- Oct 16, 2026
- 0
- 0
SportsMafia Wire graphic. Team logos and player headshots via ESPN.
The Toronto Maple Leafs have stepped up their pursuit of a second-pair defensive defenseman as their blue line struggles continue early this season.
Toronto sits fifth in the Atlantic Division with 12 points through 11 games, with general manager John Chayka working to address a defensive corps described as aging, inconsistent and injury prone. David Pagnotta of The Fourth Period reports the Leafs have sought defensive upgrades since the preseason, and that search has now been "amplified."
Pagnotta said Toronto's looking for D, they have for some time. The ideal target would bring zone control, puck control, clean zone exits and support for the goaltenders. Toronto has used a three-man rotation in net, with Sergei Bobrovsky not traveling for back-to-backs.
Potential targets include Simon Edvinsson and Alexander Nikishin, though acquiring top talent would likely require moving prospect Easton Cowan, whom the Leafs are reluctant to trade. Toronto's cap situation is described as "not a pretty situation," requiring money or contracts to move in both directions. Miles Wood, Dakota Joshua or others could be involved in cap-clearing moves.
The Leafs face the Rangers on Thursday.
Source: Daily Faceoff - Wed Oct 21, 2:30 PM ET
Written by the SportsMafia Wire desk in our own words from the original reporting (AI-assisted, checked against the source).