Aside from the obvious, it appears that the next piece of work that Brad Treliving and company want to accomplish this summer is to get a tough defensive lineman.
Appearing on the NHL Network Thursday, Elliott Friedman said this about what could be next for the Leafs: “I don’t think they’re finished there yet. I don’t know if it’s going to be the Ryan Reaves type on defense. I don’t know if those guys are around anymore, but I think they’ll try to get a little longer, meaner and nastier in the blueline.”
With that in mind, I took the liberty of putting together a list of five defenders who might make sense for Toronto to target:
Brett Pesci – Carolina Hurricanes
Pesce is a year away from unrestricted free agency, and there’s no question he’s positioned himself well for the money. However, according to a well-placed source, the 28-year-old will not accept a trade with the Leafs unless there is an extension. He is definitely open to the possibility. Simply put, Pesce is a defensive gem. It’s exactly what the Leafs need, but rest assured, it will cost them.
Nikita Zadorov – Calgary Flames
Because of the apparent connection to Brad Treleving, Zadorov’s name keeps popping up in conversations. Moreover, according to the same source, his purchase price is high, and as of now, the Flames are planning to keep the 28-year-old this summer. Zadorov stayed one year at $3.75 million. He is set to become an unrestricted free agent this coming July.
David Savard – Montreal Canadiens
With Montreal firmly in the rebuilding, you’d think they’d be open to pretty much anything right now. Savard has two years left on his $3.5 million per season deal, which is a very manageable number for the Leafs given what he can bring to the table for them. It’s hard to play against him. Besides, he’s won before – if you’re into that sort of thing.
Robert Bortuzzo – St. Lewis Blues
From a cost standpoint, Bortuzzo makes a lot of sense. The 34-year-old has one year left on his $950,000 deal. He plays with bite, he’s won a Stanley Cup, and most importantly, by all accounts, he’s loved in that room of the Blues. Plus, assuming St. Louis is game to tie a deal, it wouldn’t cost much to get them either. Portuzzo from Thunder Bay.
Jeremy Lauzon – Nashville Predators
The 26-year-old has three years left on his current deal worth $2 million per season. For a team like Toronto, certainty is vital. It’s all. Plus, with the salary cap expected to really start jumping next summer, having Luzon at this price point could be huge. It’s another man to play against.