Friedman Links Promising 6 Foot 7 Defenseman to the Maple Leafs

Elliotte Friedman shared his insights on the latest episode of his 32 Thoughts podcast, which was released yesterday. Among the intriguing topics discussed was the potential trade involving Sam Lafferty. During the conversation, Friedman dropped a subtle hint that several teams, including the Edmonton Oilers, had expressed interest in acquiring Lafferty.

When delving into the Lafferty trade scenario, Friedman speculated that the Toronto Maple Leafs had a particular player in mind as their desired return from the Oilers. This player was Vincent Desharnais, a 6-foot-7 defenseman known for his physical style of play.

It's no secret that many people believe the Toronto Maple Leafs' defense lacks in physicality. In the eyes of many fans and media outlets, this is the team's most glaring weakness. While the pursuit of Desharnais didn't materialize this time, Friedman hinted that it wouldn't be surprising to see the Maple Leafs revisit this opportunity.

The Maple Leafs might manage well during the regular season without making any major defensive additions. However, they could encounter difficulties in the playoffs, where the game becomes more intense and physical. This situation implies that the Maple Leafs may engage in trade discussions for a defenseman like Desharnais as the trade deadline approaches.

Toronto has already bolstered its physicality and toughness among its forwards. It will be intriguing to observe whether these additions are sufficient to alter the team's playing style and, more importantly, whether they can satisfy the fans' expectations.

As seen on Hockey Patrol - Edmonton Oilers 6 Foot 7 Defenseman Linked To Maple Leafs By Elliott Friedman