The Toronto Maple Leafs have made a significant move ahead of the trade deadline, acquiring defenseman Joel Edmundson from the Washington Capitals for future draft picks. With this move completed, attention turns to what else the Leafs might do before the trade deadline.
One possibility is that the Leafs make no further moves. However, for a team with aspirations of a deep playoff run, standing pat could send the wrong message. Making just one move when other teams are active could suggest a lack of commitment to winning. Therefore, it’s likely the Leafs will look to make at least one more move to strengthen their lineup.
Another scenario is that the Leafs make one or two minor moves. This has been a common approach for the Leafs in recent years, addressing specific needs without making a big splash. For example, they’ve added veteran players like Mark Giordano, Tomas Plekanec, and Brian Boyle in past deadlines. With the Leafs already adding Edmundson for defensive help, they may look to add depth in other areas like goaltending or scoring forwards.
A less likely scenario is that the Leafs make a major blockbuster move. However, this is unlikely due to the team’s limited draft capital and salary cap constraints. Any major move would require significant salary retention or trading away current players, which could disrupt the team’s chemistry. While fans may hope for a big move like acquiring a top goalie, it’s improbable given the current circumstances.
In conclusion, while the Leafs have made a solid move in acquiring Edmundson, they are likely not done yet. Expect them to make at least one more move to bolster their lineup for a potential playoff push.
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