Rumor: Speculation about a big trade between the Leafs and Panthers.

The Toronto Maple Leafs have been routinely connected to trades involving defensemen in the National Hockey League since the end of their season, although those rumors have generally focused around the Anaheim Ducks.

That being said, Jonathan Willis of Leafs Nation believes that the Florida Panthers would offer Toronto an even better solution, with the Panthers facing some of the same issues that will plague Anaheim at the expansion draft.

As a result Willis believes that both defensemen Jason Demers and Mark Pysyk could be potential trade options for the Leafs, and with both defensemen playing on the right-hand side they would certainly fit what Toronto is looking for. 

From Leafs Nation:

Demers could be a phenomenal fit for the Leafs. Toronto doesn’t need a power play defender, but rather someone capable of doing yeoman’s work against strong opponents at both even-strength and on the penalty kill. His price tag is reasonable and while he’d add experience to the back end he’s not so old that the wheels are about to fall off. For an up-and-coming team, his steadiness and versatility seem a logical fit.

Pysyk would be a solid addition, too, and he’s well-suited to the role of shutdown defender. Although less of a sure thing than Demers, he’s younger and will certainly be cheaper, and could grow alongside the Maple Leafs’ core.

[pub]

Demers is the older of the two defensemen, however he also comes with the most control being under contract through the 2020-2021 season at a cap hit of $4.5 million per season. 

Pysyk on the other hand is set to be a restricted free agent, something that would give the Leafs the ability to negotiate a deal that they feel would better fit their organizational structure whether than be in regards to term or salary. He also has the added benefit of being 25-years-old making him 3 years younger than Demers.

Should the Leafs and/or Panthers pull the trigger on such a deal?