The Maple Leafs have made at least exploratory inquiries about Flames defenseman Zach Whitecloud, according to David Pagnotta.
“I look at a team like the Toronto Maple Leafs. A team looking to bolster their blue line,” Pagnotta said on DFO Insider.
“The previous regime had a lot of interest in him. I believe there have been at least exploratory inquiries.”
“I think they're one of the teams that would look at him,” he added.
Toronto should aim higher. A blue line missing its steadiest veteran needs a real upgrade, not just another body.
Patching this blue line with him would be like hiring a temp when the office needs a manager. Somebody fills the chair, but nothing really changes.
Whitecloud has no points and a -6 rating on a $2,750,000 cap hit.
-
David Pagnotta reveals Maple Leafs' reported interest in Zach Whitecloud
Chris Tanev is on IR with an upper-body injury, out until at least Oct 19.
Toronto recalled Marshall Rifai from the Marlies to fill the gap, and Jim Hiller has to shuffle his pairs again tonight.
Darren Raddysh sits at -4 on an $8,500,000 cap hit.
Jake McCabe and Troy Stecher have been the steadiest of the group, both sitting at +2 with no points between them.
Morgan Rielly leads the defense with 4 assists, while Oliver Ekman-Larsson has yet to record a point.
The Leafs have allowed 18 goals through six games.
Montreal reportedly had Whitecloud in its sights last year too, according to Marqueur.
Calgary is 0-5-0 and last in the league, so Craig Conroy should be listening on just about everyone.
Zayne Parekh sits at -10 and Simon Nemec at -7, so the whole Flames blue line is struggling.
The Leafs are 3-2-1 and visit Utah tonight, while Calgary visits Anaheim.
Utah comes in at 4-2-0, with Nick Schmaltz already at 6 goals.
Is Whitecloud really an upgrade, or just the most available option?
Exploratory calls cost nothing. The price of standing still with this blue line might be a lot higher.
Should the Maple Leafs trade for Zach Whitecloud?
Also read on Markerzone.com:
Travis Konecny linked to a major trade as Flyers consider possible destinations
