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Insider confirms the Toronto Maple Leafs' ideal trade target


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Alexander Cole
December 25, 2025  (9:49)
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Dec 23, 2025; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Chris Tanev (8) greets forward Bobby McMann who scored an empty net goal against the Pittsburgh Penguins in the third period at Scotiabank Arena.
Photo credit: Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images

The Toronto Maple Leafs have some big decisions to make right now, and general manager Brad Treliving is looking to overhaul his roster as best as he can.

If you have been watching the Toronto Maple Leafs this season, you have probably noticed some pretty glaring holes in the roster.
One of the biggest holes involves the defense. The team doesn't have a right-handed puck-moving defenseman, which is a huge issue that needs to be rectified.
The team has been seeking out guys like Rasmus Andersson and Dougie Hamilton, but a concrete move does not appear to be imminent.
However, insider David Pagnotta now has some information on the Maple Leafs that all but confirms what we already knew about general manager Craig Berube.

The Maple Leafs have a target

Simply put, the Maple Leafs are still very much looking for a puck-moving defenseman right now, and that will be the goal all the way until the trade deadline.
They're looking for that puck mover on the back end
If you are a fan of the Toronto Maple Leafs, you are probably excited for a move to get made, especially with the team's struggles to start the season.
Perhaps the lack of offense from guys like Auston Matthews and Matthew Knies could be attributed to the lack of offense in the back end.
Either way, there is no doubt that the current roster isn't good enough, and being last place in the Eastern Conference is proof of that.
Should the Leafs make a move, it is going to cost them a lot, and we can only imagine what Treliving is willing to give up at this point in the season.
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DECEMBRE 25   |   473 ANSWERS
Insider confirms the Toronto Maple Leafs' ideal trade target

Do you believe the Toronto Maple Leafs need to make some trades?

YES43391.5 %
NO408.5 %
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