The Toronto Maple Leafs have one of the best blue lines in the NHL, and a trade idea has them adding a hard-nosed, physical defenseman to bolster their roster.
Heavy.com has a trade idea has the Maple Leafs acquiring Radko Gudas from the Anaheim Ducks in a blockbuster.
Maple Leafs acquire:
Ducks acquire:
- Oliver Ekman-Larsson
- 2028 third-round pick
The proposed deal would be a blockbuster as Toronto would acquire Gudas to add more physicality to the backend for an NHL defenseman and a mid-round pick.
Toronto would acquire Gudas, who’s entering the final year of his three-year, $12 million deal. Gudas is a 6-foot, 207-pound defenseman who plays with an edge and can be a shutdown, physical defenseman, which is needed to have success in the playoffs.
Gudas recorded 1 goal and 15 assists for 16 points in 81 games last season.
In return, the Maple Leafs would give up a mid-round pick and Ekman-Larsson, whose name has come up in trade rumors. Ekman-Larsson is entering the second year of a four-year, $14 million deal. He’s an offensive defenseman who would replace Gudas on the Ducks’ blue line, but could also be used as a trade candidate in the future to get another asset back. Ekman-Larsson recorded 4 goals and 25 assists for 29 points in 77 games.
Gudas Would be a Leader for the Maple Leafs
Not only would Gudas add some physicality to the backend, but he would be a leader for the Maple Leafs.
Gudas is the Ducks’ captain and plays the game the right way. After being named captain, Ducks general manager Pat Verbeek praised Gudas for his leadership.
“After taking time to assess our group over the last few seasons, Radko emerged as a natural leader who encompasses all of the qualities of a captain and the respect of his teammates, our staff and his peers,” said Verbeek. “With a young group of players establishing themselves in the NHL, we felt it was necessary to have a veteran lead our team. Radko exemplifies what it means to be a professional. How to carry yourself on and off the ice and in the community. And be a mentor to our young group that will become the next leaders of the team.”
Gudas has 829 career games and 57 playoff games. So, he knows what is needed to play in the playoffs.
Maple Leafs GM Wants a Physical Blue Line
Since taking over as general manager, Brad Treliving has reshaped Toronto’s blue line.
Treliving wanted the Maple Leafs to be harder to play against, and he did just that. Toronto has a great D-core, and he’s happy with the blue line he’s built.
“In today’s game, I like the length of our defense, I like the makeup of our defense. We’ve still got to be able to get out of our own end,” Treliving said. “There are things we can do in terms of closing quicker and taking away space. And part of how we play will lend itself to giving up some volume.”
The Maple Leafs’ blue line will once again be a strength of the team this season.
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This article was originally published on Heavy Sports
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