Hockey Insider reveals Maple Leafs Blue Line Trade
In a recent interview, The Athletic’s Joshua Cloke spoke with Kyper & Bourne about the state of the Toronto Maple Leafs blue line. Klock believes GM Brad Treliving can step in now to find a solution to what he sees as a dilemma. Klock said the Maple Leafs have enough defensemen, but not enough defensemen to carry them to the Stanley Cup.
If Cloke is right, Maple Leafs fans can expect some action soon
In his speech, Cloak said he believes that is about to change. If his understanding is correct, Maple Leafs fans can indeed expect Treliving to make a move soon. As general manager of the Calgary Flames, he focused on big, strong defensemen. There’s no reason to think he won’t go after defenders like that again.
Given Treliving’s history and the players he has targeted over the years, the move comes as no surprise. Klocke also noted that improving the defense was Treliving’s top priority when he first took over from the Maple Leafs. He said Treliving had been considering such a move since the start of the season. There is now growing concern over the team’s current struggles on the blue line, especially compared to last season. In addition, John Klingberg’s injury was another problem for the team. Klingberg’s health, or lack thereof, is a major factor in the organization’s decision-making process. Now that the battle lines are clear and Klingberg has been placed on long-term injured reserve (LTIR), Kloecke expects significant changes to Toronto’s blue line. Latest news and highlights
Kloeck noted that Treliving is “actively watching the market” and evaluating potential deals. He also noted that “I wouldn’t be surprised if we see drastic changes to the Leafs’ blue line relatively soon.” “I don’t think the current situation will last much longer,” Cloquet added. He believes this season’s defense is more porous than in the past, which he believes is “unsustainable” for a team with long-term Stanley Cup hopes. 😋
Key points from the Klock interview
In the video above, Cloke highlights two major concerns about the Maple Leafs defense. First, he believes the team is not doing enough to prevent goals. He also expressed concern about the mix of defensive depth, saying players like Simon Benoit, William Lagesson and Conor Timmons are “good defenders” but not good enough to make the postseason. They lack the talent needed to carry a team to the playoffs. Second, he identified Klingberg’s injury as a catalyst for action, making the need to shore up the defense all the more important. Cloquet noted the increased porosity and continued struggles with the team’s defense compared to last season. This defense dilemma raises questions about relying solely on murder to “solve one’s problems.”
There are rumors that the Maple Leafs are interested in two Flames defensemen.
Klock’s point wasn’t to speculate on which quarterback the team would target, but rather to say whether he thought Treliving would be on the verge of a trade. However, the Maple Leafs have been rumored to be linked to two Flames defensemen, Chris Tanev and Nikita Zadorov. In early November, Elliott Friedman spoke specifically about these two defenders on his 32 Thoughts podcast.
Treliving is familiar with both players as former Flames GMs. As a result, the choice has a certain logic.
Tanev, a 14-year veteran, can fill the team’s defensive needs by blocking shots, killing penalties and eating up defensive minutes alongside Morgan Rielly. Tanev’s revised no clause could be tied to a possible move to Toronto as he is from Toronto and is familiar with Treliving. Regardless of financial considerations, his defensive traits make him an attractive prospect for the Maple Leafs. Zadorov, an 11-year veteran, has been with the Maple Leafs for a long time. According to Zadorov’s trade request, the Flames are also looking for the highest bidder. Known for his aggressive style of play, big shots and intimidation, Zadorov brings something to the Maple Leafs that the team lacks. His physical presence matches that of Treliving’s offseason additions Ryan Reaves, Max Domi and Tyler Bertuzzi, which seems to make teams more difficult to play against. With the contracts of Tanev and Zadorov expiring, the Maple Leafs have an opportunity to strengthen their defense and add important pieces to their roster.
All things considered, that could soon change for the Maple Leafs.
Simply put, Kloeck believes the Maple Leafs defense will not lead the team to postseason success. Given these defensive challenges combined with the Maple Leafs’ pursuit of postseason success, Kloecke emphasizes the urgency of Treliving’s action. He believes that timely intervention to correct defensive deficiencies is the team’s biggest need. If Klock’s understanding is true, the Maple Leafs are facing a tough time. In front of them, a decision is made to strengthen national defense capabilities. At the same time, GM Treliving is closely examining the market for potential reinforcements as teams face the urgent and complex task of balancing offensive firepower and defensive stability.
If Cloke is right, Maple Leafs fans won’t have to wait long for action on the trade front.
