Rumor: Leafs scouting Canucks for deadline day trade?

According to multiple reports, Vancouver Canucks defenceman Erik Gudbranson will hit the trade market later this season, as his struggling club comes to grips with the fact that they’ll likely fail to qualify for the playoffs once again. The 25-year-old Gudbranson is on an expiring contract that pays him $3.5 million annually and is set to become a restricted free-agent this summer. 

While he’s not likely to be mistaken for Drew Doughty anytime soon, there is a lot to like about Gudbranson and he seems like a particularly good fit for the Leafs’ roster. It’s no secret to Leafs fans that the team’s blue line can be particularly… how can we put it? Soft. Softer than Charmin Ultra, in fact. In Gudbranson the Leafs could acquire a right-shooting, tough as nails defender, something they sorely need.

Gudbranson was acquired by the Canucks in 2016 from the Florida Panthers in exchange for Jared McCann and a 2nd round draft pick. Since then he’s put together two mediocre seasons on a mediocre team that looks a long way away from competing. Given the trajectory of his current team and the value of his skills on the trade market, does it make sense for him to stay in Vancouver? Might the Leafs want to sniff around Canucks GM Jim Benning a bit to make an offer? Time will tell. Stay tuned, Leafs fans… there could be something here.