Maple Leafs Liked Trouba: Could Revisit Trade if Ducks Eager

While they were the team that acquired the defenseman, it’s already known that the Anaheim Ducks weren’t the only team to kick tires on a Jacob Trouba trade. The Detroit Red Wings, Columbus Blue Jackets, and a few others were said to be intrigued. What wasn’t widely talked about was the apparent interest from the Toronto Maple Leafs, who one writer says might still be interested.

---

---

According to Toronto Sun writer Steve Simmons: “Leafs management likes big defenceman Jacob Trouba, the recently traded Rangers captain. And they might have some interest in Trouba, if Anaheim or somebody else eats a lot of salary, at the deadline.”

The Maple Leafs can’t afford an $8 million Trouba like the Ducks were willing to take on. But, if Anaheim were to flip the blueliner ahead of the deadline and take on salary to acquire picks or prospects, Toronto might be up for a more serious conversation. It would give GM Brad Treliving another gritty, no-nonsense defender who would make the team tougher to play against at the most important time of the year. Trouba might also help coach Craig Berube, who is always looking for a little more “compete” from his lineup.

Could Maple Leafs Even Fit Someone Like Trouba on the Roster?

Ultimately, Simmons believes the Maple Leafs will look at a forward in March versus upgrading their blue line, which was given a total overhaul this offseason. Still, it’s too soon to rule out another addition on the blue line, especially given the recent health issues on the roster.

The Maple Leafs have been hit hard by injuries this season, and depth has become a bit of a problem. However, as players get healthy, there’s an overflow of contracts on the main roster and something might have to give.

The team recently got veteran forward Max Pacioretty back from injury forwards Bobby McMann and Max Domi are soon to follow. Defenseman Jake McCabe should return over the course of this week. There isn’t enough cap room for everyone, likely meaning some demotions are coming. Nick Robertson’s future is in doubt. Could that open the door to Robertson being moved as part of a trade between the two teams?

It may not be what the trade looks like when it’s done, but Robertson for Trouba being a conversation starter could be intriguing.

Next: Is Oilers’ Blue Line Game-Changer Noted by Scribe Sustainable?