Maple Leafs Predicted to Land Star in Blockbuster Move

The Toronto Maple Leafs continue to explore different ways to add to the team before the start of next season. After losing star Mitch Marner in free agency, the Maple Leafs are eyeing ways to replace his production in the lineup.

Toronto has its eyes set on going after a Stanley Cup title next season, and the front office has been very active this summer. The Maple Leafs have fallen short in the playoffs each season, and it has become a source of frustration.

Some insiders have believed that Toronto is being intentionally patient with moves this offseason as they wait for the correct one to open up to them. And it seems that the Maple Leafs may have gotten their wish.

Toronto has been searching for a way to improve the defensive unit, and the best way for them to do that would likely be a trade. One name that has been linked with the Maple Leafs is star defender Dougie Hamilton of the New Jersey Devils.

NHL writer Adam Gretz of Bleacher Report is now listing Toronto as a potential landing spot for the Devils' star.

"The Maple Leafs already have a lot of big-money, veteran defensemen on their roster, so do they need another? Well, if the goal is to win a Stanley Cup and get better ... then yeah. They do. And Hamilton would certainly fill the need," Gretz wrote.

Adding a player like Hamilton could be a massive upgrade for this Maple Leafs roster. While Hamilton does have a fairly large contract, his production on the ice can't be ignored.

Last season with the Devils, Hamilton put up nine goals and 31 assists. If anything, his presence along the blueline would help this Toronto team, and could make them much more formidable in the Eastern Conference.

New Jersey has been rumored to be dangling Hamilton in trade talks, and if he is truly available, Toronto should be all-in to land him. This could be the difference between another early playoff exit and the Maple Leafs actually contending for a title next season.