and three blocks.
Ilya Lyubushkin good to go after hard hit
Lyubushkin played only 12:12 in his 2023-24 Leafs debut on Saturday night, recording four hits and taking a hard hit from New York Rangers player Matt Rempe in a 4-3 shootout victory. He left the contest shortly thereafter and did not return.
The veteran played with Morgan Rielly in the top four, a position he may only hold for a few more games. That obviously relies on Treliving’s previous moves, but it appears he is really serious about getting another D-man to Toronto.
Along with another blue liner, TFP’s David Pagnotta stated that the organization is interested in Sharks forward Luke Kunin, who will become a restricted free agency on July 1.
The Leafs obviously improved with the arrival of Ilya Lyubushkin, and Treliving is expected to add a few more new faces before the stretch drive.