Photo credit: EMIL LIPPE / SPECIAL CONTRIBUTOR
A depth trade between the Flyers and Stars could be something that could be a blueline for the Toronto Maple Leafs.
Kyrou, the brother of St. Louis Blues star Jordan, was a second round pick of the Dallas Stars in the 2022 NHL Entry Draft, 50th overall.
A 5’10 defenseman, Kyrou is in his third season in the AHL with the Texas Stars.
Tuomaala, 22, is also on his third AHL season, playing with the Lehigh Valley Phantoms, drafted 46th by Philadelphia in the 2021 NHL Entry Draft.
How the Kyrou Trade Reflects a Growing Market for Young Defensemen
The Kyrou trade indicates what is a market for young defenseman with upside potential.
The Philadelphia Flyers got a player in Kyrou who shows clear talent and has shown he is a capable puck-moving defenseman.
Both players are undersized, but have showed the upside to potentially play NHL games, although have clear limitations in their games.
Still, the two have clear value that represents a market for youth, and a swap between young players being possible.
Why This Move Could Influence the Maple Leafs’ Next Blue Line Decision
The trade between the Flyers and Stars can be impactful for the Toronto Maple Leafs defense.
The Leafs have shown with their injuries to Morgan Rielly and Chris Tanev that depth is something necessary for the Leafs to add more of, especially youth.One young player who appears on the outside for Toronto is 23-year-old William Villeneuve.
The Marlies defenseman has largely been an outcast as one of the last players from the Kyle Dubas era, and a player who despite showing promise hasn’t been given an NHL game, and doesn’t appear to be in favor any longer.
The Leafs tried waiving William Villeneuve, but went unclaimed. It would be sensible if Toronto traded Villeneuve for a defensive prospect they see as a lineup option.
The trade between two key AHL players could be something replicated by the Leafs and become one of their key in-season moves.
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