The Toronto Maple Leafs are actively pursuing enhancements to their defensive lineup through both free agency and trades this offseason.
According to David Pagnotta of The Fourth Period, the Maple Leafs are seeking to add one or two large, physical defensemen. One of the primary targets is Nikita Zadorov, a pending unrestricted free agent from the Vancouver Canucks.
“The Toronto Maple Leafs are looking to add size to their blueline this off-season, as GM Brad Treliving is believed to be in the market for a big defenseman or two. Treliving is exploring all options, both via free agency and the trade market. The Leafs have already been linked to pending unrestricted free agent blueliner Nikita Zadorov, who could hit the market on July 1 if he does not sign a new deal with the Vancouver Canucks,” Pagnotta reported.
Zadorov, who is 6’6″ and 250 pounds, is projected to command a four-year deal worth $5 million per season in free agency, according to DailyFaceoff.com. Treliving is familiar with Zadorov, having signed him while he was GM in Calgary in 2021. Last season, Zadorov split his time between the Canucks and Flames, recording 6 goals and 14 assists in 75 games.
In addition to Zadorov, Pagnotta mentions that the Maple Leafs are also interested in St. Louis Blues defenseman Colton Parayko. Parayko, who has six years remaining on an eight-year, $52 million contract, would need to waive his full no-movement clause for any trade to proceed. The 31-year-old Parayko, standing at 6’6″ and 230 pounds, tallied 10 goals and 16 assists in 82 games last season.
Maple Leafs Have Cap Space to Utilize
Toronto enters the offseason with approximately $18.8 million in cap space, per CapFriendly. Despite this, the team has several roster spots to fill, including at least two forwards, one defenseman, and one goalie, as they currently have only 10 forwards, five defensemen, and one goalie under contract.
The Maple Leafs are also working on re-signing some of their own players, such as Tyler Bertuzzi and Max Domi.
Potential Changes to the Defensive Unit
Toronto’s defensive lineup could see significant changes next season. The team has four unrestricted free-agent defensemen and one restricted free agent, Timothy Liljegren. According to The Fourth Period, Liljegren has been made available for trade.
Additionally, Joel Edmundson is expected to test free agency despite interest from the Leafs to re-sign him. Ilya Lyubushkin is also set to become a free agent, with no negotiations started yet.
The NHL offseason kicks off with the draft on June 28-29, followed by the opening of free agency on July 1.
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