Welcome to another NHL Rumours edition! As the Stanley Cup nears its climax, the offseason buzz intensifies. Today’s speculation centers around the Toronto Maple Leafs and potential moves within their defense group.
NHL Rumours
Nick Kypreos of the Toronto Star is discussing the defenseman that the Toronto Maple Leafs are targeting. The offseason has been eventful for the Maple Leafs following a disappointing first-round exit at the hands of the Boston Bruins.
Sheldon Keefe has departed, replaced by Craig Berube, and the team is amidst significant roster changes with pending free agents.
Speculation swirls around Mitch Marner’s future, while General Manager Brad Treliving has identified potential recruits. Defense remains a focal point for improvement after the team’s performance in the first round, prompting interest in impact players, according to Kypreos.
Maple Leafs Defenceman Targets
It’s a positive shift that the latest NHL rumors for the Maple Leafs involve adding to their roster rather than subtracting. With approximately $18 million in projected cap space this offseason, the team is in a favorable position. Currently, they have three defensemen under contract for next season: shutdown players Simon Benoit and Jake McCabe, along with puck-mover Morgan Rielly. The focus is on enhancing their defensive capabilities, particularly in terms of offensive contribution.
One player of interest is Brandon Montour of the Florida Panthers. Montour has significantly bolstered the Panthers’ blue line, notably with career-high numbers of 16 goals and 73 points during the 2022-23 season. Although his production dipped this past season, he remains a valuable asset known for his smooth skating, adeptness in transition, and prowess in generating scoring opportunities, including on the power play. This aligns well with the Maple Leafs’ strengths, as they boasted the seventh-best power play in the league last season. Montour’s physicality also fits Coach Craig Berube’s vision of a fast-paced, assertive team style.
Berube emphasized his coaching philosophy recently, emphasizing a relentless work ethic and a north-south, high-tempo playing style. Montour’s attributes appear to align closely with these principles. However, there’s also another notable name under consideration.
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