The Toronto Maple Leafs are being encouraged to target young defenseman Henry Thrun from the San Jose Sharks, who has reportedly entered the trade market. This potential move aligns with the Maple Leafs’ ongoing efforts under Brad Treliving to refresh the team’s culture and composition.
As the Maple Leafs seek to enhance their roster, particularly in finding a suitable forward to complement Auston Matthews, the focus on acquiring defensively-skilled younger players like Thrun could prove advantageous. The current roster has been weighed down by a surplus of aging veterans on expensive contracts, including Oliver Ekman-Larsson, whose performance has sparked concerns about his long-term contribution to the team.
Ekman-Larsson, despite a strong first season in Toronto where he recorded 29 points in 77 games, is approaching 34 years of age, and his $3.5 million salary is becoming a burden as the team reassembles. While he was previously seen as a reliable player off the back end, the need for quicker and more dynamic players is becoming apparent, especially if the team aims to compete at a higher level.
In contrast, Henry Thrun, at just 24 years old, brings promise as a developing two-way defenseman. Having tallied 12 points in 60 games for the Sharks, he is anticipated to improve further, especially with the top-tier defensive coaching available in Toronto. His physical presence, standing at 6’2″ and weighing 210 pounds, would be an asset to the Maple Leafs’ defensive lineup. Additionally, Thrun’s $1 million contract represents a significant financial advantage over the aging Ekman-Larsson, freeing up cap space that could be pivotal in pursuing other enhancements.
Such strategic moves could signal a positive shift for the Maple Leafs, as they aim to blend seasoned experience with youthful energy, thereby reinvigorating the squad and increasing their competitiveness in the league. The potential addition of Thrun could be a step in the right direction, fostering a balance that prioritizes both immediate performance and future growth.