RUMOR: Maple Leafs Set To Make A Trade For A Tough Defenseman

The Toronto Maple Leafs defense has been a work in progress for years now. While Morgan Rielly has been a constant on the blueline the rest of the group has been inconsistent. Now new trade rumors have the Leafs adding a veteran physical presence on the back end.

As previously mentioned the Toronto Maple Leafs defense has been a big point of discussion. Beyond Morgan Rielly, they are either wildly inconsistent or underwhelming.

Timothy Liljegren has shown flashes of why he was a First-Round Pick. He has also had his fair share of struggles. Newly acquired John Klingberg is fantastic offensively and will help take pressure off of Morgan Rielly. However, in his own zone, he struggles mightily.

Others like Jake McCabe, T.J. Brodie, and Mark Giordano are good players but will likely not be able to handle the minutes they used to. With this being the case the Leafs need to look elsewhere for help on defense.

One thing that the Leafs fans and front office have agreed on is that the Leafs need to be more physical and tough to play against. Recently the organization added Simon Benoit who is a young physical defender.

There is also another player who could be added via trade who is steady defensively and brings a physical element. Luke Schenn, who began his career with the Toronto Maple Leafs, could be added in a trade later this season. He was signed by the Nashville Predators who likely will not be a playoff team. This means Schenn should be available and relatively cheap to trade for.

If the Leafs get to the trade deadline and feel they are still lacking physicality and reliability on the back end Schenn could be their best option.

As Read On - NHL Trade Talk - Expect Maple Leafs' Treliving to Trade for More Blue Line Grit

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