Toronto Maple Leafs among three teams vying for Ducks defenceman

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Cooper Godin
January 29, 2024 (7:35)

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The Toronto Maple Leafs are among three teams around the NHL vying for an Anaheim Ducks defenceman.

The Anaheim Ducks are going to be one of the busier teams leading up to the trade deadline on March 8th as they have some intriguing pieces that could be on the move, including Adam Henrique and potentially Frank Vatrano.

But according to David Pagnotta of The Fourth Period, it's one of their defenceman that's drawing interest among three teams around the league, including the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Pagnotta mentioned in his Trade Watch list on The Fourth Period that the Toronto Maple Leafs, Pittsburgh Penguins and Tampa Bay Lightning are all potential fits for Ducks defenceman Ilya Luybushkin, saying that he could be an affordable third pairing guy for contenders.

"Lyubushkin is an affordable third-pair defenceman for contenders that want a player with some bite. He is expected to be moved by the deadline." Pagnotta said.

Lyubushkin, 29, already has played for one of the teams Pagnotta has linked him to, that being the Toronto Maple Leafs, as mentioned. The Moscow native appeared in 31 games for the Maple Leafs during the 2021-22 season after being traded to them by the Arizona Coyotes.

So far this season, Lyubushkin has suited up in 46 games for the Ducks where he's recorded four assists, 51 penalty minutes, minus-nine, and has 72 hits.

There could be plenty of interest in Lyubushkin in the coming weeks. Who do you think would be the best fit for him? Let us know your thoughts in the poll below!

Source: The Fourth Period - Trade Watch List 2024