Toronto Maple Leafs GM John Chayka is expected to go with an economical choice when eyeing a new defenseman.
The Toronto Maple Leafs are expected to explore the trade market for a defenseman after placing veteran Chris Tanev on injured reserve with an upper-body injury. According to The Athletic's Jonas Siegel, Chicago Blackhawks blueliner Ian Cole has emerged as a potential short-term trade target to help replace Tanev's ruggedness and shot-blocking abilities.
Financial constraints pose a challenge for Toronto, with PuckPedia reporting the club is currently $6.65 million over the salary cap. While Cole carries an expiring $4 million contract for the 2026-27 campaign, Siegel also cited Rasmus Ristolainen and Zach Whitecloud as other potential defensive options for general manager John Chayka.
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