Toronto Maple Leafs reportedly scouring trade market for game-changing defenceman

The Toronto Maple Leafs want to bolster the blue line. 

It hasn't been a great start for the 3-4-2 Leafs, and GM John Chayka is reportedly motivated to make a change. The defensive group has had its struggles to begin the new season, and with Chris Tanev now out with an injury, there is a need to improve the backend. 

A temporary fix, however, doesn't appear to be in the cards for Toronto. A new report from NHL insider Elliotte Friedman on Saturday suggests that Chayka has his eyes set on a more impactful trade, and he's willing to give up premium assets to get it done. 

"They've made it very clear that they are not interested in a band-aid solution," Friedman reported on Saturday night. "They have said that they will pay a premium asset if they believe they are getting a difference-maker on the blueline.

"They've told people that they're not moving what they consider 'A-assets' for a 'B-level' replacement... They've also indicated that they would consider getting a younger player. Moving an older guy for a younger one." 

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No specific names were reported as targets for the Maple Leafs as they try to improve their blueline through trades. However, it is interesting that Chayka is so eager to offer up premium assets to do so. 

We already saw that the new GM is not afraid to pull the trigger on big deals, with the team swapping out Matthew Knies for Kirill Marchenko shortly before the season started. Knies was perhaps their best trade chip heading into the season, so what else could they have to offer? 

Morgan Rielly's name has been in the rumour mill all summer, and he would fit the mould of an older player that Toronto could be open to moving for a younger asset. Easton Cowan and Ben Danford are also two younger players who may be considered "premium assets" around the league. 

As for who the Maple Leafs could potentially target, one name that pops out is Simon Edvinsson of the Detroit Red Wings. The 23-year-old reportedly asked for a trade amid a contract dispute with the Red Wings, and he could fill in very nicely as a long-term impactful piece in Toronto. 

Carolina Hurricanes rearguard Alexander Nikishin is another name that's been in trade rumours for quite a while. It's also worth mentioning that Zack Werenski of the Columbus Blue Jackets was previously linked to the Maple Leafs over the offseason. 

There is no telling where Chayka will eventually land in his hunt for a game-changing defenceman, but it will add a bit of intrigue's to the team's mediocre start to the season.