Toronto Maple Linked To Massive Defenseman In Recent Failed Trade

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Tyler Ball
October 11, 2023 (1:12)

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The Toronto Maple Leafs recently made a move to trade away Sam Lafferty. Before making this move a report indicates they almost acquired a massive defenseman.

Maple Leafs Trade Lafferty To Vancouver

The Toronto Maple Leafs and Vancouver Canucks completed a trade on Sunday sending Sam Lafferty to Vancouver in exchange for a 5th-round pick.

General Manager Patrik Allvin announced today that the #Canucks have acquired F Sam Lafferty from the Maple Leafs in exchange for a fifth-round pick in the 2024 NHL Entry Draft.

This trade was essentially the Maple Leafs offloading a depth forward for some salary relief. They also got a 5th round pick which will likely be flipped down the line.

However, according to new reports the Maple Leafs had another iron in the fire that almost sent Sam Lafferty to a different Canadian destination.

Maple Leafs Missed Out On A Massive Defenseman

It's no secret that the Toronto Maple Leafs are missing size and physicality on defense. It is one of the most glaring holes on their roster. An NHL insider reported today that the Maple Leafs were considering using Lafferty to acquire a defenseman to fill this role.

Friedman on 32T: "I think EDM was a team that liked Lafferty and I wouldn't be surprised if Toronto called the Oilers about Lafferty and fished around Desharnais. That's the kind of player I could see Toronto fishing around on this year and doing it at this time"

Vincent Desharnais was reportedly in play for the Maple Leafs according to Elliotte Friedman. Instead, the Maple Leafs walk away with a 5th-round pick. As the season starts up the Maple Leafs will have to see how much their lack of physicality defensively affects them.

If they struggle as much as everyone expects look for them to continue to explore the trade market for a physical defenseman.

As Read On - Hockey OTB - Insider Reveals Failed Hockey Trade Between Canadian Rivals