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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 1, 2017; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs center Mitch Marner (16) shoots as Detroit Red Wings defenseman Brendan Smith (2) defends during the Centennial Classic ice hockey game at BMO Field. The Maple Leafs beat the Red Wings 5-4 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports /

Brendan Smith, Detroit Red Wings

Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman mentioned on Saturday that the Red Wings would like to re-sign Smith. But if the two sides can’t reach a deal, he seems like an obvious trade candidate for the Leafs.

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Smith played for Babcock when he was with Detroit and is familiar with his system. Although the point totals aren’t there, the smooth skating defenceman could turn things around with the Leafs while playing in Babcock’s pace-and-space system. However, Babcock wasn’t always sold on Smith during his time in Detroit, so it’s tough to say whether he would be a fan of acquiring him.

Babcock was a fan of Smith’s competitiveness, though, so perhaps he would be willing to try him out with the Leafs? Regardless, the latest buzz around Smith is that he would prefer to re-sign with the Red Wings, so unless talks fall apart, he seems like an unlikely trade candidate for the Leafs.

Next: Maple Leafs Acquire Brian Boyle from Lightning

Who do you think the Leafs could pursue at the NHL Trade Deadline? Or do you think they should sit tight with who they have? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.

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