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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 – NOVEMBER 4: Tyler Myers #57 of the Winnipeg Jets waits for a faceoff against the Toronto Maple Leafs during an NHL game at the Air Canada Centre on November 4, 2015 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The Jets defeated the Maple Leafs 4-2. (Photo by Claus Andersen/Getty Images) /

Winnipeg Jets

A recent article written by Josh Wegman of the Score suggested that trading Gardiner for Tyler Myers would be something that both teams should consider.

Salary wise, the deal would work for both teams and as Wegman points out, the Jets drastically need to address the left side of their defence. That’s not usually common among NHL teams but in the Jets case, it could be their biggest asset.

Getting Myers would help the Leafs right side of course but is he the player that they would try to acquire? Jacob Trouba would be the more desirable option but the more expensive one considering his age and potential to be a top pairing defenceman.

Maybe a package involving Gardiner could entice the Jets to get a conversation started but Winnipeg hasn’t had any reason to move Trouba since his request to be traded. If Myers leaves in the offseason, that opens up some cap space for Winnipeg and a spot for Trouba to get more playing time.

That’s probably why Myers is the player rumoured to be available but he’s had injury concerns throughout his career which is something the Leafs will keep in mind.

The 28-year-old played his first full season since his rookie season but he’s coming off an injury during the playoffs. The Leafs could do worse than Myers in a trade but a one-for-one swap wouldn’t be enough for Gardiner.

So unless the Jets add more to the deal, the Leafs should be cautious moving Gardiner for Myers unless they try to swing for Trouba.

Next: Tyler Ennis makes for an intriguing signing

What would your ideal trade be to improve the Leafs defence? Is there a particular team the Leafs should be looking to make a deal with? Let us know in the comments below. 

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