JUST-IN: leafs name three Defensemen to Replace John Klingberg

Three defensemen who could replace John Klingberg on the Toronto Maple Leafs

The Toronto Maple Leafs announced that Klingberg will be out for the rest of the season due to an unfortunate injury. Adam Proto lists the Flames, Coyotes and Flyers players who could replace him. The Toronto Maple Leafs received some bad news on Wednesday when it was announced that veteran defenseman John Klingberg will be ruled out of LTIR for the rest of the season with a groin strain that required surgery.

THN Toronto posted this news with a comment from GM Brad Treliving, who said Klingberg is now unavailable and a replacement will need to be found for the remainder of the season. Treliving is another veteran contributor on the blue line who hit Klingberg’s $4.15 million salary cap hit. But which players does he admire? Some names we’ve heard a lot about recently, while others are new to Buds rumors. Let’s take a look at three D-men who could join the Leafs before the March 8 NHL trade deadline. 1. Chris Tanev, Calgary Flames

Flames GM Craig Conroy traded Nikita Zadorov to the Vancouver Canucks last week, landing the future UFA defenseman. Now, all eyes in Calgary are on veterans Tanev and Noah Hanifin.

Toronto apparently wants the type of physical play that Tanev brings, and with the salary cap space freed up at the end of this season, Treliving will have an opportunity to keep Tanev long-term. Hanifin’s skill game could also benefit the Buds, but he is much more expensive to own than Tanev.

The Leafs didn’t have cap space to sign Zadorov or clarity on Klingberg’s situation, but they know they don’t have to clear cap space for Tanev, who is making $4.5 million this year. . Tanev fits the mold of Jake Muzzin, who will never play another NHL game, and Tanev’s personal relationship with Treliving while managing the Flames is another connection between the Leafs and the player.

A couple of draft picks and/or an average or slightly above-average prospect would be enough to get a deal between Toronto and Calgary, and the Leafs would get a significant boost with the addition of Tanev. It makes sense that this won’t happen, but there are other teams looking to sign Tanev, so no one can say they’d be surprised if he gets a deal.

2. Matt Dumba (Arizona Coyotes)

Dumba hit the open market as a UFA last summer, but did not sign a long-term contract with any team. Instead, he decided to sign a one-year, $3.9 million contract with the Coyotes. He is under contract but would benefit from a trade with the Leafs, who are a big market and will look to sign him to a long-term deal starting next year. The Coyotes have been a pleasant surprise as a team this season, but on a macro level, it might make sense to acquire Dumba’s services for a young prospect who could make the jump to the NHL level in the coming years.

Dumba, 29, is no longer an offensive threat — he has two goals and four points in 23 games this season — but will likely be on Toronto’s defense, averaging 20:02 of ice time with Arizona. can accommodate as the second or third paired member of the hull. Arizona GM Bill Armstrong will have to test the trade market for Dumba soon. That’s because Dumba is a highly touted right-handed D-man and solid contender who could give the Leafs the upside they’re looking for in a Blueliner trade. Armstrong can’t ask for the moon and stars in Dumba’s deal, but Armstrong knows he has chips other GMs want and could wait until closer to the trade deadline to raise the price. 3. Sean Walker, Philadelphia Flyers

Walker has been a positive for the Flyers this season since being acquired from the Los Angeles Kings last summer, averaging 21:20 of ice time, eight assists and 11 points in 25 games. Not only does the 29-year-old possess impressive physical strength at 6-foot-2, but he will also be a UFA at the end of the season, so his price as a pure rental player could be much lower than it currently is. . He had to play. Philadelphia will allow potential trade partners to discuss extending Walker’s contract after this year.

Like Dumba and Tanev, Walker is a right-handed defenseman, and hitting the $2.65 million salary cap gives Treliving more cap space at the trade deadline. Walker is in the prime of his career and has had the best performance of his career despite the pressure to play for the Phillies as the Flyers continue to rebuild.

Walker is also from Ontario, so he knows exactly what it means to play for the Leafs. Treliving could give the Flyers more draft picks for Walker’s services, and both sides could be happy with the deal.