Photo credit: Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images
The Toronto Maple Leafs are being linked to two top veteran defensemen with links to Brad Treliving.
The Toronto Maple Leafs continue to be linked to defensive options as uncertainty around the team’s health on the blueline continues to come into question.
Chris Tanev underwent a second opinion on the potential of surgery himself, something that has not yet been decided if he will undergo or if he will return to the Leafs, already skating with the team as he closes in on a decision.
With Toronto in a questionable spot on their blueline, more specifically on the right-hand side, the Leafs are once again linked in new rumors over a potential trade.
Reports reignite potential of Rasmus Andersson trade, new option emerges
The Toronto Maple Leafs have been linked to Calgary Flames defenseman Rasmus Andersson, a player well tied to the Leafs, but it’s a new name connected to Toronto that will draw some eyes.
According to Frank Seravalli, he indicated that he sees the Leafs as one of the teams that could check in on New Jersey Devils defenseman Dougie Hamilton.
Having been one of the top two-way defensemen the past couple of years, Hamilton has had a difficult year, with the 32-year-old limited to just eight points in 29 games for the Devils this season.
Hamilton has a no-trade clause, he’s also making $9M until 2028, and as Seravalli reports would lead to Toronto potentially looking at cost saving measures to make a deal work.
Hamilton has recently been linked as a potential trade target along with fellow Devil Ondrej Palat as players who could be on their way out.
Why Dougie Hamilton could make sense for Toronto
Dougie Hamilton has a connection to current Leafs GM Brad Treliving, having played for Treliving as GM back in Calgary from 2015-2018, acquiring him from Boston.
Hamilton was one of Treliving’s best trades in Calgary, taking the promising youngster into one of the league’s most reliable defenseman and a skilled offensive weapon.
At 6’6, Hamilton has the size and skill that Treliving covets, and has a past history that was a major success for Treliving a decade ago.
But, Toronto may want to get away from a player such as Hamilton going through a rough patch and lacking the impact he’s shown in past seasons, even on some subpar Devils teams.
Brad Treliving has experience with Hamilton and has managed to help shape him into a talented defenseman. Having made the right move for him once, does Treliving have the path to unlocking Hamilton’s game again?
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Insider links the Maple Leafs to two potential trade targets on defense
Should Toronto acquire Dougie Hamilton?