Maple Leafs Target Veteran $7.5 Million Defenseman in Ambitious Trade Proposal

Maple Leafs Target Veteran $7.5 Million Defenseman in Ambitious Trade Proposal

 

The Toronto Maple Leafs are expected to be active in the trade market as the deadline approaches, with one proposal suggesting they add another defenseman.

 

 

 

Using the PuckGM tool on PuckPedia, a user put forward a trade idea that would bring Matt Dumba over from the Dallas Stars to the Maple Leafs.

 

 

 

The proposed trade makes sense, as it allows Toronto to acquire a veteran defenseman to bolster their lineup immediately. In return, Dallas would receive two young players who have fallen out of favor in Toronto, helping them both now and in the future.

 

 

 

The Maple Leafs would add Matt Dumba, who signed a two-year, $7.5 million contract with Dallas in theoffseason. Dumba could slot into Toronto’s third pairing, bringing physicality and offensive skills to their blue line. Over his NHL career, he has played in 679 games, tallying 83 goals and 165 assists for a total of 248 points.

 

 

 

In exchange, Dallas would acquire Timothy Liljegren and Nick Robertson, both of whom have been healthy scratches for the Maple Leafs this season.

 

 

 

Liljegren recently signed a two-year, $6 million extension with Toronto and could replace Dumba on the Stars’ blue line, injecting some youth into their defense.

 

 

 

Robertson, on the other hand, would have the opportunity to play alongside his brother, Jason Robertson, who is one of the Stars’ standout players.

 

 

 

Analyst Expects Maple Leafs to Move Liljegren & Robertson

 

 

 

Liljegren and Robertson were both high draft picks for the Maple Leafs, seen as future key contributors to the team.

 

 

 

However, both players have struggled with consistency, and NHL analyst Luke Fox of Sportsnet anticipates that Toronto will look to trade them.

 

 

Left-wing shooter Nick Robertson and right-shot defenseman Timothy Liljegren were expected to be the high draft picks that evolved into everyday Maple Leafs with defined roles,” Fox noted. “That hasn’t materialized, even with both players in their mid-20s receiving pay raises as restricted free agents this offseason.

 

 

 

Liljegren has been a healthy scratch in nine of the last ten games, dropping to eighth or ninth on the depth chart when the blue line is healthy,” he added. “Meanwhile, the snakebitten Robertson, who was impressive in the preseason, has scored only once during a blowout against Columbus. He was also a healthy scratch for Monday’s significant win over the Jets. It’s time for these NHL players to seek a change of scenery, where they may find better opportunities.”

 

 

 

Liljegren was chosen 17th overall by the Maple Leafs in the 2017 NHL Draft, while Robertson was selected in the second round of the 2020 NHL Draft.

 

 

 

Maple Leafs Have Shown Interest in Dumba

 

 

 

Toronto is likely to pursue Matt Dumba if he comes up in trade discussions.

 

 

 

At the 2024 NHL trade deadline, there were rumors linking the Maple Leafs to Dumba.

 

 

 

The Leafs have checked in with Anaheim regarding pending UFA defenseman Ilya Lyubushkin,” wrote The Athletic’s Pierre LeBrun back in March. “I wonder if he might be a better fit for them now, depending on the price, given his physical style. However, it’s not a guarantee that the Ducks will move Lyubushkin, as they value his impact on their younger players, especially rookie defenseman Pavel Mintyukov.”

 

 

 

Ultimately, Toronto traded for Lyubushkin, while the Tampa Bay Lightning acquired Dumba.