Maple Leafs should consider claiming former first-round defenseman placed on waivers by Utah

Valimaki struggled with Utah this season, registering only two goals and three assists in 43 games.

The 26-year-old was claimed off waivers by the Arizona Coyotes, and then subsequently became a member of Utah once the team made the switch.

But with his waiver assignment, should the Maple Leafs take advantage and scoop him up for cheap?

Juuso Valimaki a cheap and reliable third-pairing defenseman

With the Maple Leafs looking to add some defensive help without breaking the bank, they should look to Valimaki for help.

Though he's struggled this season, Valimaki has been a capable offensive producer at times, with a career-high 34 points in 2022-23 with the Coyotes.

For his career, he has 11 goals and 61 assists in 271 games with Calgary, Arizona, and Utah.

Toronto needs to have a more reliable puck-moving defenseman alongside Simon Benoit, and Conor Timmins nor Philippe Myers is the answer.

He fits the bill on the size requirement at 6-foot-2, 201 pounds and was a former top-20 pick, so he still has potential, plus, he's only 26, so he is just reaching his prime years and, with some help, could turn into a serviceable two-way defender.

At only a $2M cap hit, he's not an expensive option and would give Brad Treliving a piece he can work with while focusing his attention on other holes in the Leafs lineup.

If the Maple Leafs want to add Valimaki to their squad, they will have 24 hours to do so before the waiver assignment expires.