As the trade deadline approaches, the Toronto Maple Leafs are actively seeking reinforcements for their defense, but their limited draft assets present challenges in negotiations. According to TSN Hockey Insider Chris Johnston, the Leafs, who lack a second-round pick in the next three drafts, are hesitant to trade away their 2024 first-round pick. Consequently, the organization is compelled to adopt an interesting strategy for the trade deadline: prioritizing quantity over quality.

Previous reports indicated that General Manager Brad Treliving has been focusing his efforts on acquiring Calgary Flames defenseman Chris Tanev, who remains a top priority. However, the Leafs have also explored alternative options, including inquiring about the availability of Philadelphia Flyers’ Sean Walker and Nashville Predators’ Alexandre Carrier, both of whom are pending unrestricted free agents like Tanev. The primary obstacle for the Leafs appears to be their reluctance to part with their first-round pick and the absence of a second-round pick in the next three drafts. Johnston notes, “So, they have been trying to go with volume, offering multiple lower-round draft picks. So far, the teams involved in those discussions have no interest in doing that.”

Will the Maple Leafs Stand Pat or Crater to the Pressure To Add?

Tanev remains a key figure in trade talks despite posting modest numbers of one goal and 12 points in 51 games this season. However, his age of 34 and uncertain future beyond this season raise concerns about the value of trading a first-round pick for him. With an expiring cap hit of $4.5 million, he’s likely to attract interest from teams in the offseason, potentially leading to a salary increase.

Sean Walker, ranked seventh on the Trade Bait list, brings more offensive production to the table with five goals and 19 points in 55 games, accompanied by a $2.65 million cap hit. Like Tanev, he’s a pending unrestricted free agent, expecting a significant raise.

Sitting at No. 10 on the Trade Bait list, Alexandre Carrier offers a comparable offensive output with four goals and 15 points in 49 games, but at a lower cap hit of $2.5 million. Despite being a pending UFA, he could be seen as the best value among the three, although he’s still likely to command a decent return in a trade.

The Maple Leafs face the challenge of determining what assets they’re willing to part with while managing their salary cap situation. Currently holding $2.06 million in cap space according to CapFriendly, they have limited financial flexibility with three weeks remaining until the trade deadline.

Could the Maple Leafs Switch Gears Completely at the Deadline?

While shoring up their defense remains a primary focus, the Maple Leafs have also emerged as potential suitors for goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury. According to TSN Hockey Insider Pierre LeBrun, Fleury has shown commitment to the playoff prospects of the Minnesota Wild following a lengthy discussion with his agent. However, he may explore other options if the Wild’s playoff chances diminish. The Leafs are reportedly intrigued by the possibility.

The goalie market’s dynamics and the potential asking price are unclear. However, would Toronto consider parting with a top draft pick for a top-tier goalie? Fleury, at 39 years old, holds a 10-9-3 record this season, along with a .903 save percentage and a 2.83 goals-against average. His current cap hit is $3.5 million, expiring at the end of the season.