Trade rumours heating up in Toronto!

The Toronto Maple Leafs could be gearing up for a mid-season shakeup on the blue line. Reports hinted that they attempted to sign Egor Zamula, but with him off the market, league insiders suggest the Leafs are continuing to explore options for a puck-moving defenseman capable of stabilizing a back end that has struggled at times this season.

Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet pointed to Toronto’s ongoing search after the Columbus Blue Jackets signed Zamula to a one-year deal Tuesday. Zamula had just cleared unconditional waivers following a whirlwind couple of days that saw him traded from the Philadelphia Flyers to Pittsburgh in late December, only to have his contract terminated. While Zamula’s journey ended in Columbus, the Maple Leafs appear undeterred in seeking reinforcements.

Adding fuel to the fire, Darren Dreger of TSN highlighted the uncertainty surrounding Chris Tanev. The veteran defenseman has battled injury and, if surgery becomes necessary, questions about his availability for the remainder of the season could leave the Leafs thin on the back end.

“If Tanev requires surgery, it’s fair to ask whether he’ll be available this season,” Dreger noted, underscoring the urgency for GM Brad Treliving to continue scouting the market.

Then on Friday morning, Jonas Siegel also reported work behind the scenes in Toronto to improve their ailing blue line:

Toronto’s search is about more than just filling a roster spot. The Leafs are looking for a defenseman who can move the puck effectively and contribute offensively, particularly on the power play. With Tanev’s status uncertain and the season already in full swing, Treliving’s options may be limited, which could lead to a high-stakes trade scenario before the NHL’s trade deadline.

While nothing is imminent, insiders suggest the Leafs’ focus is clear: they need a reliable presence on the blue line to help sustain their playoff push and ensure the team remains competitive in a tightly contested Atlantic Division. Fans can expect the trade rumors to intensify in the coming weeks as Toronto actively evaluates potential targets.