3 Names Maple Leafs Could Still Add to Their Blue Line – The Hockey Writers – Toronto Maple Leafs

The Toronto Maple Leafs are making changes to their blue line. In the last few days, they’ve traded for and signed Darren Raddysh from the Tampa Bay Lightning. That was probably their big swing. They also added Emil Andrae in a trade that involved Joseph Woll and Simon Benoit going to the Philadelphia Flyers. It’s a start, but the Maple Leafs aren’t done.

It’s said that Morgan Rielly could be on the move. If so, the Leafs would be clearing out another $7.5 million. Signing Andrae answers one of the questions on the left side with Rielly gone, but not all. And, if Matthew Knies rumors have any legs, it could be a top-pairing defenseman who comes back.

Here are some names the Maple Leafs can or might look at if more blue changes are coming.

Radko Gudas

ESPN insider Kevin Weekes posted, “I’m told @AnaheimDucks Captain D Gudas is gaining interest in the marketplace. If him & Ducks can’t get a deal done, @FlaPanthers and @MapleLeafs are among potential fits. He’s physical, experienced, playoff tested, on a 2-3Yr term between 3.5M-4M+AAV.”

Gudas says he’s open to any options, the Leafs among them. He wouldn’t be a top-four guy (those days are likely behind him), but he’s a solid five or six, who can possibly play up in the right situation. He was often a healthy scratch in the playoffs for the Anaheim Ducks, but that doesn’t mean his edge and grit aren’t still useful.

Can the Maple Leafs get past the fact it was Gudas who took out Auston Matthews?

Bowen Byram

If the Maple Leafs want to take another huge swing, Bowen Byram might be the guy. On the top pair with Darren Raddysh, it would completely change the outlook of Toronto’s defense.

Byram has been clear about his ambitions: he wants to win, play meaningful playoff hockey, and take on a top-pair role with big minutes, power-play responsibility, and trust in every situation. He’d be the second part of a one-two punch on the man advantage in Toronto. If he can live with that, he could see the Leafs as a better opportunity than he’ll get in Buffalo, where Rasmus Dahlin is locked in as the No. 1 defenseman, and they also have Owen Power and Mattias Samuelsson.

Toronto would have to be comfortable knowing that they’re acquiring a player who makes $6.25 million this coming season, but is looking for $10 million or more on his next contract. If the Leafs aren’t prepared to offer that, he’ll walk to free agency. If Toronto believes what Byram believes, which is that he’s a top-pairing defenseman, the home run swing might be worth it.

John Carlson

Another name out of Anaheim is John Carlson. According to a report by Pierre LeBrun of The Athletic, Carlson has informed the Ducks he is headed to free agency. LeBrun adds, “Both sides talked about a potential extension, but Carlson is moving on.”

Carlson’s agent revealed, “I told him how much John enjoyed his time in Anaheim. But his preference is to return and play in the East, closer to family and the familiarity with it. Pat was naturally disappointed but completely understood.”

The Maple Leafs in the east, so this could make sense. However, there are dominoes that would likely fall if he were added. First, Chris Tanev would slide down to the third pairing, making it Raddysh, Carlson and Tanev on the right side. Then, Brando Carlo would likely be moved. He holds a three-team no-trade and his name has been in the rumor mill. A move there wouldn’t shock anyone.

Who Would Be The Best Fit?

If the Maple Leafs are swinging big, move Carlo and Rielly, then bring in Byram. It’s a risk based on his next contract, but it changes things dramatically for the Leafs. If Toronto wants depth, Gudas might be the better and less expensive option. The downside is that he’s no longer a difference-maker, and his attraction is his edge.