In a column published on sportsnet.ca by Luke Fox, the author argues that the Toronto Maple Leafs face a glaring defensive issue early in the season that general manager John Chayka may find difficult to solve through trades. The piece highlights head coach Jim Hiller’s response when asked if the team needs to acquire a defenceman while Chris Tanev is sidelined indefinitely, with Hiller replying, Not my job, first of all,
and adding, And I think there’s always a lot of noise about something, so I’m not going to pay too much attention to it right now.
Defensive Struggles and Injury Impact
According to the column, the Maple Leafs are working with the oldest blue line in hockey and are getting toasted off the rush in Tanev’s absence. Goalie Sergei Bobrovsky noted of Tanev, He’s an elite shutdown defenceman, and he’s a leader in the locker room too.
So, it’s a big loss for us, definitely.
Furthermore, outside of the winless Flyers, no Eastern Conference team has given up more 5-on-5 goals than Toronto’s 22, and the team has blown a lead in each of its five losses before playing 10 games.
Toronto Maple Leafs have lost 5 games this season.They had a lead in every one of them.
Trade Complexities and Internal Options
The column points out that internal solutions are imperfect, noting that Marshall Rifai looked a shaky in his season debut, while AHL veterans like Dakota Mermis or Philippe Myers could eat a few minutes, and Ben Danford remains a player the author would like to see get a peek. Meanwhile, GM John Chayka has already cleared a roster spot for potential waiver claims, but making a real hockey trade for serviceable options like Zach Whitecloud, Rasmus Ristolainen, Carson Soucy, Brenden Dillon, or Nick Perbix requires real assets. Pursuing difference-makers like RFAs Simon Edvinsson or Alexander Nikishin would require an even better package alongside tens of millions of dollars in contract commitments, leaving the author to suggest that outscoring their issues against easier opponents might be the best strategy until true sellers emerge.
Matthew Schaefer on Mentorship
The notes also feature 2025 No. 1 draft choice Matthew Schaefer discussing 2026. Be yourself.
Have confidence when you come in.
But just learn from all the older guys and your coaches, because they can teach you so many things, and I think that’s what helped me so much.
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