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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
Jan 25, 2017; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Red Wings defenseman Mike Green (25) and Toronto Maple Leafs center Tyler Bozak (42) chase the puck during the second period at Joe Louis Arena. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports /

Mike Green, Detroit Red Wings

Unlike Oduya, Green would bring an extra year of term on his deal and carries a $6 million cap hit next season. Depending on the cost, Green could be a nice solution to the Leafs’ blue line puzzle, albeit a short-term solution.

As a right shot defenceman, the 31-year-old Calgary, AB native could slide into one of the Leafs’ top two pairings and take over the team’s top power play unit. Of course, injuries have plagued Green throughout his career, but he has played in 70 or more games the last three seasons.

Statistically, Green has been a solid possession player throughout his career, boasting a career 53.9 CF%, and he has been the quarterback of two excellent power play units during his time with the Washington Capitals and Detroit Red Wings. For the Leafs, Green would solidify their already lethal power play and would likely contribute a minimum of 30 points next season.

The question, of course, comes to down to cost. Unfortunately, based on how the Trade Deadline has gone so far, I think the cost to acquire Green would be expensive.

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