Photo credit: Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images
According to NHL insider Frank Seravalli, the New Jersey Devils have a logjam on their backend which is great news for Brad Treliving and the Toronto Maple Leafs.
They’ve wanted a top-six forward and a top-four defenseman for some time now, and though both would absolutely improve the team, acquiring even one of them is going to take a lot of assets; assets the team really doesn’t have.
But they could find themselves in a bit of a lucky spot thanks to one team’s bloated defensive corps.
Devils defensive logjam could be Toronto’s chance at a premier defenseman
Seravalli named three Devils who could be on the chopping block this season, one of which has been linked heavily to the Maple Leafs since the summer:
We know that they need scoring support, will they deal from their embarrassment of riches on defense? Simon Nemec, Seamus Casey; Dougie Hamilton; they’ve got a lot to consider here, this feels like a make or break season.
While Toronto is going to need to pay hefty sums to acquire any of these players, it would give them the boost they need on their own backend.
Breaking down Toronto’s trio of defensive options
Nemec, 21, is currently injured for the next few weeks and is on the IR as of now, but the former second overall pick would certainly give them a huge boost not only offensively, but drastically reduce the age of their defensive group.
He has 41 points in 118 games so far in his young career (12 goals, 29 assists) and already has 177 blocks, so he fits the mould when it comes to what Brad Treliving and Craig Berube want in a player.
But his age and potential is not going to come cheap, and if the Devils want scoring then Toronto may need to part with several young pieces as well as a top pick; something they’ve done too much recently.
On the flip side, they could target another 21-year old youngster who may not be as big or physically relentless as Nemec but has just as much potential.
Casey, 21, is a smaller but speedier defenseman who has incredible hands, great pass perception, is comfortable joining in on the rush, and who is more than capable of handling his own defensively.
He only has 16 NHL games under his belt, but has eight points (4 goals, 4 assists) and would immediately slot into Toronto’s lineup and would replace either Simon Benoit or Philippe Myers. With Chris Tanev back, the team needs a puck-mover so why not give the young Casey a shot?
Now we come to the name Toronto has been attached to for months.
Hamilton, 32, is not going to solve the age issues in Toronto, but what he will do is give them one of their most complete defenseman in a long time.
He’s a massive presence at 6’6, he’s got underrated hands and surprisingly smooth for a guy his size, can unload shots from the point, and isn’t afraid to put his body on the line to help the team win.
But he has a no-trade clause and also costs $9-million for the next three years. So the team is going to need to dump a couple of their bigger deals and maybe even entertain a Morgan Rielly swap.
In his 868 games through his career, he has 509 points (155 goals, 354 assists) and has eight 10+ goal seasons; if Toronto needs scoring from the point then he’s your guy.
The Maple Leafs have a way to improve their defense and though it might cost them a lot to acquire even one of these players, then they are better off for it. If Brad Treliving isn’t waving the white flag; then he should get the green light to go all-in.
Previously on Hockey Patrol