We all know that the Toronto Maple Leafs will have to shed salary somewhere to bring in a top-talent defenceman. NHL trade rumors were already going around about a Mitch Marner for Seth Jones trade.
Luke Fox of Sportsnet is reporting the Toronto Maple Leafs should target UFA Dougie Hamilton. Hamilton is searching for long-term security and an AAV that begins with an eight. (Maybe that drops to a seven if Hamilton gets his desired eight years?)
In order for the Leafs to accommodate Hamilton’s salary, Toronto will have to trade Morgan Rielly. Even if the Seattle Kraken select Alex Kerfoot in the expansion draft next month, another salary will have to be moved out.
Hamilton is the best goal-scorer at his position, leading all NHL defenceman over the past four years, he would bring the powerplay quarterback the Leafs need.
NHL rumors also have the Winnipeg Jets, Philadelphia Flyers and Chicago Blackhawks interested in Hamilton.
