Your Call: Should the Leafs trade for Letang?

He’d certainly fill a need… but is the price worth the return?

HockeyFeed
HockeyFeed
Published 6 years ago
Your Call: Should the Leafs trade for Letang?
Keystone Press

With the defending Pittsburgh Penguins in serious risk of missing the playoffs this season, the alarm bells are ringing in city of Pittsburgh. This has led to widespread speculation and trade rumors, with everyone short of Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin popping up in reports.

NHL insider Elliotte Friedman recently brought up defenceman Kris Letang as a potential trade chip for the Penguins, so now we ask, “should the Leafs trade for him?”

The 30-year old Letang certainly adds an element that the Leafs are lacking. An offensive, minute munching blue liner capable of playing in almost any situation. The three-time Stanley Cup champion obviously has an injury history but, Erik Karlsson aside, he’s probably the best defenceman available on the NHL trade market. He’s a right-shooting defenseman and would fit perfectly alongside Morgan Rielly on the Leafs’ top pairing. But… what would it take to get him? 

It’s no secret that the Penguins have been searching for a 3rd line centre. Enter: Tyler Bozak. Obviously Bozak himself isn’t enough of a return for the Pens to ship out Letang, but could the addition of an impact player like James van Riemsdyk AND a first round pick or a prospect get things done? 

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