The Toronto Maple Leafs defense core has been decimated by injuries this season. With key veterans Chris Tanev and Brandon Carlo sidelined for the foreseeable future, the depth chart is being tested. To make matters worse, depth defenders Simon Benoit, Matt Benning, and Marshall Rifai have all missed significant time this year, leaving the blue line in a fragile state.
Bright Spots Amidst the Struggles
While the injury bug bites, the Leafs have also seen the continued struggles of long-time cornerstone Morgan Rielly, who has once again lost his spot on the team’s top powerplay unit.
However, it hasn’t been all bad news. Oliver Ekman-Larsson has seemingly turned back the clock, currently tied for the lead in points by a defender. Additionally, Troy Stecher has become a major bright spot after being claimed off waivers. Yet, despite these individual successes, the collective state of the Leafs’ defense remains a mess.
The Blockbuster Trade Proposal
This week, a potential solution emerged that could completely transform the look of the Leafs’ back end. Former player turned NHL analyst and insider Nick Kypreos floated the idea of a massive blockbuster: The Toronto Maple Leafs sending Morgan Rielly to the Edmonton Oilers in exchange for Darnell Nurse.
A Fresh Start for Rielly and Nurse
This proposed move presents a unique opportunity for two polarizing players to get a fresh start—something both likely need. Over the last couple of years, both Rielly and Nurse have seen their offensive production decline, and both have become targets of their respective fan bases for being perceived as overpaid relative to their on-ice performance.
For the Edmonton Oilers, opportunities to move Darnell Nurse’s contract are slim. Nurse has four years remaining on a deal that pays him $9.25 million per season. Conversely, Rielly has three years remaining at a $7.5 million cap hit. Could a swap of these two struggling defenders be exactly what the doctor ordered?
Tactical Fit: Why It Works for Toronto
For the Leafs, Nurse could be a perfect replacement for Rielly. With Jake McCabe currently eating the majority of defensive minutes on the left side, Nurse could slot in behind him. This deployment would open Nurse up to fill a more offensive-minded role without the pressure of being the undisputed number one.
Despite the current negative perception of Nurse, he is arguably a more responsible defender than Rielly. Nurse is more willing to block shots, plays with a physical edge, and gives away the puck less frequently. These attributes make him a potentially better fit for head coach Craig Berube’s hard-nosed systems.
The Financials: Making the Money Work
From the Oilers’ perspective, acquiring Rielly would give them another elite puck mover capable of transitioning the play to their superstar forwards.
However, money is the hurdle. In my opinion, if a deal were to come together, the Leafs would likely require the Oilers to retain $750,000 of Nurse’s salary to alleviate the cap difference. Even with retention, this trade would allow the Oilers to clear over a million dollars per season in long-term cap space, providing them with crucial flexibility.
While this scenario feels like a win-win for both franchises, blockbuster deals are harder to execute in the modern NHL than ever before. With every cent scrutinized under the salary cap, it remains to be seen if the Leafs and Oilers can find common ground to shake up their rosters.
