The Toronto Maple Leafs are certainly not where they expected to be this season. They currently sit seventh in the Atlantic Division standings and six points behind the Boston Bruins for the final wild card spot in the Eastern Conference.
Given how this season has gone for the Maple Leafs, there is certainly a chance that they will be sellers heading into the 2026 NHL trade deadline. While this is the case, they should also not be afraid to expand their roster if potential signings can help them beyond this season. This is especially true for their blueline, which clearly needs a boost.
Given all this, let’s take a look at three defensemen the Maple Leafs should consider adding, either via trade before the deadline or via free agency this summer.
Dougie Hamilton, New Jersey Devils
It’s no secret that the New Jersey Devils want to trade Dougie Hamilton, and the Maple Leafs are tied to him this offseason. That’s understandable, as the veteran blueliner would upgrade the Maple Leafs’ right side nicely. He could be a great fit in their top four and would be a clear option for their power play due to his ability to move the puck. However, he also has an expensive $9 million cap hit through the end of the 2027-28 season, so Toronto would have to get creative to afford him.
Justin Faulk, St. Louis Blues
Justin Faulk is another interesting name on the trade market that could make a lot of sense for the Maple Leafs to pursue. The 33-year-old defenseman is having a strong year with the St. Louis Blues, as he scored 11 goals and 30 points in 57 games. Due to his steady two-way play, he would fit into Toronto’s top four and both special teams units. He would also be more than a rental, as he has a $6.5 million cap hit through the end of the 2027-28 season.
Darren Raddysh, Tampa Bay Lightning
With the Tampa Bay Lightning sitting atop the Atlantic Division standings, it is highly unlikely that they will trade Darren Raddysh before the deadline. However, the right-back is an unrestricted free agent (UFA) and would be an obvious target for Toronto to consider if he hits the market. The Maple Leafs are already seen as a potential landing spot for the right-shot defenseman, and he could be a nice addition for them. He has been simply fantastic for the Bolts this season, as evidenced by his 17 goals, 35 assists, 52 points and a plus-17 rating in 49 games.
NEXT: The focus on oil companies’ trade deadline could shift in a big way
Discover more from NHL Trade Talk
Subscribe to receive the latest posts by email.
#potential #Maple #Leafs #defensive #targets #strengthen #Blueline