RUMOUR: Maple Leafs Eyeing Trade to Add More Grit

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David Macintyre
August 29, 2023 (6:29 PM)

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Adding More Sandpaper

Grit remains a huge calling card for NHL teams looking for new players, and the Toronto Maple Leafs are no exception. Rumour has it, too, that Brad Treliving is keeping that in mind for his next move.

After all, this is the same Toronto Maple Leafs roster Ryan Reaves described as lacking in that department when he signed with the team in July.

Rounding Out the Roster

Following the signing of tough-as-nails former Ducks defenseman Simon Benoit, Treliving is linked with another move for a big, tough blueliner to add a grittier dimension to the Leafs' roster. According to NHL Trade Talk, fans should «expect Treliving to keep his eye out» for another player of that type.

«Expect Treliving to keep his eye out for another Clydesdale � a workhorse who could bolster the Maple Leafs' physicality on the blue line. For the Maple Leafs, it boils down to the balance of salary cap space and acquisition costs. The Maple Leafs must navigate their financial constraints to make the move happen.

But other teams must also do the same. I can see a scenario where a team will try to slip a big one � an inexpensive workhorse defenseman � through waivers. Treliving could jump quickly. Or, he could make a trade at the end of the offseason's training camp for just such a player. That's how they found [Conor] Timmins last season.»

NHL Trade Talk also suggests that, if Treliving can't find that type of player before the season, that he could instead pursue one at the trade deadline, much like his predecessor Kyle Dubas did by bringing Luke Schenn back to Toronto.

As seen on NHL Trade Talk