3 Potential Maple Leafs Defense Targets to Bolster Blueline

The Toronto Maple Leafs are certainly not where they expected to be this season. They are currently seventh in the Atlantic Division standings and six points behind the Boston Bruins for the final wild card spot in the Eastern Conference.

With how this season has gone for the Maple Leafs, there is certainly a chance that they will be sellers leading up to the 2026 NHL trade deadline. While this is the case, they should also not be afraid to add to their roster if potential acquisitions can help them beyond this season. This is especially the case for their blueline, which clearly needs a boost.

Given this, let’s look at three defensemen the Maple Leafs should consider adding, whether through trade ahead of the deadline or free agency this summer.

Dougie Hamilton, New Jersey Devils

It is no secret that the New Jersey Devils want to trade Dougie Hamilton, and the Maple Leafs have been connected to him this season. It is understandable, as the veteran blueliner would upgrade the Maple Leafs’ right side nicely. He could be a great fit in their top four and would be a clear option for their power play because of his puck-moving ability. However, he also has an expensive $9 million cap hit until the end of the 2027-28 season, so Toronto would need to get creative to afford him.

Justin Faulk, St. Louis Blues

Justin Faulk is another interesting name in the trade market that could make a lot of sense for the Maple Leafs to pursue. The 33-year-old defenseman is having a strong year with the St. Louis Blues, as he has recorded 11 goals and 30 points in 57 games. Due to his steady two-way play, he would be a fit in Toronto’s top four and on both of their special-team units. He would also be more than a rental, as he has a $6.5 million cap hit until the end of the 2027-28 season.

Darren Raddysh, Tampa Bay Lightning

With the Tampa Bay Lightning being at the top of the Atlantic Division standings, it is highly unlikely that they will trade Darren Raddysh ahead of the deadline. However, the right-shot defenseman is a pending unrestricted free agent (UFA) and would be a clear target for Toronto to consider if he hits the market. The Maple Leafs are already being viewed as a potential landing spot for the right-shot defenseman, and he could be a nice addition for them. He has been simply fantastic for the Bolts this season, as evidenced by his 17 goals, 35 assists, 52 points, and plus-17 rating in 49 games.

NEXT: Oilers’ Trade Deadline Focus May Be Shifting in a Big Way