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Trade Likely for Rugged Blues Defenseman


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Graham Montgomery
October 18, 2023  (5:29 PM)
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It seems as though Doug Armstrong may be interested in making a deal with the Leafs after he visited Toronto Monday night to watch the Leafs take on the Blackhawks.

Leafs Trade With Blues Coming?

Brad Treliving has already told us that he plans on upgrading on defense before the trade deadline. It seems as though he may get a chance to do just that sooner rather than later as Blues general manager Doug Armstrong was spotted at Scotiabank Arena Monday night. This usually means the visiting gm is interested in someone on one of the teams playing.
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The Blues have already reportedly tried to move on from defenseman Tory Krug, but he wouldn't be a great fit in Toronto as they already have John Klingberg and Morgan Rielly. They do have one defenseman Brad Treliving might like though.

Bortuzzo To The Leafs?

The Blues are currently rostering eight defenseman including veteran Robert Bortuzzo who has yet to draw into a game this season. Bortuzzo, 34, is 6'4" and shoots right. He's steady enough defensively and plays a hard, physical game. These are all traits Treliving could be looking for in a new blueliner.
"Robert Bortuzzo hasn't played yet this season for STL, and they're carrying 8D (primarily to play their young D).

He's 6'4, shoots right, has a cup ring, is from Thunder Bay, is somewhat physical, and has squared off against every heavyweight in the past 5 years."
Bortuzzo carries a cap hit of just 800k so the Leafs should be able to find a way to afford him. That could involve moving another player the other way or getting the blues to retain salary.

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