TSN: Chris Johnston on whether the Toronto Maple Leafs will be looking for a defenseman and a center before the March 7 NHL trade deadline.
** Transcribed by NHLRumors.com
Brian Hayes: “I still think about this Defense Force. I guess my opinion on C.J., in the years leading up to the deadline, I've been playing defense, defense, defense. I don't believe in that going into the trade deadline.” We are not going to continue our attack on the Maple Leafs.
Johnston: “I disagree. I mean, it's probably still a secondary priority right now. I mean, a lot of time, a lot of things can change. You hope no one gets hurt between then and now. But You know, between now and March 7, an injury could derail the entire plan, or force a change in it.
But you know, the other part that we haven't really gotten to know yet is Jani Hakanpaa, who's back in training. But you know, these guys played two games all season with the Maple Leafs and two more games with the Marris. You know, he was signed as a prospect and I think that can help the third pair. But, you know, I don't know what everything is like with him. So he said, if it looks like you can't rely on him to play when it matters, even as a seven or eight-year-old, then you're going to see some injuries there. I mean, sure, I think it's totally reasonable for them to go out and try to find another defensive player.
I don't know yet what's going to happen out there. I mean, you know, probably rental companies like David Savard and Montreal. You know, several other properties that might make sense.
But, you know, I think obviously they're trying to do their most important work in the summer. I mean the (Chris) Tanev acquisition is going really well. I think, you know, overall it's been a good signing so far. He’s a big part of that blue line.
But you know, I agree with you, I still think this is a work in progress and when we get to March 7, I wouldn't be surprised if we're talking about a couple of acquisitions for this team.
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