As the Maple Leafs round out their roster for this approaching 25-26 campaign, one area of the lineup that could use some improvement is their defensive core.
With a backend currently consisting of Rielly-McCabe-Tanev-Carlo-Larsson-Benoit, it’s a solid blueline. But another true top 4 piece back there could work wonders come playoff time when defense wins championships.
Cole Shelton of Heavy Sports has an intriguing trade idea that sees Toronto address this need by performing a trade with the Seattle Kraken that lands the Leafs a reliable 2 way minute muncher to their D core.
Toronto acquires: Vince Dunn
Seattle acquires: Oliver Ekman-Larsson, Ben Danford, 2026 3rd round pick
How does Vince Dunn help the Leafs?
Vince Dunn is one of the more underrated defenseman in the NHL. He can play over 20 minutes a night in the Leafs top 4 and both special teams units. He is coming off a 11 goal, 28 assist season in Seattle. On a Toronto team with more firepower around him he would likely return close to his peak production that saw him record 64 points in the 22-23 season.
For Seattle, they get back Oliver Ekman-Larsson in return, a fellow defenseman but in the backend of his career. However, he can still be a superb top 6 option on their blueline. They also get back another defenseman in Ben Danford, who is a promising 1st round pick prospect that could help them in the future.
Overall, it’s a interesting trade idea that appears to make sense for both sides. The Leafs are in win-now mode and immediately strengthen their defensive group with this deal. Seattle’s winning days are down the road, they make a sacrifice in the present that could pay off down the line.
