The Maple Leafs have bolstered their defense and forward group ahead of the trade deadline, adding size and depth to their roster. Defenseman Joel Edmundson, acquired at six-foot-five, brings a physical presence and a focus on defensive play. He is expected to make an immediate impact alongside newly acquired depth center Connor Dewar, known for his defensive responsibility and penalty-killing skills.
General Manager Brad Treliving opted for small, incremental moves, avoiding major overhauls to the team’s core. He values top prospects and made deals with an eye on long-term improvement. Dewar, acquired from the Minnesota Wild, cost the Leafs a fourth-round draft pick in 2026 and forward Dmitry Ovchinnikov, who will remain with the AHL’s Marlies.
The addition of Dewar addresses a weakness in penalty killing, an area the Leafs have struggled with. Treliving emphasized Dewar’s defensive skills and versatility, noting that having multiple reliable centers is a positive for the team. Dewar’s arrival should bolster the fourth line and provide stability in key defensive situations.
Treliving’s strategy also focused on adding size to the blue line, evident in the acquisitions of six-foot-two Ilya Lyubushkin and six-foot-seven prospect Cade Webber. Webber, currently playing for Boston University, is expected to join the Leafs’ organization once his college season concludes. Treliving praised Webber’s defensive abilities and sees him as a key addition for the team’s future.
In addition to these moves, the Leafs made minor adjustments, such as assigning rookie Matthew Knies to the Marlies roster to open up salary-cap space and a roster spot. This move also makes Knies eligible for the AHL Calder Cup playoffs, providing him with valuable postseason experience if the Marlies advance further than the Leafs in the playoffs.
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