Toronto Maple Leafs Trade Rumors: Elite defenseman on his way to Toronto?

In the midst of the NHL trade deadline, rumors are swirling that the Toronto Maple Leafs could be eyeing Washington Capitals defenseman Trevor van Riemsdyk as a potential acquisition.

With the Capitals already selling off Dmitry Orlov and Garnet Hathaway to the Boston Bruins, Van Riemsdyk is now on the market for the right price. The 31-year-old pending unrestricted free agent has quietly put up impressive numbers this season, notching six goals, 16 points and a plus-7 rating in 60 games played.

For the Toronto Maple Leafs, adding defensive depth on the right side is a top priority, and Van Riemsdyk could provide just that. He would be an ideal addition to their bottom pairing, making him a valuable asset to any team.

But what really makes van Riemsdyk an attractive target for the Leafs is his extremely affordable $950,000 cap hit. With Toronto's cap situation already tight, adding a player with a manageable salary would be a huge plus.

While nothing is set in stone, NHL insider Jeff Marek recently discussed the possibility of the Leafs making a push for van Riemsdyk on his show, further fueling trade rumors.

It remains to be seen whether the Maple Leafs will make a move for the Capitals defenseman, but one thing is for sure: Van Riemsdyk is a hot commodity in the trade market, and there will likely be plenty of suitors vying for his services as the deadline approaches.

Toronto Maple Leafs' 2022-23 season so far

The Toronto Maple Leafs have been performing impressively this season, currently holding the second position in the Atlantic Division with 78 points. They are in a strong position to secure a top-four finish, leading the third-placed Tampa Bay Lightning by three points with an additional game in hand.

The team has been exceptional offensively, with William Nylander and Auston Matthews providing a significant boost, contributing a total of 57 goals so far. John Tavares and Matthews have also been instrumental in creating and converting chances, further strengthening the team's offensive prowess.

Defensively, the Toronto Maple Leafs have been solid, allowing an average of just 2.6 goals per game. The goaltenders, led by Ilya Samsonov, have been in excellent form, with a save percentage of 0.915.

As the season reaches its critical stages, the Leafs will be focused on avoiding any losses, especially against weaker teams that could potentially harm their prospects for the remainder of the season.