Top-pairing defenseman emerges as potential trade target for Maple Leafs

NHL insider Frank Seravalli released his new updated trade board, and with the Maple Leafs needing some defensive help, one name could be a massive help on the blue line.

GM Brad Treliving has to make some type of deal to help the Maple Leafs get to that next level, and whether it's a trade for a premium center or a shutdown defenseman, there are definite holes that need improving.

Speculation abounds about who can be brought in, and Seravalli has been keeping an eye on things. His latest trade board has a litany of targets, but one who could help Toronto lands himself at No. 14: Connor Murphy.

Connor Murphy could be Jake McCabe 2.0 for Maple Leafs

Seems familiar, eh? Toronto trades for a veteran defenseman from Chicago who ends up being a stud. It happened with Jake McCabe and it should happen with Murphy.

The 6-foot-4, 212-pound blueliner is exactly the remedy for a struggling Morgan Rielly. He blocks tons of shots, throws his huge frame around, can contribute a bit offensively, has a high hockey IQ and can give Rielly a break if he pinches up, knowing Murphy has his back in transition.

Seravalli gave a bit more insight into why Murphy makes sense:

"Remember when the Blackhawks retained half on defenseman Jake McCabe's deal and knocked him down to just $2 million to send him to Toronto? That deal worked out great for the Leafs. Chicago could do it again with Murphy. There is a reason the Blackhawks preserved their final salary retention slot in the Taylor Hall/Mikko Rantanen trade. It could be to potentially retain Seth Jones, though that isn't preferred, or it could be to get creative on a deal like one for Murphy - who is a perfectly serviceable if not flashy No. 4 defenseman. The youth movement is on the way in Chicago."

Maybe Toronto can look to Chicago again and snag Murphy this year. He costs $4.4M, but if it can get retention, a shutdown defenseman for Morgan Rielly at $2.2M is an absolute steal. With the Blackhawks rebuilding and Murphy already 31, it doesn't seem like the best fit.

He shouldn't cost too much, either, and certainly won't be a Fraser Minten or Easton Cowan level of player. It's possible Toronto can trade away Nick Robertson and Topi Niemala with its 2026 third-round draft pick to get things done.

Murphy would be the perfect addition to a Maple Leafs blue line that, while older, is meant to be a brick wall between the opponents and the net. Toronto needs one more piece to build the strongest protection possible not only in the regular season but the playoffs.