The Toronto Maple Leafs didn’t land Rasmus Andersson - he’s headed to Vegas - but that doesn’t mean their search for a right-shot defenseman is over. In fact, Sunday night’s trade might have opened a new door, and it swings right toward Zach Whitecloud.
Let’s set the stage. With Chris Tanev likely out for the season, Toronto’s blue line is in need of reinforcement, particularly on the right side. Andersson was a big fish, and while missing out on him stings, the Leafs might be better suited going after someone like Whitecloud - a more affordable, realistic option who just became available as part of the return Calgary received in the Andersson deal.
And here’s where it gets interesting. According to insider David Pagnotta, Flames GM Craig Conroy has already fielded calls on Whitecloud. The 29-year-old defenseman, acquired from Vegas, isn’t necessarily a long-term piece for Calgary - and there’s a growing belief that he could be flipped again before the March 6 trade deadline.
Whitecloud is in the fourth year of a six-year, $16.5 million extension he signed with the Golden Knights back in 2021. His cap hit?
A very manageable $2.75 million annually - and that’s before you even consider the possibility of Calgary retaining some of that salary in a potential deal. For a Leafs team that’s short on cap space, draft capital, and high-end prospects, this is the kind of move that makes sense.
On the ice, Whitecloud isn’t flashy, but he brings a steady, physical presence. He’s logged 47 games this season, chipping in seven points (two goals, five assists), while racking up 73 hits and 63 blocked shots. He plays a hard, reliable brand of hockey - the type that becomes even more valuable in the postseason.
And speaking of the playoffs, Whitecloud’s got the experience. He was part of Vegas’ 2022-23 Stanley Cup-winning team, logging tough minutes in high-stakes games. That kind of pedigree is exactly what Toronto could use on a blue line that’s been searching for stability.
Now, let’s be clear: Whitecloud isn’t a one-for-one replacement for Tanev. He doesn’t bring the same elite shutdown ability, and he’s not going to headline the Leafs’ top pairing.
But he doesn’t need to. What he does bring is size, playoff know-how, and a right-handed shot - all at a price point Toronto can realistically manage.
While bigger names like Dougie Hamilton, Justin Faulk, or Connor Murphy might still be floating around the rumor mill, the Leafs are operating under tight constraints. That makes a lower-cost, high-value target like Whitecloud all the more appealing.
Bottom line: Toronto may have missed out on Andersson, but they might have stumbled into a better fit for their current situation. Whitecloud checks a lot of boxes, and if the Flames are open to flipping him, don’t be surprised if the Leafs are one of the teams making that call.