Tip of the Tower
Fansided

4 Defencemen Toronto Maple Leafs Could Pursue at NHL Trade Deadline

By Chris Okrainetz

Mar 26, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Kings defenseman Brayden McNabb (3) takes a slap shot during the game against the Edmonton Oilers at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 26, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Kings defenseman Brayden McNabb (3) takes a slap shot during the game against the Edmonton Oilers at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports /
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Toronto Maple Leafs
Nov 2, 2015; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Dallas Stars defenseman Johnny Oduya (47) looks for the puck against the Toronto Maple Leafs at the Air Canada Centre. Toronto defeated Dallas 4-1. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports /

Johnny Oduya, Dallas Stars

Set to be a free agent on July 1, Oduya, much like Boyle, brings a veteran presence to the Leafs and has played in 102 career playoff games. The 35-year-old Swedish defenceman has battled through a lower-body injury this season and has only appeared in 37 games.

Despite his injury this season, Oduya has played in 76 or more games in each of the past six seasons, excluding the lockout shortened 2012-13 season where he played the full 48-game schedule, so he is a durable player.

If the Leafs are looking to add a veteran rental defenceman with a wealth of playoff experience, Oduya would be the ideal target. However, unless the Leafs off-load a player like Matt Hunwick, acquiring Oduya seems unlikely since he’s a left-handed shot and Mike Babcock prefers to have balanced pairings.

On top of his handedness, you could argue that the Leafs have already added a veteran leader in Boyle and acquiring another veteran like him would be a luxury, not a need. Again, if the Leafs did want a veteran defenceman, though, Oduya would be the ideal candidate.

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