The ideal defenseman just became available and should interest the Maple Leafs

With the Leafs in continuous pursuit of defensive excellence, this development beckons a serious inquiry from their side, especially considering the solid track record of Flames' GM Brad Treliving.

Back in July 2022, Treliving masterminded a significant trade, bringing in Weegar and Jonathan Huberdeau from the Florida Panthers in exchange for Matthew Tkachuk. Following this, Weegar, at the doorstep of the 2022 season, inked a seven-year deal with the Flames, which guarantees him $6.25M annually against the cap.

Now at 30, Weegar is locked in until the culmination of the 2027-2028 season, presenting a potentially game-changing opportunity for the Leafs. Last season, Weegar not only topped his previous performance but also outshone the Leafs' defensive lineup by scoring a career-high 20 goals—more than double the tally of any Leafs defenseman—and accumulating a total of 52 points.

The strategic implications of acquiring Weegar are multi-faceted for the Leafs. His addition could potentially demote Timothy Liljegren to the third pairing or open trade possibilities, maintaining Jake McCabe on his natural left side. This shuffle could propel the Leafs' defense into the league's top echelons, significantly fortifying their lineup. Furthermore, securing Weegar could be a prudent contingency plan in light of Jani Hakanpaa's uncertain recovery from knee surgery, or if the Leafs opt out of finalizing the Hakanpaa deal.

However, any potential deal wouldn't come cheap. The Leafs might need to part with valuable assets, possibly a first-round pick or promising talents like Easton Cowan or Fraser Minten, or even a combination thereof. Despite the steep price, the most intriguing aspect of any negotiation is Weegar's full no-trade clause, granting him considerable leverage over any potential move—a power dynamic that could complicate or facilitate negotiations depending on his preferences.

An Ontario native, Weegar's potential move to the Leafs could also satisfy personal aspirations of playing closer to home, adding a layer of desirability to the trade from his perspective. Known for his proactive management style, Treliving is likely to keep the communications open with Calgary, despite the historical reluctance of the Flames to deal directly with the Leafs.

As the trade discussions potentially heat up, it's worth keeping an eye on Weegar's situation. The unfolding scenario could lead to significant shifts not only for him but also within the broader NHL trade landscape.

Source: Hockey Reference
Mackenzie Weegar Player Profile