The Toronto Maple Leafs are heading into the trade deadline with plenty of needs, but one stands out above the rest: a right-shot defenseman. That’s not exactly a surprise given how things have unfolded this season. The Brandon Carlo experiment hasn’t gone as hoped, Chris Tanev may not return this year, and while Troy Stecher has been a pleasant surprise off the waiver wire, relying on him to carry a heavy load down the stretch isn’t a sustainable strategy for a team with playoff aspirations.
The Leafs have been linked to a few names already, but the challenge isn’t just finding a fit - it’s finding the right fit. Rasmus Andersson would’ve been a strong addition, but the price tag was steep, and the Golden Knights beat Toronto to the punch. Realistically, it’s hard to imagine the Leafs paying that kind of premium, especially to a team that isn’t exactly eager to help out Brad Treliving unless they’re getting a clear win in the deal.
Dougie Hamilton is another name floating around. He checks a lot of boxes - right shot, offensive upside, experience - but his age and injury history raise enough questions to keep the Leafs cautious. Not full-blown red flags, but definitely yellow ones.
Then there’s Luke Schenn. Familiar face, physical presence, and a good locker room guy.
But let’s be honest: if the Leafs are serious about contending, they need to aim higher than hoping a bottom-pairing veteran can suddenly play top-four minutes. That’s been a recurring theme in Treliving’s tenure - bringing in depth guys and hoping they punch above their weight.
At some point, Toronto needs to start adding players who push others down the lineup, not players who need to be lifted up.
So where does that leave the Leafs?
If they’re truly looking to upgrade the right side of their blue line - and not just patch holes - they may want to look toward the New York Rangers. That’s assuming, of course, that the Rangers are open for business.
According to Chris Johnston’s trade board, only Carson Soucy appears as a potential Rangers trade chip, but that’s not the name that should interest Toronto. Soucy doesn’t fit the Leafs’ needs.
But if you read between the lines of GM Chris Drury’s recent letter to Rangers fans, there’s a sense that the right offer could make just about anyone available.
Adam Fox: The Dream Scenario
Let’s get this out of the way - Adam Fox being traded is highly unlikely. The Rangers aren’t rebuilding; they’re retooling. And Fox, a 27-year-old Norris Trophy winner with elite puck-moving ability and a full no-movement clause, is exactly the kind of player you build around in a retool, not move on from.
But if - and it’s a massive if - the Rangers are willing to listen, the Leafs have to do their due diligence. Fox is the type of player who would instantly transform Toronto’s defense.
He’s still on the right side of 30, thrives in transition, and would give the Leafs a legitimate No. 1 right-shot option. He’s not a guy you hope can elevate his game - he’s already there.
Adding Fox would shift the entire defensive hierarchy and give Toronto a true cornerstone on the back end.
Of course, the price would be enormous. We’re talking about names like William Nylander or Matthew Knies going the other way - not just picks and prospects.
And even then, Fox would have to want to come to Toronto. That’s a tall order.
But if there’s any opening, even a sliver, the Leafs should be ready to make that call.
Braden Schneider: The Sensible Swing
If Fox is the dream, Braden Schneider might be the more realistic - and still very appealing - option. Schneider isn’t flashy.
He’s not going to quarterback a power play or rack up assists. But what he does bring is size, physicality, and a steady presence in his own zone - traits the Leafs could use more of, especially come playoff time.
At 22, Schneider is still developing, but he’s already logging significant minutes under Mike Sullivan and showing he can handle tough assignments. He’s essentially what the Leafs hoped they were getting with Carlo, but younger, more mobile, and with room to grow. Think of him as a prime-years version of Luke Schenn - a hard-nosed, dependable defender who doesn’t need to be the star but makes life easier for those around him.
The catch? Like Fox, Schneider is probably part of the Rangers’ long-term plans.
But if New York is serious about adding offense - and they should be, given they’ve scored the fewest goals in the Eastern Conference this season - then the Leafs might have something to offer. A secondary scorer or two could be enough to start the conversation.
Will Borgen: The Under-the-Radar Fit
If Toronto wants a more pragmatic option, Will Borgen might be the sweet spot between affordability and impact. He’s not going to wow you with his offensive numbers - just four points in 44 games - but that’s not what the Leafs need from him.
What Borgen does bring is strong skating, positional awareness, and a physical edge. He’s 6’3", covers gaps well, and holds his own in the defensive zone.
He’s also versatile enough to pair with someone like Morgan Rielly or Oliver Ekman-Larsson, or take on tougher matchups alongside Jake McCabe. At 29, Borgen is younger than most of Toronto’s current blue line options, and his $4.1 million AAV through age 33 makes him a manageable cap hit with limited long-term risk.
The advanced metrics back up his value. At 5-on-5, Borgen’s expected goals against per 60 (xGA/60) and goals against per 60 (GA/60) are both solid, and his PDO - a measure of on-ice shooting and save percentage - suggests he’s not riding a wave of unsustainable luck. He’s not a game-changer, but he’s a stabilizer - and that might be exactly what Toronto needs.
Crunching the Numbers
Here’s a quick look at how the key names stack up in 5v5 metrics:
- Adam Fox: Elite across the board - 56.52 CF%, 1.72 GA/60, 61.90 GF%. He drives play, suppresses goals, and tilts the ice in his team’s favor.
- Braden Schneider: More rugged than refined - 46.13 CF%, 3.08 GA/60. He’s not a possession driver, but he hits (115) and blocks shots (81) at a high rate.
- Will Borgen: Middle of the pack - 45.53 CF%, 1.96 GA/60. Reliable, not flashy.
- Carson Soucy: Similar profile to Borgen, but doesn’t move the needle for Toronto.
Bottom Line
The Leafs are in a tricky spot. They can’t afford to swing and miss at the deadline, but they also can’t afford to stand pat. If they want to make a real push, they need to find a right-shot defenseman who can solidify the blue line - not just fill a jersey.
Adam Fox is the gold standard, but likely out of reach. Braden Schneider is a strong fit if the Rangers are willing to talk. Will Borgen might be the most attainable option who still makes a meaningful impact.
Whatever direction they go, the Leafs need to be proactive. The East is wide open, and with the right addition, Toronto could position itself for a real run. But it starts with finding the right piece on the right side of the ice.