Maple Leafs Linked to $68M Defenseman in Emerging Trade Rumor

Apr 8, 2025; Salt Lake City, Utah, USA; Utah Hockey Club defenseman Mikhail Sergachev (98) plays the puck during a second period power play against the Seattle Kraken at Delta Center. Mandatory Credit: Rob Gray-Imagn Images

Photo credit: Rob Gray-Imagn Images

Toronto Maple Leafs beat reporter Howard Berger stoked some big rumors recently, as he revealed the team has been in contact with Utah regarding Mikhail Sergachev.This summer, the Maple Leafs tried their best to change the identity of their team by bringing in a slew of new faces, and sending away players like Mitch Marner, Ryan Reaves, and saying goodbye to Pontus Holmberg among others.One question that remains is how their blueline is going to perform, at least offensively. Morgan Rielly remains a big question mark when it comes to replicating his past performance, and besides him it hangs on veteran Oliver Ekman-Larsson to play quarterback.

Maple Leafs Beat Writer Links Sergachev to Toronto

But according to Maple Leafs beat writer Howard Berger, Brad Treliving’s team has been in contact with star defenseman Mikhail Sergachev regarding a potential deal, though cap space will get in the way:

Told the #Leafs have talked to #Utah about defenceman Mikhail Sergachev. Age 27. Year 3 of an eight year contract. Cap hit $8.5 million. 53 points last season for the #Mammoth. Creative cap work would be required with only $1.9 million in current space

Not great, at least when it comes to a money perspective and it would have to see Rielly go the other way as a casualty, unless Toronto blows the Mammoth out of the water in order to take on salary retention.

What Mikhail Sergachev Could Add to Toronto’s Blue Line

You’re adding a player who has averaged seven goals and 27.5 assists for his career, one that already involves two Stanley Cup wins. Plus you’re giving Toronto a true two-way defender, as Sergachev has averaged 90 blocks and 81 hits for his career as well.It’s an upgrade to Toronto’s defense, and would put less pressure on Brandon Carlo to have his head on a swivel should Rielly be caught behind. He’s also four years younger and firmly in his prime.

Also, being 6’3, 215 pounds certainly helps fit the Brad Treliving/Craig Berube checklist and has 58 power play points over his last four seasons; he’s exactly what Toronto needs to facilitate the offense at the back.

It’s a trade that hinges on Rielly deciding to waive his no-movement clause, and also needs to get Sergachev’s blessing as well; though with Rielly on the downswing and potentially out of the plans in a few years; it might be time to capitalize on things and trade him while he still has something to offer.

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Maple Leafs Linked to $68M Defenseman in Emerging Trade Rumor

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