Insider says pending UFA's Montour, Pesce in Leafs' sights

With several key players hitting the free agency market, the focus is on securing top-tier talent to bolster their back-end. Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman has highlighted two defensemen, Brandon Montour and Brett Pesce, as potential targets for the Leafs if they become available on July 1st.

The urgency for defensive reinforcements stems from the Leafs' existing predicament. The team's blueline challenges have been a persistent theme, particularly in finding a reliable right-side top-pairing defenseman. With the contracts of Ilya Lyubushkin, Joel Edmundson, Mark Giordano, and T.J. Brodie expiring, and Timothy Liljegren's status as a restricted free agent, General Manager Brad Treliving, who took the helm 11 months ago, is poised to make strategic moves. Treliving's commitment was clear from the outset—strengthen the defensive core to forge a resilient team.

Friedman's insights suggest a strategic approach by the Leafs to target Montour and Pesce, two players whose styles complement the team's needs. Montour, currently nearing the end of a 3-year, $10.5M contract with the Florida Panthers, brings an offensive prowess that is much needed on the Leafs' right side. With 8 goals and 33 points this season, the 30-year-old's agility and physicality make him a valuable asset.

Conversely, Brett Pesce is known for his defensive capabilities. Standing 6'3" and weighing 206 pounds, Pesce's presence could provide the physicality and defensive reliability the Leafs desperately need. Currently on a 6-year, $24.15M deal with a cap hit of $4.025M, he could be a strategic addition, especially given his past links to the Leafs.

The potential acquisition of either Montour or Pesce would represent a significant shift for the Leafs, offering them the stability and skill set required to contend more effectively.

However, fitting either or both under the salary cap will be challenging, potentially necessitating moves involving high-profile players like Mitch Marner or John Tavares.

As the off-season unfolds, the Leafs' strategy will become clearer. The potential for a revamped defensive lineup could be the key to transforming their fortunes, providing the stability and skill necessary to make a deeper playoff run. Whatever decisions are made, the Leafs' blueline is set for a substantial transformation, hopefully marking a turn towards greater success.