The Toronto Maple Leafs are expected to make trades as the deadline approaches, with one proposal suggesting they add another defenseman.
Using the PuckGM tool from PuckPedia, a user suggested a trade in which the Maple Leafs would obtain Matt Dumba from the Dallas Stars.
The proposed deal includes:
– Matt Dumba
– A fourth-round pick in 2025 (from Winnipeg)
Stars acquire:
– Timothy Liljegren
– Nick Robertson
This proposed trade makes sense as Toronto would gain a veteran defenseman to bolster their lineup immediately, while Dallas would receive two young players who can contribute now and in the future, despite having fallen out of favor in Toronto.
The Maple Leafs would bring in Dumba, who signed a two-year, $7.5 million contract with Dallas in the offseason. The experienced defenseman could slot into Toronto’s third pairing, providing both physicality and offensive support. Over his NHL career, Dumba has played 679 games, scoring 83 goals and recording 165 assists for a total of 248 points.
In exchange, Dallas would receive Liljegren and Robertson, both of whom have been healthy scratches this season in Toronto.
Liljegren recently signed a two-year, $6 million extension with the Maple Leafs and could take Dumba’s place on the Stars’ blue line, bringing some youth to their roster.
Robertson would have the opportunity to play alongside his brother, Jason Robertson, who is one of the top players on the Stars.
Analysts anticipate that the Maple Leafs will trade Liljegren and Robertson. Both players were high draft picks for Toronto and were expected to be significant contributors to the team.
Liljegren was picked 17th overall by the Maple Leafs in the 2017 NHL Draft, while Robertson was chosen in the second round of the 2020 NHL Draft.
The Maple Leafs are likely to express interest in Dumba if he becomes available in trade discussions.
At the 2024 NHL trade deadline, the Maple Leafs were reportedly interested in Dumba.
“The Leafs have reached out to Anaheim about pending UFA defenseman Ilya Lyubushkin,” wrote Pierre LeBrun of The Athletic in March. “I wonder if he might be the best fit for them right now, depending on the price, given his physical play. However, it’s not guaranteed that the Ducks will trade Lyubushkin, as they value the positive influence he’s had on their younger players, especially rookie defenseman Pavel Mintyukov.” Ultimately, Toronto traded for Lyubushkin, while the Tampa Bay Lightning acquired Dumba.
At the 2024 NHL trade deadline, the Maple Leafs were reportedly interested in Dumba.
“The Leafs have reached out to Anaheim about pending UFA defenseman Ilya Lyubushkin,” wrote Pierre LeBrun of The Athletic in March. “I wonder if he might be the best fit for them right now, depending on the price, given his physical play. However, it’s not guaranteed that the Ducks will trade Lyubushkin, as they value the positive influence he’s had on their younger players, especially rookie defenseman Pavel Mintyukov.” Ultimately, Toronto traded for Lyubushkin, while the Tampa Bay Lightning acquired Dumba.
