The Toronto Maple Leafs are sitting on a golden opportunity, and if they want to seriously contend for the Stanley Cup in 2024, they must make a bold move before the trade deadline. With one of the NHL’s best cores, led by Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner, the Leafs are almost guaranteed a playoff spot, but their current roster likely won’t be enough to go all the way. To fix that, they need to add a major star—preferably an elite defenseman—to push them over the edge.
While the Leafs are hovering right below the salary cap, they have the flexibility to pull off a significant trade, and this might be their only real shot. Key players like Calle Jarnkrok, David Kampf, and Ryan Reaves aren’t being fully utilized, representing a combined $5.85 million in movable cap space, according to Puckpedia. If they’re willing to part with these expendable contracts, along with depth defender Timothy Liljegren’s $3 million, the Leafs could open up nearly $10 million in cap space.
That kind of money could land the Leafs a game-changing blue-liner to pair with Chris Tanev, giving Morgan Rielly some relief and strengthening the team’s defense for a deep playoff run. The need for a solid number-one defenseman is no secret, and while the Leafs could find internal solutions for their third-line center, defense is their top priority.
So, who could they target? Elite defenders are scarce, but one dream scenario is New York Islanders’ defenseman Noah Dobson. The 24-year-old pending restricted free agent is on the cusp of a big payday, and with the Islanders struggling, it’s possible he could become available. Adding a player of Dobson’s caliber would transform the Leafs’ defense into a true championship contender.
Whether it’s Dobson or another elite defenseman, time is ticking for the Leafs to act. They have the money, they have the need, and now they just need the nerve to make the big play. If they don’t, another promising season could slip through their fingers.
