"During last week's Tape II Tape podcast for Sportsnet, Sean Reynolds joined hosts Rory Boylen and Ryan Dixon to discuss the upcoming NHL trade deadline. After discussing what the Winnipeg Jets and New York Rangers might do over the next two weeks, the Toronto Maple Leafs were mentioned. The trio brought up Vancouver Canucks defenseman Erik Gudbranson and the likelihood that he is moved before February 26. Boylen wondered aloud of the Maple Leafs might make a play for the veteran blue liner to play next to talented rookie Travis Dermott. «If you want to think about pairing an offensive-minded defenseman with a defensive-minded defenseman like you have with Morgan Rielly and Ron Hainsey on the top pair, Gudbranson and Dermott might go off really well,» he said. At 6'5, 220-pounds, Gudbranson has great size and has always brought a physical presence to the ice. There are concerns when he has matchup against faster players, but he would be an upgrade over Roman Polak. In 38 games this season, Gudbranson has two goals and four points with a -1 goal differential on a team that has been outscored by 33 goals this year. Would you like to see the Maple Leafs add Erik Gudbranson to the mix before the trade deadline?"
