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Toronto Maple Leafs: 4 teams to call to trade for a defenceman

By David Morassutti

COLUMBUS, OH - DECEMBER 20: Head coach Mike Babcock of the Toronto Maple Leafs talks to his players during a time out in the game against the Columbus Blue Jackets on December 20, 2017 at Nationwide Arena in Columbus, Ohio. Columbus defeated Toronto 4-2. (Photo by Kirk Irwin/Getty Images)
COLUMBUS, OH - DECEMBER 20: Head coach Mike Babcock of the Toronto Maple Leafs talks to his players during a time out in the game against the Columbus Blue Jackets on December 20, 2017 at Nationwide Arena in Columbus, Ohio. Columbus defeated Toronto 4-2. (Photo by Kirk Irwin/Getty Images) /
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Toronto Maple Leafs
TORONTO,ON – DECEMBER 19: Justin Faulk #27 of the Carolina Hurricanes defends against Nazem Kadri #43 of the Toronto Maple Leafs during an NHL game at the Air Canada Centre on December 19, 2017 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. (Photo by Claus Andersen/Getty Images) /

Carolina Hurricanes

Many are expecting Justin Faulk to be moved at some point this offseason and his market could open up once Erik Karlsson‘s situation is sorted out.

The Leafs are one team that was a potential landing spot for Faulk which we talked about back in May and could be the most realistic trade target for the Leafs because he’s expected to be on the move.

After trading for Dougie Hamilton gives them that bonafide top pairing with Jaccob Slavin. Newly acquired Calvin de Haan will likely be paired with Brett Pesce which leaves Faulk and Trevor van Riemsdyk for the final spot on the right side.

While Faulk is known as an offensive defenceman, the Leafs right side was a clear weakness that the Boston Bruins took advantage of. It wouldn’t be the worse thing to have a player who can provide some stability to the right side.

Whether he’s the right fit is tough to say considering the Hurricanes goaltending hasn’t been top notch the past few seasons. Travis Yost of TSN looked at whether Faulk was a victim of terrible goaltending or if his struggles defensively are legitimate and really it is tough to say.

So the question for the Leafs is whether they would pay the price for Faulk or try their luck somewhere else but expect the 26-year-old in a different spot next season.

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