Photo credit: Thomas Salus-Imagn Images
If the Maple Leafs want to add a player similar to Troy Stecher, they could look to latest waiver option Nick Leddy, though bringing him in won’t be the easiest.
However he has been much, much more than just a body on the ice as he’s turned into a vital piece of the lineup for Craig Berube, being entrusted in all situations and often logging heavy minutes.
Toronto can add former Stanley Cup champion off waivers — at a price
He’s added a great amount of transition offense and never looks afraid to get involved. But the team needs some more help on the back end especially with Chris Tanev’s injury, and they may be in luck.
According to San Jose Sharks beat reporter Sheng Peng on X, the Sharks are going to be waiving defenseman Nick Leddy, who is in the final year of his $4-million contract:
This was later confirmed by Elliotte Friedman on X as well:
Leddy is known for his time with the Chicago Blackhawks where he won a Stanley Cup in 2012-13, but spent the most time with the New York Islanders; playing seven seasons there.
He was waived earlier in the offseason by the St. Louis Blues before the Sharks claimed him. Leddy appeared in 19 games for San Jose and recorded four assists, 26 blocks but has a minus-9 rating in 17:30 TOI.
However given that Stecher himself didn’t have the best numbers either, there is hope that Leddy can come in and stabilize the back end even more but there’s a big catch.
Whoever claims Leddy is going to be responsible for his contract, and finding an extra $4-million kicking about isn’t easy — especially if you’re the Maple Leafs.
Toronto can’t really afford to pay that price however
If the team wanted to add him, they would need to find money somewhere and could utilize some of Chris Tanev’s LTIR relief but if the team is set on adding a premium player before or at the deadline; they’ll need the money.
Leddy, 34, has 420 points in 1,061 games (75 goals, 345 assists) a minus-45, 1,155 blocks and 848 hits over his 16-year career.
The Maple Leafs could very well bring in Leddy as Troy Stecher 2.0 but it’s going to be a tough task given their minimal cap space; money that can be used for a much bigger fish.
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Latest waiver option looks like another Troy Stecher-type add for the Leafs, but it’s not that simple
Should Toronto still try and go after Nick Leddy despite his contract?