Reinforcements are coming to the Maple Leafs’ blue line.
Toronto GM Brad Treliving made his first deadline move in 2024, as the Leafs acquired right-handed defenseman Ilya Lyubushkin in a trade with the Ducks. The deal also involved the Hurricanes as a third-party broker.
The Leafs have been connected to a number of defensemen ahead of the March 8 deadline, including the recently moved Chris Tanev, who was sent to the Stars from the Flames. Bringing in Lyubushkin gives the Leafs an option on the right side, something the team is desperately lacking right now.
Lyubushkin played 55 games this season for the Ducks, recording four points, a -13 rating, 138 blocked shots, and 112 hits while averaging 17:08 time on ice. The sixth-year defenseman brings depth, as well as familiarity, to Toronto’s defensive unit.
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Ilya Lyubushkin trade details
Here are the complete details of the three-team trade sending Lyubushkin to the Leafs.
Maple Leafs receive
- D Ilya Lyubushkin
- F Kirill Slepets
Ducks receive
- 2025 third-round pick
Hurricanes receive
- 2024 sixth-round pick
Additionally, the Maple Leafs will cover just 25 percent of Lyushukin’s remaining salary this season. The Ducks will pay 50 percent of the salary, and the Hurricanes are taking on 25 percent as a third-party broker in the deal.
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Toronto has been in desperate need of help on the blue line. The team has played contests with all six defenseman being left-handed — a very rare occurrence to have from one team. It’s gotten to the point where the Leafs have seriously considered playing star winger Mitch Marner at defense, a tactic that has been used before by Sheldon Keefe.
The timing of the trade for Lyubushkin could not be better. The Leafs might be down another defenseman after veteran Mark Giordano left Thursday night’s game after crashing hard into the boards. The 40-year-old has appeared in 38 games this season while dealing with injuries.
Lyubushkin provides not only a right-handed option on the blue line but also a familiar face for Toronto. The defenseman previously wore the maple leaf during the 2021-22 season, playing 31 games for the Leafs after he was acquired in a deadline deal with the Coyotes. He left in free agency that offseason, signing a deal with the Sabres.
