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Toronto Maple Leafs linked to former 10th overall pick as trade rumors intensify
Photo credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images
Toronto Maple Leafs trade rumors are beginning to take shape, and with the team struggling to win games, they are now being linked to the Anaheim Ducks.
If there is one issue the Toronto Maple Leafs are facing this season, it would be the lack of offense on the back end. While Morgan Rielly and Oliver Ekman-Larsson have carried their weight, the rest of the lineup just isn't cutting it.
Not to mention, the Leafs are dealing with injuries to Chris Tanev and Brandon Carlo. This has forced Dakota Mermis, Philippe Myers, and Troy Stecher to step up their game. Unfortunately, they haven't been able to do so.
Thankfully, there are some options on the trade market right now, including the Anaheim Ducks' 2022 10th overall pick, Pavel Mintyukov.
Toronto Maple Leafs could use a defenseman like Pavel Mintyukov
Mintyukov has fallen down the Ducks' depth chart, and prior to his start this weekend, he had been a healthy scratch in three straight games.
He has reportedly demanded a trade, and now, the Ducks are shopping him around. According to The Fourth Period, the Toronto Maple Leafs are one of the teams eyeing Mintyukov.
At 21 years old, Mintyukov still has a lot of growth in his game. However, due to his age and potential, the Ducks are going to ask for a hefty haul, and as we all know, the Leafs don't have many assets.
That said, the promise of a puck-moving defenseman could be enough to get Leafs general manager Brad Treliving to pull the trigger.
Pavel Mintyukov's stats at a glance
Pavel Mintyukov has not been nearly as effective this season as he has been in years past. In 19 games, he has zero goals and a total of just three assists.
This is a far cry from two seasons ago, when the defenseman had four goals, 24 assists, and 28 points in what was a sensational rookie campaign. Last season, he had five goals and 19 points.
Whether or not he is able to get his season together is something that still remains to be seen. However, if one thing is for certain, it is that he has the offensive skills the Maple Leafs so desperately need from their defense.
| POLL | ||
NOVEMBRE 24 | 491 ANSWERS Toronto Maple Leafs linked to former 10th overall pick as trade rumors intensify Do you believe Pavel Mintyukov is someone who could make an impact on the Toronto Maple Leafs? | ||
| YES | 255 | 51.9 % |
| NO | 236 | 48.1 % |
| List of polls | ||