NHL Rumors: Toronto Maple Leafs and Finding a Defenseman

Would Morgan Rielly Really Waive to go to San Jose?

Max Miller of Sharks Hockey Digest: Once more, this is a case of pour some cool water on this for now. The thought process lies in the fact that this may not make much sense for San Jose. The Sharks are trying to make the playoffs. San Jose was on the bubble for the waning stretches of the regular season. Ultimately, they missed out but San Jose remained close. Does upgrading the defense justify spending this much for Morgan Rielly?

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While the bigger rumor mill guys like Chris Johnston and others portray some smoke here, is there any fire? Remember, Rielly is on the top of a lot of trade lists or close. He also has the dreaded NMC (no-move clause). Bluntly, the defenseman controls where he wants to go. Toronto, no matter who is running the show and has to get his approval on a deal. Now, that limits the options considerably.

The Rielly to San Jose rumor, I think, is blowing in a direction of where does he go. However, it is looking less likely to be San Jose by the day. This can always change. However, San Jose does have assets and the hope is that maybe Grier sweetens the pot a different way without giving up much in quality. Time will tell here.

Toronto Desperately Seeking Defensemen

Matt Larkin of The Daily Faceoff: Again, it is no secret that the Maple Leafs are trying to acquire a younger, puck-moving defenseman. John Chayka knows it but so does everyone else. These defensemen are going to come at an immense premium. Options rank from Jake Walman to Adam Fox all the way to Dougie Hamilton. Plenty of names are out there.

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Here is where it gets dicey. Walman has a NMC and new deal that kicks in on July 1st at $7.1 million AAV. Fox commands a large acquisition cost, and Hamilton is not getting younger with that $9 million price tag. Does one take a swing at a player like Darren Raddysh? Is Raddysh more a system player or is he that good?

Finally, does Toronto believe that last year was truly an aberration? That will play a role here. Vince Dunn is a player who makes sense here too with only one year left on his deal. Brandt Clarke would involve taking quite a risk and Rasmus Andersson might be out there too. Again, choices are plentiful but buyer beware.

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