June 19, 2024 | 5:31pm ET
TheFourthPeriod.com

MAPLE LEAFS SEEKING BIG BODIES ON DEFENCE

Maple Leafs GM Brad Treliving

The Toronto Maple Leafs are looking to add some size to their blueline this off-season, as GM Brad Treliving is believed to be in the market for a big defenceman or two.

Treliving is believed to be exploring all options, both via free agency and the trade market. The Leafs have already been linked to pending unrestricted free agent blueliner Nikita Zadorov, who could hit the market July 1 if he does not sign a new deal with the Vancouver Canucks.

As TFP David Pagnotta has previously reported, the Leafs have expressed an interest in re-signing Joel Edmundson, but the big blueliner is set on testing the free agent before making any decisions on his immediate future.

On the trade front, the Maple Leafs have been linked to St. Louis Blues rearguard Colton Payrayko, who has a full no movement clause would have to approve any trade the St. Louis Blues attempt to complete; Treliving reportedly had interest goes back to when he was with the flames.

With slightly more than $18.83 million in available salary cap space for the 2024-25 season, the Maple Leafs do not have significant wiggle room to work with. Toronto remains in contract negotiations with pending UFA forward Tyler Bertuzzi and have also been discussing a deal with Max Domi.

While the blueline is a priority this off-season, the team is also navigating the waters on Mitch Marner’s future, as there is a belief they will entertain trade calls from a select few teams.