David Pagnotta reveals Toronto Maple Leafs' next trade target
Photo credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
David Pagnotta says the Maple Leafs are fishing for a defense-first second pair defenseman, and the opener showed why GM John Chayka may act.
The Toronto Maple Leafs aren't done tinkering.
According to David Pagnotta on Hello Hockey, Toronto is fishing around for a second pair defenseman, and the focus is more on defending than anything else.
That lines up with what the new-look group showed in the season opener against the Montreal Canadiens.
Nine new players hit the ice for Toronto that night, but the blue line still looks like the spot with the most question marks after three games.
Re Maple Leafs: "They're fishing around for a second pair defenseman; more defensively focused than anything."
- David Pagnotta
- David Pagnotta
Why the opening game raised eyebrows
Jake McCabe got hurt during the game before coming back, and that pushed Troy Stecher into a much bigger role than the coaching staff probably wanted.
The Leafs were outshot 16-7 while Stecher was on the ice.
Darren Raddysh also had a rough debut. He led the team with 23:47 of ice time but finished with five giveaways and a minus-two rating.
He's still building chemistry next to Morgan Rielly, and big things are expected from him this season.
Money makes this tricky
Cap space is the real hurdle.
PuckPedia lists Toronto with none, and Chayka also has to plan around potential bonuses for rookie Gavin McKenna.
A splashy trade for a top pair guy seems unlikely, so a cheaper, defensive-minded veteran fits the profile much better.
Sportsnet's Justin Bourne wrote that the Leafs would do well to find another middle pair option until they can chase down a true top defenseman.
Pagnotta's note fits right into that picture.
Toronto has a new GM, a retooled roster and a blue line that still needs help.
It's only the first week of the season, but the early signs say Chayka is looking around, so keep an eye on this one as the trade chatter picks up across the league.
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