The Toronto Maple Leafs just can’t catch a break in their desperate search for defensive help. They’ve apparently been told to stop calling about one of their top trade targets.
Seattle Kraken GM Ron Francis has gotten so tired of Toronto’s repeated calls about defenseman Adam Larsson that he’s essentially told them to lose his number.
The Leafs have been on fire this season, but they know they need help on defense to be real contenders. Larsson would be exactly what they’re looking for – a steady, reliable defenseman who could shore up their blue line.
But Seattle isn’t playing ball.
The trade deadline is just days away, and Leafs GM Brad Treliving has been working the phones hard trying to make something happen. Larsson has clearly been at the top of his wish list.
It’s easy to see why. The Swedish defenseman has been a rock for Seattle, playing the kind of smart, physical game that Toronto desperately needs for a deep playoff run.
But Francis’s response makes it pretty clear: Larsson isn’t going anywhere.
This leaves Toronto in a tough spot. There aren’t many quality defensemen available on the trade market, and time is running out before the deadline.
The Leafs will need to pivot quickly if they want to add defensive help. Their hot start to the 2024-25 season has raised expectations, and standing pat isn’t really an option.
