Toronto’s defensemen produced poor results, allowing the second-most goals and the most shots in the league. The blue line also generated only 132 total points, ranking 24th in the NHL during the 2025-26 season. The team needs improvements at both ends of the ice. Free agency is expected to offer top defensive options in about five weeks. Rasmus Andersson is identified as a key target because he blends offense and defense, can run a power play, and has averaged double-digit goals with 35+ points. He also contributes defensively through positioning, stickwork, and puck-moving skills. He recorded 17 goals and 30 assists for 47 points in 81 games across Calgary and Vegas, and added five assists in 15 playoff games.
"Not only did the Maple Leafs defense allow the second-most goals in the league, they also gave up the most shots as well, which are both a recipe for disaster. On top of that, the Leafs blue line collectively produced just 132 total points as a group, which ranked them 24th in the NHL during the 2025-26 season. So in other words, they weren't getting it done at both ends of the ice."
"Rasmus Andersson was actually a Maple Leafs trade target from this past season before he ended up going to the Vegas Golden Knights. Andersson has the ability to provide a solid blend of offense and defense in his game. On offense, the 29-year-old defenseman is capable of running a power play while averaging double digits in goals and 35+ points per season. On defense, Andersson may not be the typical bruising shutdown defender, but he makes up for it with his strong positioning, stickwork and puck-moving skills."
"This past season, he amassed a career-high 17 goals, along with 30 assists for 47 points in 81 total games played split between the Calgary Flames and Golden Knights. During the playoffs for Vegas, Andersson has added another five assists in 15 games of action while playing in all situations. Moreover, he can slot in easily anywhere on a team's top four on the blue line without missing a beat."
Read at Editor In Leaf
Unable to calculate read time
Collection
[
|
...
]