As the Toronto Maple Leafs intensify their search for a big, tough defenseman, recent rumours suggest that the team might have a keen interest in Ilya Lyubushkin. He should be a familiar player for Maple Leafs fans. During the 2020-21 season, he played 31 games for the Maple Leafs scoring two goals and adding four assists (for six points); and, in my memory, he was a bit of a fan favourite because of his size and his solid play.

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The Maple Leafs Are Seeking Another Defenseman

After John Klingberg’s season-ending injury, the Maple Leafs are actively exploring options to fortify their defensive lineup. That said, the current defensemen who are filling in are doing quite well. Simon Benoit and William Lagesson have covered well for the injuries that have occurred. At the same time, Conor Timmins has been playing better since his return.

General Manager Brad Treliving initially pursued two defensemen from the Calgary Flames. However, that hasn’t seemed to work out. As a result, he’s shifted his focus to other possibilities. According to David Pagnotta from The Fourth Period, the Maple Leafs are eyeing Lyubushkin, who’s now playing with the Anaheim Ducks.

Why Lyubushkin Is an Attractive Option

Lyubushkin is set to become a free agent at the end of the season. Yet, he is an attractive option because he comes with a manageable salary cap hit of $2.75 million. Given the Maple Leafs’ financial constraints, this kind of contract aligns well with their needs.

Lyubushkin is known to be a classic shutdown defenseman. He’s good at using his size and strength to be a stable defenseman. As well, he’s good at protecting his goalie and engaging play in his own team’s defensive zone. He’s not known to be a player who makes strong offensive contributions; however, he does bring a physical edge.

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In that regard, he addresses a crucial aspect that the Maple Leafs need to complete its defensive roster. Lyubushkin ranks second in hits for the Ducks with 51. He’s willing to sacrifice his body, which can be seen because he has a high number (69 in total) of blocked shots.

The Anaheim Ducks are likely in the mood to move Lyubushkin. They started the season strong, but more recently that early-season momentum has waned. Now the Ducks find themselves in the same situation they had last season with Klingberg.

John Klingberg, now on the Maple Leafs LTIR

Lyubushkin is a rental player. However, he’ll become a highly sought-after asset as the trade deadline approaches. Moving Lyubuskin seems inevitable for the Ducks. The only question is, where will he go?

You can bet that Ducks’ GM Pat Verbeek is anxious to leverage other teams’ needs to seek a “get” when they do trade the big Russian defenseman.

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