Breaking: Toronto Maple Leafs win the Luke Schenn sweepstakes

It has been an NHL Trade Deadline to remember for the Toronto Maple Leafs, as GM Kyle Dubas continues to improve the club's roster. The Leafs managed to pull off three deals today, with the most important coming in the form of veteran defenseman Luke Schenn.

"The Maple Leafs continued to add to their playoff depth, and even acquired a draft pick, on Tuesday - but are they still working the phones? Jason Bukala shares his thoughts on Toronto's three trade afternoon." - Sportsnet

Schenn was one of the most sought-after names in the build-up to the trade deadline. A two-time Stanley Cup champion, Schenn's defensive abilities drew interest from several teams around the league, including the Edmonton Oilers, Tampa Bay Lightning and Boston Bruins. However, the Toronto Maple Leafs ended up with the veteran blue liner.

As part of the deal, the Leafs traded a third-round draft pick to the Vancouver Canucks to land Schenn. The Canucks were able to add to their ever-growing stockpile of draft compensation as the club enters a rebuilding stage.

While a third-round draft pick is decent compensation, given the fact that Schenn is a pending unrestricted free agent made the deal a no-brainer for Vancouver.

From the Toronto Maple Leafs' perspective, Schenn will bring his above-average defensive abilities to the team's blue line. At 33 years old, Schenn should have plenty left in the tank for Toronto as the team looks to win its first Stanley Cup since 1967.

"The Maple Leafs' acquisition of defenseman Luke Schenn from the Canucks was part of a very busy day for Toronto three days before the NHL Trade Deadline." - NHL.com

A look at the Toronto Maple Leafs' trades today

The first trade of the day came with the Washington Capitals as the Leafs sent Rasmus Sandin to D.C. in exchange for veteran Erik Gustafsson and a 2023 first-round draft pick. Sandin appeared to be out of favor following the acquisition of Jake McCabe from the Chicago Blackhawks.

"We’ve acquired defenceman Erik Gustafsson & Boston’s first round selection in the 2023 NHL Draft from the Washington Capitals in exchange for defenceman Rasmus Sandin" - Toronto Maple Leafs

The third deal of the day came with the Toronto Maple Leafs clearing some roster space by sending Pierre Engvall to the New York Islanders in exchange for a 2024 third-round pick. Engvall will likely compete for minutes in New York's bottom six.

The move helped Toronto open up space on their roster after the team acquired Ryan O'Reilly and Noel Acciari from the St. Louis Blues earlier this month.