Between Pierre LeBrun yesterday and Elliotte Friedman today, we can certainly gather that the Leafs are still very much looking at a defensive upgrade. Where LeBrun was focused on the top of the roster and skill with the suggestion of Mattias Ekholm, Friedman’s targets for the Leafs are a bit more of the crash and bang variety:
Defence? Toronto isn’t left with much draft capital, so it’s either someone you can get for a late-round pick or a current defender goes in return. Radko Gudas and Scott Mayfield are two I’ve thought about, but their teams are in the race. Luke Schenn being held out indicates he’s priced out of their range. Generally though, teams believe there is a surplus of rental defence options and are betting costs soften.
So yesterday, Bennett Jull covered off the Scott Mayfield angle before we even knew it was a thing that could be happening. 
Scott Mayfield stands at 6’5, and weighs approximately 225 pounds. He is a sturdy, physical defenseman. He won’t overwhelm you with jaw-dropping Jacob Trouba like hits or overwhelming volume, but he can certainly clear a crease or win a board battle. He has an elite ability to block shots. Mayfield currently leads the Islanders in blocks with 121 (this would lead the Leafs as well), which puts him in the top 10 in the NHL. He skates decently well, and can more than adequately chip in offensively.
With Mayfield already covered off, we’ll move on …

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Author: Jon Steitzer / The Leafs Nation