While I don’t have high hopes for the Leafs and their ability to make moves at the trade deadline this year, I was still wishing that they could land Chris Tanev somehow. He’s a solid stay at home defender that would help this team on and off the ice. However, knowing that was the case, the Dallas Stars decided they’d ante up and pay the price that Calgary was looking for:
The question now is where do the Leafs turn their attention? It’s long been rumoured that they were in on Tanev and while other names have floated around at times, it was clear that the Toronto native was their #1 target.
Instead of rehashing the same players, such as Alex Carrier, Sean Walker and Matt Dumba, I’ll mention some different players.
Jonathan Kovacevic
Its rare to see any trades between the Leafs and the Habs, but this is one that both teams may be willing to get on board for. Kovacevic is a 6’5″ 225lb right defender that plays a depth role for the Habs. He’s playing just under 17 minutes a night, with two and a half of those being played shorthanded. That’s comparable to the likes of Mark Giordano or Simon Benoit. He has 6 goals and 9pts in 49 games this year and, while +/- is a terrible stat in general, his +8 leads a rebuilding Habs team that has very few players on the positive side of the ledger. The best part is that the 26 year old Hamilton native is signed through next season at just 770K per year.
Will Borgen
Borgen’s name has floated around but I believe it’s driven by fans, rather than anybody that actually knows real information. Regardless, Borgen would be a terrific addition to the Leafs blueline as he, like Kovacevic, is used more in a penalty killing and defensive role. However, with 2 goals and 21pts in 58 games, there may be a little more offense to Borgen’s game.
Josh Brown
Brown plays less minutes than Borgen or Kovacevic, but is a monstrous individual who, alongside Reaves, would help keep other teams in line. As far as depth defenders go you can’t get better than this guy.
Justin Holl
Can you imagine? I can, because with a wad of cash in hand on July 1st the Leafs didn’t chase any 6’5″ defender that could help the team long term. Instead, they signed John Klingberg. This management group has their heads so far up their own asses that I honestly have no idea what to expect.
Enjoy the game tonight. Hopefully they can get back in the win column.