The Toronto Maple Leafs continue their quest to bolster their blue line, and it seems they may have shifted their focus away from Montreal’s David Savard.
TSN’s NHL insider Chris Johnston suggests Washington Capitals defenseman Joel Edmundson could be a better fit for the team’s needs.
Joel Edmundson: The Ideal Trade Target for the Leafs
Edmundson is the type of physical, stay-at-home defenseman the Leafs desperately need. At 6’5″ and 221 lbs, he brings an imposing presence, and his veteran experience would be valuable as Toronto prepares for another playoff run. He’s logged over 16 minutes of ice time per game this season and has contributed 6 points in 44 games.
Salary cap implications are always a factor in trade discussions, and Edmundson’s $1.75M cap hit is attractive, especially as he’s a pending unrestricted free agent. This provides Toronto flexibility for the off-season. The Leafs may only need to part with a 3rd round draft pick to acquire him, a worthwhile gamble for a player of his caliber.
Why Edmundson Over Savard?
While Savard offers some offensive upside, Edmundson fills a more pressing need within Toronto’s defensive corps. The Leafs need to solidify their own zone and excel in the hard areas of the ice. Edmundson’s size, reach and physical style fit that bill.
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