"There are still areas of the team that could use improvement to better their chances of success this year, with the big one being the makeup of their blueline. The defence has not quite been able to put it all together to this point, with all of the injuries to key members throughout the year not doing the Leafs any favours."
"GM Brad Treliving has wanted to find some reinforcements on the backend and preferably one who is a puck-mover. A recent report from TSN's Darren Dreger suggests that it is currently Treliving's primary focus and he is ramping up his efforts to address it. What makes the prospects of a trade difficult to pull off is the lack of assets at Treliving's disposal that would be needed to add the marquee options."
"He is a strong skater, can move the puck up and down the ice with ease, and has a high hockey-IQ by making the smart play at both ends of the ice. That last trait has allowed him to be a versatile option who can be used not just at even strength, but also on the power-play and the penalty kill."
The Toronto Maple Leafs have begun to improve their season but still require upgrades to increase playoff chances. The team's defence has been inconsistent and hampered by injuries to key members. General Manager Brad Treliving is prioritizing the addition of a puck-moving defenceman and is ramping up efforts to find reinforcements on the backend. Trade options are limited by a lack of assets, including no first-round picks until 2028 and top prospects unlikely to be traded. The Leafs will likely pursue creative, lower-cost solutions, with Nick Blankenburg presenting a realistic target despite his smaller stature. Blankenburg offers strong skating, puck movement, high hockey IQ and special-teams versatility.
Read at TheLeafsNation
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