{"id":343813,"date":"2026-06-01T01:59:44","date_gmt":"2026-05-31T20:29:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ebiztoday.news\/?p=343813"},"modified":"2026-06-01T01:59:44","modified_gmt":"2026-05-31T20:29:44","slug":"nhl-rumors-toronto-maple-leafs-and-finding-a-defenseman","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/ebiztoday.news\/index.php\/2026\/06\/01\/nhl-rumors-toronto-maple-leafs-and-finding-a-defenseman\/","title":{"rendered":"NHL Rumors: Toronto Maple Leafs and Finding a Defenseman"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Would Morgan Rielly<\/a> Really Waive to go to San Jose?<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Max Miller of Sharks Hockey Digest<\/strong><\/a>: Over again, it is a case of pour some cool water on this for now. The thought process lies within the indisputable fact that this will not make much sense for San Jose. The Sharks are attempting to make the playoffs. San Jose was on the bubble for the waning stretches of the regular season. Ultimately, they missed out but San Jose remained close. Does upgrading the defense justify spending this much for Morgan Rielly?<\/p>\n

The Starting of Nico Hischier extension talks<\/a><\/p>\n

While the larger rumor mill guys like Chris Johnston and others portray some smoke here, is there any fire? Remember, Rielly is on the highest of quite a lot of trade lists or close. He also has the dreaded NMC (no-move clause). Bluntly, the defenseman controls where he desires to go. Toronto, irrespective of who’s running the show and has to get his approval on a deal. Now, that limits the choices considerably.<\/p>\n

The Rielly to San Jose rumor, I feel, is blowing in a direction of where does he go. Nevertheless, it’s looking less more likely to be San Jose by the day. This may at all times change. Nevertheless, San Jose does have assets and the hope is that perhaps Grier sweetens the pot a unique way without giving up much in quality. Time will tell here.<\/p>\n

Toronto Desperately Searching for Defensemen<\/h2>\n

Matt Larkin of The Each day Faceoff<\/strong><\/a>: Again, it isn’t any secret that the Maple Leafs are attempting to accumulate a younger, puck-moving defenseman. John Chayka knows it but so does everyone else. These defensemen are going to return at an immense premium. Options rank from Jake Walman<\/a> to Adam Fox<\/a> all of the strategy to Dougie Hamilton<\/a>. Loads of names are on the market.<\/p>\n

Recent York Islanders, Minnesota Wild, and a Top 25 NHL Trade Board<\/a><\/p>\n

Here is where it gets dicey. Walman has a NMC and latest deal that kicks in on July 1st at $7.1 million AAV. Fox commands a big acquisition cost, and Hamilton isn’t getting younger with that $9 million price tag. Does one take a swing at a player like Darren Raddysh<\/a>? Is Raddysh more a system player or is he that good?<\/p>\n

Finally, does Toronto consider that last 12 months was truly an aberration? That can play a job here. Vince Dunn<\/a> is a player who is smart here too with just one 12 months left on his deal. Brandt Clarke<\/a> would involve taking quite a risk and Rasmus Andersson<\/a> is perhaps on the market too. Again, selections are plentiful but buyer beware.<\/p>\n

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