TORONTO – Brad Treliving was ready to make a big move before the NHL trade deadline.
The Maple Leafs general manager instead opted for a depth addition after making two moves to strengthen his defensive squad.
Toronto will now hope that any remaining uncertainties can be resolved internally.
“There are definitely some areas I really like,” Treliving said about his team’s performance shortly after Friday’s 3 p.m. deadline. “There are areas that we need to improve. We tried to make some moves to address certain areas.”
This included adding more size, aggression and experience to the defense with the acquisition of six-foot-five Joel Edmundson from the Washington Capitals on Thursday and the reacquisition of Ilya Lyubushkin from the Arizona Coyotes last week.
The Leafs’ only transaction on Friday involved the acquisition of center Connor Dewar from the Minnesota Wild in exchange for a fourth-round pick in the 2026 NHL draft and AHL forward Dmitry Ovchinnikov.
“Ultimately, a lot of the solutions will come from the guys in the locker room,” Treliving said. “That’s the reality of the situation. We have a group that’s motivated, we have a group that’s hungry.”
Former Leafs GM Kyle Dubas made significant moves before last season’s deadline by acquiring forwards Ryan O’Reilly, Noel Acciari and Sam Lafferty, along with defensemen Jake McCabe, Luke Schenn and Erik Gustafsson in a series of trades.
Toronto won a playoff round for the first time in nearly two decades, but the acquisitions – and other deals made during his tenure – left the cupboard relatively empty for Treliving, who took over from Dubas after his dramatic departure from the organization last spring.
The Leafs have a first-round pick in June, but don’t have a second- or third-round pick. Toronto's next scheduled pick isn't until the fifth round in 2025.
“You’re trying to improve your team in the ways that you can,” Treliving said. “There are major moves that occur, and then there are small incremental moves.
“That’s what we were trying to do with our team.”
The Leafs currently hold the third position in the Atlantic Division and seem to be heading for a playoff matchup with the Boston Bruins, who defeated Toronto twice this week.
Leafs sharpshooter Auston Matthews is on track to score more than 70 goals in 2023-24, while fellow star forwards Mitch Marner and William Nylander are also having exceptional seasons.
“There's great potential for our group,” Treliving said. “Our top guys are having successful seasons. They are elite players. We want that to continue. We have work to do in the next 20 games to reach our playoff goal, but I think the group is about building.
“I really believe in our group. And now that belief, we need to focus on achieving the task ahead of us.”
ACQUIRING DEWAR
The 24-year-old Dewar has scored 10 goals and provided four assists in 57 games this season.
“Solid defensively,” Treliving said. “A very competitive player. And hopefully he can contribute to the penalty kill.”
LOSING LAGESSON
Toronto lost defenseman William Lagesson to the Anaheim Ducks on waivers Friday. The 28-year-old had four assists in 30 games in 2023-24.
The Canadian Press originally released this report on March 8, 2024.
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