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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
Feb 7, 2017; Tampa, FL, USA; Los Angeles Kings defenseman Brayden McNabb (3) skates against the Tampa Bay Lightning during the third period at Amalie Arena. Tampa Bay Lightning defeated the Los Angeles Kings 5-0. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

Brayden McNabb, Los Angeles Kings

The Kings face a big decision this offseason when they have to decide whether they want to protect three or four defencemen in the expansion draft. Drew Doughty, Jake Muzzin and Alec Martinez seem like obvious candidates to be protected, but then that leaves Derek Forbort and Brayden McNabb exposed.

If McNabb were to become expendable, the 6-foot-4, 212 pound defenceman should have plenty of teams interested in him. At only 26 years old, McNabb has proven that he can contribute at the NHL level and even play with a top pairing partner like Doughty.

From the Leafs’ perspective, acquiring a physical defenceman like McNabb, who plays with a bit of a mean streak and has one year left on his deal at a $1.7 million cap hit, makes sense. He would be able to step in for either Hunwick or Roman Polak next season, and his physical presence would add an edge to the Leafs’ blue line.

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