With Chris Tanev sidelined for multiple weeks with an upper-body injury, the Toronto Maple Leafs could look to make a splash in order to boost their defensive corps.
Although Tanev skated on Saturday, the Maple Leafs have made it clear that they aren't interested in a "Band-Aid solution" to fill the open spot, according to Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman.
"(The Maple Leafs) have said that they will pay a premium asset if they believe that they are getting a difference-maker on the blue line," Friedman reported on the latest segment of Saturday Headlines. "They've told people they're not moving what they consider 'A-assets' for a B-level replacement."
Toronto head coach Jim Hillier said Thursday that he is comfortable with the defenceman currently on the Maple Leafs' roster, but added that it would take a team effort to replace Tanev's impact.
The 36-year-old defenceman was hurt in Toronto's 6-3 road win over the Colorado Avalanche last Saturday and placed on injured reserve Monday. Tanev skated in five shifts in the first period before leaving the game.
The oft-injured Tanev was limited to 11 games last season due to spine and groin injuries as well as a concussion. He has one assist in six games this season.
In its first two games without Tanev, Toronto surrendered 10 total goals across a pair of 5-4 losses to the Utah Mammoth and Buffalo Sabres.
Adding a defenceman who can step in and contribute right away isn't the only type of move being considered for the Maple Leafs' roster.
"They've also indicated that they would consider getting a younger player (by) moving an older guy," Friedman said Saturday. "So, that's what Toronto is looking at right now."
The Maple Leafs currently have the fourth oldest roster in the NHL by average age.
— with files from The Canadian Press
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