The Toronto Maple Leafs come into 2023-24 with the weight of the world (or at least Ontario) on their shoulders, and while the offence is off to a fantastic start, the back end of the lineup can't say the same.
A struggling blue line
With injuries to the likes of Timothy Liljegren and some struggles from their veterans, the blue line has certainly let the Leafs down in the first month of the season in a big way.
Despite the trade deadline still a long time away however, the Maple Leafs are reportedly looking to be aggressive, as they have eyed off several key defensemen from a rival team.
An all-Canadian blockbuster?
In a recent episode of 32 Thoughts, Elliotte Friedman revealed that Toronto are eyeing both Chris Tanev and Nikita Zadorov from Calgary, who are potentially looking to go into a full-on rebuild this season.
I think they are looking for D you know the one I can see is Zadorov, & I'll bet you this if they can find a way to get Zadorov & Tanev, I bet you they would do it.
I bet you they would do both of them If Calgary was willing to do that I really believe it Now, I'm not saying it's gonna happen, but if you show me a path where that could occur, I could see it.
While they may potentially have to part with a combination of Fraser Minten, Nick Robertson and/or a potential top pick, this would give Toronto the toughness, leadership and x-factor they've been missing on the blue line, but in order to win a Cup, this may be the biggest move they have to make.
