Maple Leafs Could Add Veteran Via Trade To Improve Physicality

The Toronto Maple Leafs have struggled in the playoffs to succeed. Many believe this is due to a lack of physicality especially defensively. This offseason the Leafs have not really addressed physicality on defense much.

John Klingberg is an offensive defenseman who will take some burden off of Morgan Rielly but is not a physical presence. Their other addition Simon Benoit is a young physical defenseman who struggled mightily in an everyday role with the Anaheim Ducks last season. This leaves a significant need for the Leafs to find a defenseman who can play a good amount of minutes, bring physicality, and stay healthy while doing it.

One name that has been heavily suggested in recent weeks has been Luke Schenn. Schenn played last season partially with the Vancouver Canucks but then joined the Leafs for their playoff run.

During his time with the Leafs, he brought physicality and stability to the back end while playing 15 to 20 minutes a night. Currently, he is on a one-year deal with the Nashville Predators. This makes Schenn a likely candidate to be available at the trade deadline if the Preds are out of the playoff race.

If the Leafs are once again struggling to defend throughout the regular season it might make sense for Brad Treliving to call up new Predators General Manager Barry Trotz and try to make a deal. Schenn would provide a familiar face to fill one of the most needed roles on the Leafs.