The Toronto Maple Leafs are back in the playoff hunt, and with the trade deadline inching closer, the front office is clearly shifting into gear. According to multiple insiders, the Leafs are zeroing in on a right-shot defenseman as their top priority - a move that could help stabilize a blue line that’s been stretched thin, especially with Chris Tanev currently sidelined.
General manager Brad Treliving has been actively working the phones, and this isn’t just a vague search. The Leafs have been linked to several names in recent weeks, including a potential reunion with Luke Schenn, who’s no stranger to Toronto fans. That would mark a third stint for the veteran blueliner, and while nothing is imminent, the fact that his name keeps surfacing says a lot about the type of player the Leafs are targeting - experienced, right-handed, and capable of bringing some edge and stability to the back end.
Treliving’s focus on the blue line isn’t new. TSN’s Darren Dreger noted earlier this month that the Leafs were looking for a puck-moving defenseman, which helps explain the reported interest in Rasmus Andersson before he was dealt to the Vegas Golden Knights. There’s also been chatter around Dougie Hamilton, who’s now available, and would certainly check a lot of boxes in terms of skillset - though the Leafs’ limited asset pool could complicate that kind of splashy move.
That’s the crux of the issue here: Toronto doesn’t have the kind of trade capital that other contenders are working with. No first-round picks to dangle, and not a ton of high-end prospects they’re willing to part with.
That means if the Leafs are going to make a meaningful addition on the back end, it’s going to take some creativity - maybe even a little bargain hunting. Think depth moves with upside, or veterans on expiring deals.
Either way, the front office is going to have to thread the needle.
While defense is clearly the top priority, the Leafs aren’t putting all their eggs in one basket. They’re also keeping tabs on the forward market.
Now, this isn’t about adding another scorer - Toronto’s offense has been humming all year. The focus up front is more about balance.
Whether it’s a shutdown winger who can eat tough minutes or a versatile forward who can slide into the top six if needed, the Leafs are looking for the kind of depth that can make a difference in a seven-game series.
The timing here matters. With the team climbing back into playoff position, there’s a sense of urgency to make the right moves - not just to get in, but to make a real run once they’re there. That means reinforcing the defense, shoring up depth, and doing it all without mortgaging the future.
There’s no guarantee a deal gets done tomorrow or even next week, but make no mistake: the Leafs are active, aggressive, and looking to strike. The blueprint is clear - now it’s just a matter of whether Treliving can find the right pieces at the right price.