Toronto Maple Leafs trade rumors: Insider claims $12,150,000 Capitals defenceman on team's radar

The Toronto Maple Leafs are actively exploring options to strengthen their roster, with a particular focus on right-handed defensemen. According to Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman on 32 Thoughts, the Maple Leafs have expressed interest in Nick Jensen of the Washington Capitals.

The Capitals might consider parting ways with Jensen, given their surplus of right-handed defensemen after the midseason signing of Ethan Bear.

Friedman said:

"They were looking at a lot of right-shot D... I heard Nick Jensen was kind of the name that they were looking at."

Nick Jensen, who signed a three-year, $12,150,000 contract with the Capitals on Feb. 28, 2023, has established himself as a valuable asset since his arrival in 2019.

The 33-year-old defenseman's contract carries a cap hit of $4.05 million, with two years remaining on the extension he inked last season.

Jansen missed the Capitals' last two games due to a lower-body injury, but is expected to make a return to the lineup on Friday against the Philadelphia Flyers.

Toronto Maple Leafs' dominant win over Coyotes

The Toronto Maple Leafs defeated the Arizona Coyotes 4-2 on Thursday, extending the Coyotes' losing streak to 14 games. Auston Matthews struck an NHL-leading 53rd goal and was supported by goals from Matthew Knies, Tyler Bertuzzi and William Nylander.

Goaltender Joseph Woll, returning from injury, made 30 saves.

“He looked great, really composed," Matthews said of Woll. "Made up for lot of mistakes on our end. Looked really solid.”

Despite goals from Alex Kerfoot and Logan Cooley, Arizona's struggles continued.

Mitch Marner's playmaking skills were evident and drew praise from coach Sheldon Keefe.

Keefe said:

“We needed him. Good that Mitch was able to chip in.”

Despite injuries to Timothy Liljegren and Mark Giordano, the Leafs looked confident. Ryan Reaves added a physical presence and energized the crowd with a fistfight.

The win was a morale booster for Toronto, especially after Tuesday's loss to the Vegas Golden Knights. The Maple Leafs will face the New York Rangers next with momentum on their side.